Jerry Nehr

Erasing the Margins Jerry Nehr

Erasing the Margins is a retreat into the simple and divine along a similar metaphysical path walked by Henry David Thoreau. While written in a relatable, conversational style, Jerry Nehr creates moments of pristine emotional clarity which is in itself healing. He observes, "As an 18-year practitioner of Substance Abuse Counseling, I have sat with murderers, rapists, arsonists, thieves, child molesters, and those who run stop signs." In his work, Jerry has refined a heart for all who are suffering and learned to reach deeper into the maze of life, pulling out the messages and lessons it has to teach. Jerry shares poignant stories from his life in a collection of essays, such as the failed attempt to stay in a cabin with his son buried deep in the snow on Lake Huron. The essay is titled "Take a Chance" and explores both the chance they took to have this winter retreat (ending up back in town at a hotel with Jerry's son hoping they can do "it" again next year!) and the chances we take in life. There is nothing quite so satisfying as an epiphany from reading something you have felt deeply, but just couldn't put into words. Then to have that truth beautifully and artfully articulated causes a moment to pause with appreciation, giving time to step out of the chaos and ponder the true meaning of life and all we experience. Erasing the Margins is bursting with these moments as author Jerry Nehr easily translates the Morse-code-beatings of the heart into a language of understanding that changes the way we view even the most mundane activities of life.