Blogs / Web Writing

Published in my personal blog, Little Space, Big World.

A Gift From Heaven
by Julie Shea


     A bittersweet smile arrived in my inbox today. In death, Dad helped make a positive difference in the lives of 77 people.

     When they asked Mom if she wanted to donate Dad's organs, she looked at me like a deer about to be run over by an 18-wheeler. I probably had a similar look on my face. How should we know what Dad would prefer? He didn't really like many people. In fact, he could be quite critical of most people. In retrospect, I think Dad's impatience with others was most likely a defense mechanism, possibly caused by his time spent in Vietnam. But we didn't have the perspective of time when we were expected to make the decision.

     We decided to do it.

     "I hope he understands why I did it," Mom said with tears in her eyes.

     "I'm sure he does, Mom."

     She worried about it for a long time. I have to admit, I wasn't convinced Dad would have been on board if he had been asked about donating his organs while he was still alive. In fact, just to be argumentative, he would have said absolutely not. Would he have meant it? Sometimes it was difficult to tell when Dad really felt strongly about something and when he was simply being grumpy.

     Of all the decisions we made, this was the one that weighed on all our minds the entire year since Dad's death.

     For me, the weight lifted today.

     Seventy-seven people across the country and parts of Canada have benefited from Dad's bone and soft tissue donation. I thought maybe a couple of people in Wisconsin would receive the donations, but I had no idea the impact our loss would have on so many other people.

     A 13-year-old in New York received a donation for an orthopedic operation. A 45-year-old in Wisconsin received a donation for an ACL reconstruction. A 67-year-old in Oklahoma received a donation for a dental procedure. The list goes on and on. People have had neck fusions, lumbar fusions, repaired ankles and clavicle bones, spinal fusions, and hip replacements, all with a little help from Dad. The age range of the patients is 11 to 81. Amazing.

     I think Dad would secretly be pleased.






SEO article written for Brew City Marketing in 2010

Why Choose Fiberglass Shingles?
by Julie Shea


     Over the years, fiberglass shingles have become one of the most popular choices for contractors and homeowners.

     Fiberglass shingles are lightweight, which means the structure is supporting less weight on the roof. This also makes them easier to lift onto the roof during installation. The shingles are easier to install, easier to repair, and come in a variety of colors and styles to accent any home. Fiberglass shingles are guaranteed for an average of 30 years, can withstand winds up to 110mph and are even recyclable.

     The fireproof qualities of fiberglass may be its most important feature. Made from thin fibers of glass, these shingles are heat and humidity resistant, so a good fiberglass shingle can help keep a fire from spreading through the roof. When shopping for fiberglass shingles, be aware of the fireproof rating. Different manufacturers means there will be different combinations of fiberglass and other materials used to make the shingles. This difference will effect fireproof protection. Look for fiberglass shingles with a fire code rating of A. Ratings of B or lower mean less fire protection.

     Overall, fiberglass shingles are a good choice for Wisconsin homeowners. In the past questions were raised about the durability of fiberglass shingles. Other shingles (such as slate) may last longer, and fiberglass shingles could become brittle in extreme cold. Durability of fiberglass shingles has been improving and most are less likely to curl, break or shrink then their predecessors. It is still advisable to check the roof each spring as part of a normal routine home maintenance program.