As every freelance writer knows, all good freelance jobs come to an end.

Still, it’s hard when a job you love goes away. And it takes a while to regroup and find something to replace it both emotionally and financially.

For 7 years, I have written and co-edited the Link, a 9/11 newsletter for FDNY families from the FDNY Counseling Service Unit.

It all started started back in 2001 when the city and the FDNY was in a state of shock. I got a call from the director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), who told me that the FDNY wanted to publish a twice-monthly grief and bereavement newsletter for families who lost loved ones on 9/11.

Over the years, the Link, which was paid for by the NFFF (an exceptionally nice group of people in Emmitsburg, Maryland) evolved into something very special. It was a privilege to work with the CSU under the wise and warm leadership of director Malachy Corrigan and clinical director Diane Kane.

Writing 131 issues of the Link, I learned so much about bereavement, grief, and trauma and the FDNY. I learned so much about the strength and resilience of the FDNY community after 9/11.

In many ways, writing the Link is what inspired OTBKB and the Smartmom column. For the first time, I felt like my writing was having a direct impact on people. This intimate relationship with the FDNY readership was very satisfying and meaningful. This project also helped me deal with my own anxiety and fear after 9/11. It created a nice balance with the websites, brochures, and annual reports I write for non-profits and corporations.

It’s hard to let go of this wonderful project but clearly it’s time to move on. So that’s where I am now. Moving on and looking for the next new thing.

If anyone has any ideas, do let me know. I am open to both freelance and more permanent work. louise_crawford(at)yahoo(dot)com