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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Buy the book “Ganly Delivers Parcel and Post, Bountiful Blessings Township,” a children’s book by Marysville author Sharon Standish, is available online through Tate Publishing at www.tatepublishing.com.   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, August 19, 2009 Despite illness, Marysville writer finds blessings in writing By Kristi O'Harran, Herald Columnist Ganly the postman lives in Bountiful Blessings Township. He delivers parcels, posts, hope and cheer. He is a hedgehog. Ganly was created by Sharon Standish. Her first children’s book is called “Ganly Delivers Parcel and Post, Bountiful Blessings Township.” Standish said she wrote and illustrated the book during challenging days. She has Parkinson’s disease, dystonia disease, severe sleep apnea and cancer and has survived a heart attack. “I have a positive outlook,” Standish said. “I know God is with me each step of the way.” The author, 45, is a preschool teacher at Bethlehem Christian School in Marysville. She had a heart attack in June 2006. “I did not know what the symptoms were and ignored the classic warning signs of chest pain,” Standish said. “Denial is a woman’s first symptom.” A year after her heart attack, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Dystonia disease, a muscle disorder, soon followed. “My life was changing and I had no control of it except I had control of how I face each day,” she said. “I choose to face them head on, doing my best each day to make a difference and spend time well.” Facing severe side effects from the Parkinson’s medications, she found a way to cope. “I was blessed with stories to write and pictures to draw,” Standish said. “Some days I could not walk due to dystonia or sit still due to involuntary movements, but I was blessed to be able to focus on the book.” Inspiration flowed, she said. “I took that step of faith and sent my book to a publisher. Wow. What a blessing. Oh my goodness. Now I am a published author and may have a new way to teach children when I am no longer able to teach in the classroom.” Her Ganly may amuse all ages. He lives near Wumbly Woods and McApple Orchards. His deliveries are the talk of the town, and he is always looking for ways to offer his helping hands. The book is about making memories with loved ones. “I find it to be a very endearing story of love and compassion, written in such a way that a child can understand its importance,” said Karen Hundley, who teaches with Standish. “Her book is sure to be successful because of its positive message and beautiful illustrations.” She has been friends with the author for 10 years. “She is one of the kindest people I have ever known,” Hundley said. “She never fails to put others before herself.” Her friend, who has been married for 23 years and has two children in college, chooses not to dwell on pain. She simply focuses on positive contributions she makes to family, friends and students. The author plans to continue teaching. “I work at the best preschool,” she said. “The staff is not just co-workers but family. They support me, encourage me and help me in every way possible, especially when I have difficult days.” Good can come from adversity, Standish said. “You just need to look harder for it sometimes,” she said. “I never really had a dream to write a children’s book. God set a new path before me and it has been an incredible journey.” Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451, oharran@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Log in or register to post new comment | Log out This woman knows the secret to life Sharon Standish has found the true secret of life. It starts with faith and it continues with living well. I know many sick and disabled people who struggle every day and don't really look beyond the struggle. Ms. Standish has kept her ability to dream in tact even though her life seems to be out of her control. Illness and disability doesn't have to keep a person in bondage. Thanks for this article. Chris Coulter | Aug 19, 2009 7:16 am | 0 replies | View all | Post reply | Request removal

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