Scattering the Ashes

Publisher: Artemesia Publishing, LLC

Sam Holmes is a young, enthusiastic school teacher living an uneventful, albeit pleasant life – even if he won’t admit to himself how lonely he is. Dedicated to teaching, and inspired by the kids passing through his 8th grade history class, Sam is energized by the end of the school year. Now he has the time to dedicate himself fully to training for the historic New York City Marathon - his first.

But Sam’s simple life is radically changed when his father suddenly passes away and the Last Will and Testament are read to him. Sam learns that his father’s final wishes are unique, and as such special burden has been placed solely on Sam. To earn his inheritance, Sam’s father is sending him on a quest; to travel to the places that had been significant and scatter his father’s ashes at these destinations. Now, instead of a pleasant summer, Sam is thrust into a journey he neither wanted nor asked for.

While fulfilling is father’s wishes Sam meets Rachel Parker, a young woman who brings direction, clarity, and companionship to Sam’s lonely life. As he faces the struggles of a contract dispute at work, a budding romance, and running in his first marathon, Sam Holmes must make the critical decisions that will impact the rest of his life.

Dr. Paul Semendinger has been a passionate child-centered educator for almost 30 years. He first enjoyed a successful career as a middle school history earning numerous awards including “Teacher of the Year” and the prestigious “A+For Kids” grant before moving on to administration. Paul has served as a high school vice principal, a middle school principal, and is currently the principal of the most wonderful elementary school in the whole world!

Paul has enjoyed working in various professional organizations including serving as the President of the New Jersey Middle School Association and he has served as an adjunct college professor at both Ramapo College and William Paterson University. Paul is the Editor-in-Chief of the popular Yankees blog, “Start Spreading the News.”  

Paul leads an active life. He enjoys running and has completed twenty marathons including the New York City Marathon six times. Paul also plays softball and enjoys backpacking and hiking. More than all of this, Paul is a family man and enjoys the time he can spend as a husband and “Dad” with his wife and three sons. There is nothing he is prouder of than the fact that he is a good dad and husband. Paul lives in New Jersey.