Joy is hoped for, wished for, sought for, prayed for, and fought for. It is missing, wanted, needed. It is also attainable. It is not an elusive dream or a someday; it can be now.

Oh Da Joy is a series of short life lessons in living joyfully. They are lessons learned from heart-rending loss and laugh-out-loud moments.

This is a conversation, not a thesis or research. It is a discussion from the heart. For in the end, it is with the reader's heart that they will find a way to live joyfully. This is for those who want to grow in Joy and for those whose smiles cannot really hide their pain and sorrow as they start the journey toward a life of joy and peace.

Let's share and uncover new Joy together.

"Pat Jewell is an extraordinary teacher not only in her classroom but in life. She shows compassion, empathy, and love in some of the most challenging situations in her amazing way by sharing her stories. She takes you on a journey of how we as humans behave and react in life. You will relate, learn and grow as she continue to teach you to find your own joy in life." - Kathy Buckley; America's first hearing-impaired comedian, author of "If You Could Hear What I See", Inspirational Speaker. She has been on the Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and many others. Her latest video on her Facebook has had over 34 million hits.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

MY NAME IS PAT. Well, technically it's Patricia. I like both my name and my nickname. I'm a wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend. I'm a teacher, academic challenge coach, pastor, and writer. Remember though that descriptions are not definitions of who we are as people. We are so much more complex than that. Like all people, I've had times of great blessing and times of great sorrow. This is my life, and I have learned to live in Joy. May you have that gift as well.