Terri Anne Browning
As we come to the close of this book, I would like to take a moment and tell you my thoughts on why I decided to agree to write this book.
Writing nonfiction is something that was completely outside of my comfort zone. I feel much more in control of fictional characters that I—ahem, attempt—to govern as the story progresses. Turning someone’s real-life narrative into something readable was a process I had little power over because I wasn’t sitting there talking to the characters who constantly drive me crazy, but an actual, living person who had a story I had zero control in creating.
I’m sure at this point those who have read my other books are wondering what the hell is wrong with me, and why I would put my other books on pause to take the time and even listen to Jason Collier’s story long enough to turn his narrative into something worth reading. As we sat down for our nightly calls, at times, I wondered the same thing myself. But in truth, I’m glad I did, because now I’m even more curious about the other aspects of this story.
Not Jason’s or Candie’s or even Stephanie’s. Frankly, I’m finished with these people and their drama. None of them are worth my time now.
Jason’s children were—and still are—the reason I agreed to write this short narrative in his words to begin with. A narrative I endeavored to remain impartial to as I wrote it so that my own feelings didn’t spill over into his words. As I saw the craziness that was going on via social media, it wasn’t hard to imagine what kind of chaos these children’s lives must have suddenly become. Just thinking about it broke my heart. Being a mother of three, I couldn’t just sit back and stay silent when I had the opportunity to help, even if in a minuscule way.
Then we got to the part where Jason’s daughter was…hurt. I wanted to put it in the book, but at the same time, I was reluctant without both her and her mother’s permission—plus, there is the whole ongoing investigation to consider. Luckily, Lonnie and I were persistent, because if we hadn’t been, Jason wouldn’t have told them at all. I very well may have vomited if that had happened, knowing that I was responsible for putting that poor girl through such an ordeal all over again without her permission.
I told him exactly what I thought of him, and I’m sure he is not my biggest fan.
When I learned that neither his daughter nor ex-wife knew about the book or what was potentially going to be published, I felt physically ill. My trust in Jason vanished that day—although it wasn’t strong to begin with. And I promised myself, along with his daughter and M, that from here on out, they were now mine to protect. Lonnie and I now have two more honorary members of our family.
Stay tuned. I’m sure you’re going to hear more of this story in the future in other aspects.
And from other points of view.
You didn’t honestly think this was the end, did you?
