MY FINAL LAP

Reflections on Retirement

I am entering the final lap of my life. Like Canadian geese either flying north for the summer or south for the winter, suspended in air, it does not matter where my destination lies—only the flight itself.

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About EsthersChild (Patricia Henderson Struntz)

In Patricia’s My Final Lap blog posts and her writings under the pen name EsthersChild, she shares her journey through heart-stopping stories of grief and loss, and the growing understanding of life that emerges.

Born in the Pacific Northwest, EsthersChild has been writing stories and poems all her life. Her stories appeared in high school publications and various magazines, and her poetry was read at numerous celebrations. She is an award-winning author who won an Angel Award in 1990 for her first book, Light Through the Dark Glass (Pacific Press Publishing Association). Republished under the title, Darkness Overturned (Wheatmark, Inc.), this is her autobiography about kidnapping, murder, and too many marriages.

Introducing her other books . . .

Tucson Festival of Books

It was the last thing I expected. I received the email on the 12 th of January, an invitation to participate in one of the largest book festivals in the United States—without having to be there in person. With my fixed income that does not include a travel budget, this arrangement offered me an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. The Tucson Festival of Books will take place this year on March 14-15 on the University of Arizona campus. It attracts an estimated 135,000 attendees,

Patricia

Jan 172 min read

Bring it on, 2026!

This year I was in my ninth 9-year cycle. It all started when I traveled to my father’s homeland, Switzerland, at age nine. The second cycle saw my graduation from high school at age 18. At 27 my son was born; at 36 my youngest daughter joined the family. At 45 my first book was published, winning an Angel Award two years later. Intriguing, as I look back on my life. Sitting in my front room, gazing on my sunlit dining room, I am filled with thankfulness and joy. As I begin

Patricia

Dec 28, 20252 min read

Nested

My own artwork of stained glass tulips and a riot of Fall colors. Just as I was grieving the view of Fall’s red leaves from my former duplex’s windows, outside my current front room windows a riot of color was developing. Walking through the house, I became deeply aware that my new residence was quickly becoming a cherished home, and I realized how happy I am to be living here. Joy has replaced apprehension; gratitude has overtaken loss. Stranded for five weeks in a neighbori

Patricia

Nov 19, 20252 min read

I Don't Live There Anymore

The backyard is flooded with sunlight and the rambunctious squeals of two small boys as they take turns on a slip-and-slide I’ve...

Patricia

Oct 5, 20252 min read

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MY FINAL LAP

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About EsthersChild (Patricia Henderson Struntz)

Tucson Festival of Books

Bring it on, 2026!

Nested

I Don't Live There Anymore

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CONTACT