W.M. Bunche's Blog

Sorry for the delayed blog. 

I’ve been enjoying the summer while preparing for my daughter’s transition to college.  It seems like yesterday I could hold her in the palm of my hand.  Now she is 3 inches shorter than me.  It is scary how time flies. It is also scary when I ponder the world my daughter faces considering this weekend’s tragic events that transpired in Charlottesville.  My primary goal in life is to leave this world in better shape than the one I inherited.  My parents did their best and I must improve on their contributions and efforts.  I’m nervous for our children.  Yet, I’m also optimistic that so much progress has happened that a complete turnaround appears impossible. 

As for writing, the next book has begun!  Since my last blog, I have spent hours on research (a favorite past time).  When it comes to research, I feel blessed to be a writer in today’s technology.  When I was a kid, we had to visit the library to access knowledge since we didn’t own a home computer.  Now we have smart phones at our fingertips.  There is this joy because with every nugget of new information discovered, I feel like I have a new weapon in my writing arsenal.  

As per my last blog, the July reading at Barnes & Noble was a success! 20  to 25 people showed up.  It was a surreal experience knowing people showed up to hear me read excerpts from a book that I wrote.   The transition from book reader/buyer to published author is kind of weird, yet empowering. Although several weeks have passed, I am still floating.  Thanks again for everyone’s support (physical and spiritual)!

Stay tuned for more good news.

Be well and in the words of Childish Gambino: “Stay Woke”!

Will

As a poor Brooklyn kid growing up in the 70s, I don't recall many after school programs in elementary or middle school.  New York City itself was near bankruptcy and added to this desperate sense of wanting.  But wanting for what?  Like many families in my Bushwick (pre-gentrification) neighborhood, my family was struggling.

Salesmen were peddling unaffordable encyclopedias door to door.   Barnes and Noble had one retail location on Fifth Avenue in NYC. My parents wouldn't allow me that adventure to Manhattan.  I opted for the local library two blocks away.  If all available copies of the book I wanted were checked out, the kind librarian called other branches.  The library quickly became my refuge and set the foundation for future world exploration.

I feel blessed and privileged to have a book that I wrote available in Barnes and Noble and in libraries nationwide.  I will have a book signing of my first book on Sunday, July 9th, 3 p.m. at 2614 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710.  

If you are available, please join me (and let me know that you are coming).

This experience won't be the same without you there.

I look forward to seeing you!

Will

http://bit.ly/mercy1st

In advance, I wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day!  If I may, I wish to share a recent experience.

Earlier this week, I attended a fundraiser for Puppies Behind Bars http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/home.  The highlight of the evening was not meeting Glenn Close (although she is one of my favorite actors).  It was chatting with fellow veteran Master Sergeant Len Fallis. 

Len dwarfed me in mass and width.  We spoke briefly as I wanted to respect his time and space.  The event was very crowded.  Although he had Chuck, his service dog, at his side, Len appeared to be a bit uncomfortable with the setting. I’m not a fan of crowds either.

As a writer, we use our imaginations to revisit the past and project the future.  I can only imagine how great of a soldier Len was prior to his combat injuries. I don’t know the circumstances behind his injuries, but I believe his civilian future is still very bright.  It felt great knowing that he is getting necessary support to continue to be an asset to the community.  His family must be grateful too, especially his mother. 

A shout out I give to mothers who raised (and are still raising) good men and women!

Be well all. 

Will (“WM”)

P.S. This Monday, May 15th at 8 pm (EST), I will be a returning guest on the Black Authors Network Talk Show http://www.blogtalkradio.com/crownholdersmedia.  Please call in as I would love to hear your questions and comments about Mercy’s First Semester (especially from new readers). 714-694-4107 is the call in number.

I'll never forget that feeling or that day.  It was a week before Easter when four NYPD officers were indicted for firing  41 shots (and killing) unarmed Amadou Diallo. I lay in the hospital bed wondering how did I get here. The last time I stayed overnight in the hospital was birth.

Initially, I thought I had a typical cold or flu and my immune system would fight off the symptoms (fever, chills, body aches).  When I coughed my chest hurt.  It felt like someone was sitting on it. I couldn't talk properly without wheezing.   

Being young and believing you can defeat anything has its disadvantages.  My co-workers told me to stay home until I felt better.  I ignored them until I didn't feel like getting out of bed. I stayed home for a few days. Doctor visits were options AFTER home remedies and over the counter medication.

Finally, my wife insisted I go to the doctor.  She was in the last trimester of pregnancy with our first child. I finally listened. After a breathing exam and an x-ray, the doctor read the x-ray report.
"You have double pneumonia. You need to go to the ER now" he said with a grim face.
The ambulance raced me to Columbia Presbyterian. I don't remember the alarms blaring.

Sleep, antibiotics IV and oxygen mask was the routine for 10 days. Family, friends and pastors prayed for me.  On surface, I tried to appear like my recovery was going well to assure my wife that I was going to be fine.  Inside, I was scared and honestly didn't know if I was going to make it to see my daughter arrive.  That double pneumonia experience taught me a few lessons: Prayer works. Listen to your wife.  Listen to your body.  Be more mindful.

I wish everyone's Easter and Passover will be great! 

 Hug your family, call a friend and tell them you love them.

Be well.

P.S.  Below is a link to a recently published blog. 

http://seriousreading.com/blog/15462-...

“Hey Mister William.”  I’ll never forget how he addressed me the first time we spoke.  “Mister” as my southern great-grandmothertaught me, is a titleof respect for someone senior or important.    Almost 90, Mr. Willie Rogers was old enough to be my grandfather.  He was mentally sharp, physically fit and had a great grasp for details.

I met Mr. Rogers after my parents divorced.  I was in New York and Mommy was in Florida.  She didn’t want to come back to New York:  “It’s too cold.”  She insisted on staying in Florida.  For a short time, my mother needed a place to stay while her new home was being prepared.  Mr. Rogers knew my mother from their church.  He walked upright, almost at attention. He seemed to tower over me.  He told me he was a retired businessman.  He insisted that he was merely trying to help out Mommy as a good Christian.  

Mr. Rogers became Mommy's "de facto" guardian and acted on her behalf on several business matters.  Often, we butt heads because as my mother's eldest child, I was responsible for her needs.  But no matter how upset Mr. Rogers became, he never disrespected me.  I liked him because he was noble.  He didn't want anything from my mom.  I later found out his children were the same age as my mother.

When I found out he died a few months ago, like some people, I was stunned.  Not because he was 101 but that I never knew he was one of the last remaining original Tuskegee Airmen until after he died.  As an Airman (and fan), if I would have known, I would have asked him about his WW II missions in Italy. I would have wanted to know about his conversation with FDR.  I would have asked to see his Congressional Gold Medal.   He was a reluctant hero.  But I knew him as a humble compassionate giant who was there for my mother when she needed help.

A man in his 90s, he was still giving back to his community.  Mr. Rogers taught me that service never ends.

Hi Everyone,

Solidarity (global)! Got to give it up for the ladies.  You mean business (especially in an alternative fact world).

I write today to share some good news.  For the month of December 2016, with your help from donations and purchases of the e-book version of "Mercy's First Semester", we were able to donate $100 to Puppies Behind Bars Dog Tag program.  Thanks for your support and collective effort!  Whether you are a dog lover, wanted to help a vet or just believed in me (or my writing ability), I am grateful for your support.

Another bit of good news:  "Mercy's First Semester" is now available in paperback! I have received a good many of requests from old school readers who prefer  "Paper back and Hardcover only".  The paperback version can now be purchased at CreateSpace (https://www.createspace.com/6838589).

I hope everyone is fine and those resolutions are still in progress.

Talk to ya soon.

May everyone's holidays be a blessing! 

As I spend the final days of 2016 with my family, I reflect upon this year.  I am grateful for my health, my family, close friends, and for small things which some may take for granted (e.g., the ability to brush my teeth by myself, my short term memory, the ability to bathe myself).

Thanks for everyone's support for Mercy's First Semester.   Thank you for calling in on the first interview! I am blessed that I was able to be interviewed.  Many more interviews and readings are to come in 2017. For those who missed the first interview, the podcast is available at: 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/black-au...

https://player.fm/series/black-author...

This month, portion of sales proceeds for Mercy's First Semester will go to Puppies Behind Bars (http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/home).  They are not endorsing Mercy's First Semester but I love their cause and their reputation.  

As you celebrate the holidays with your loved ones, keep in mind the active duty military who are away from home and the veterans who made sacrifices so that we can celebrate freely.

Be well and talk to you soon.

Everyday I wake up and am able to get out of bed on my own, I give thanks.  

Thank you to all readers for the reviews, texts and good news emails about Mercy's First Semester.

Two days from now, Wednesday, I will be on the Black Authors's Network!  I'm really excited!  On Wednesday at 8 pm (EST), please call in at 646 200 0402.  The chatroom link is http://tobtr.com/s/9604271

 Please spread the word!

I look forward to hearing from you.

I completed my first marathon! It was 74 degrees. Brutal!

The race was not easy. Body is aching today! The toughest part of the Marine Corps Marathon was the Blue Mile.  It was one mile of portraits of men and women who died while serving our country. Emotionally it was difficult to see the faces of daughters, sons and fathers who died defending our country.  

I ran to finish. I ran for charity. I ran to knock off marathon from my bucket list.  But I also ran in memory of a vet from my alma mater who recently too his own life from PTSD effects. I did not know him or his family but I ran to spread awareness of PTSD for our vets. Some may say "you did not even serve with him or he wasn't in in your branch or specialty"  They are right.  But I don't have to know him or his family to be empathetic to a family's situation.

Running in Uri's honor is my own way of paying it forward and also making notice that we are all on the same team but wear different  uniforms. We all struggle together.

My prayers to the Florez family and all other family members who battle PTSD with their brothers, sons, daughters, husbands and wives.

May God comfort you. Amen.

Its not easy but the run is done.  You see warriors out there of all ages, shapes and sizes.  There is a nice feeling when strangers who run say hi with a smile on their face.  Or they wave at you.  We are all doing the same thing - trying to stay in shape or prepare for upcoming marathons. Runners are part of a larger family with great hearts. Respect!