Connie E. Curry

I grew up in Delaware, Ohio along the Scioto River and being the middle child with three siblings, I discovered by being humorous I could get attention. Although I never lacked love or attention, I found being silly a great way of making friends and living life to the fullest.

I didn’t become a stand up comedian like I’d dreamed about but I love to entertain for free with my abundance of family and friends. 

After graduating from high school, I attended Marion Technical School and started working full time on an emergency squad. It was a fulfilling job with many rewards in helping others and saving lives.  After 25 years, I threw my combat boots off and retired from EMS work.   

I began dabbling in writing…a passion I have had for many years.  As my husband David and I were raising our 3 children, I started freelance writing in my spare time for various magazines. I discovered I truly loved it, was succeeding and had a knack for the magic of words.   

Besides the birth of my children, Amber, Ryan and Katie and then being blessed with a wonderful granddaughter, one of my proudest rewards were when I won the National James Thurber Humor writing contest.  The story, “Homework Assignment” can be found in a wonderful book called, I Wanna Be Sedated.  Click here

Another passion I hold dear is the renovation of my 1974 Volkswagen Super Beetle. My first published article was written for Women with Wheels, a nonfiction story about my involvement in rebuilding my vintage car. Today, my Bug is gloriously beautiful and I am proud but must admit how ridiculous I was in the money I spent to make it flawless. I spent more money on those chrome wheels than I ever spent on clothes or jewelry.

In October of 2004 I was devastated when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My first instinct was to curl up in a fetal position and feel sorry for myself.  I was aware that family and friends needed me in their world and I needed them.   

But I became sad and depressed. The cold winter added discomfort to my cold-blooded nature as I shielded wool hats while at home. The wigs were scratchy but bravery had not kicked in to go out in public without my wig. 

When Allie would come over for a visit, I continued to not allow her to see my baldhead. At 4, she was inquisitive and as much as I loved her, I feared her seeing me without hair. Children are boldly honest and I wondered if she would reject me. She adored me as much as I loved her. 

Her persistence prevailed. I will always remember that special night. It was chemo week. I was bloated from steroids and felt awful. Allie came blasting through the door with Amber. I was soaking in the tub, feeling ugly, sick, and weak. 

I heard Allie coming toward the unlocked bathroom door. As she pushed the door open I tried to hide my head in the washcloth. 

She immediately walked toward me. I saw no fear or rejection. She picked up the body lotion near the tub and put it on my head, rubbing in a circular motion. Her gentle, little hands brought acceptance, unconditional love and comfort no medicine could give.           

Tears fell down my eyes.

“Am I making you feel better, Grammy,” she asked as she leaned down to my face and saw my tears. “Why are you crying, Grammy? Aren’t I helping?” 

“Oh, Allie…you will never know how much I love you and how much you have helped me.” 

So, as traveled through cancer, my Allie gave me strength. She turned my self-pity into hope and my vanity into being comfortable in my skin. 

When she is an adult, I hope she remembers those cloudy days I had and how she brought sunshine into my heart.  She helped me live.  

I quit sulking, and as I traveled through chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy and reconstruction, I put my experience into words. My dream of writing a book was finally finalized as I wrote for 17 months through my breast cancer. It became my therapy and my drive to get well. I jumped in with both feet to be cured. I turned my negative attitude into ambition and my tears into being constructive. 

It was because of my bald head that I started accessorizing my wardrobe to feel feminine. With an extra swipe of eye shadow, bigger earrings and ruby red lipstick, I braved the bald look in public. I was drawn to jewelry as I impatiently waited for my hair to grow. Spring brought warmth to my bald head and breast reconstruction gave me hope to feel self confident again.   

In 2005, I became a representative for Silpada Designs, a fine sterling silver direct sales company. I would have never dreamed I’d be in sales but have discovered a joy, success and passion for this reputable, beautiful jewelry. I began doing shows at wonderful women’s homes and the jewelry and an occasional wig gave me the spirit to prosper in my new business as I was being cured. I was having a blast, too and realized staying busy was healing, too.

Today, I write for my local newspaper, The Delaware Gazette, Habitat for Humanity and continue to be a Silpada Designs Representative.

I speak at many women’s groups, educating them about my book. I am determined to educate women through my book, in hopes of preventing them from being misguided as I was.