Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Pryor Drake.
Hi Shelly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a young girl, I found myself drawn to the company of older individuals, captivated by their stories, insights, and conversations. They often remarked on my wisdom, describing it as beyond my years—a quality that seemed to set me apart even at a tender age. Spending time with them was not merely a pastime but a valuable opportunity to absorb their life experiences, lessons, and perspectives. This constant interaction with adults allowed me to develop a unique gift: the ability to help others navigate through their struggles. I began to realize that the wisdom I was gaining was not merely for my benefit but a tool to serve those around me—a purpose that would shape my life and lead me to write this book.
The journey through grief has been one of the defining aspects of my life. Having lost both of my parents, five siblings, all my aunts and uncles, three brothers-in-law, a niece, my former husband, and several dear friends, the weight of loss could have easily overwhelmed me. Yet, rather than succumbing to despair, I chose to view these departures through a positive lens. To mourn would be natural, but I have instead sought to honor the lives of my loved ones by retrieving the essence of their love, memories, and lessons. In choosing this outlook, I have found a way to transform pain into purpose. My unwavering faith in Jesus, whom I unapologetically follow, has been the cornerstone of this transformation. It is His truth, as revealed in His word, that has empowered me to not only heal but also to share my testimony in hopes of guiding others toward his peace.
Writing this book has been both an act of obedience and a testament of my faith. I believe wholeheartedly that Jesus provided me with the instructions and strength to embark on this journey, not only for my continued healing but also as a means to share a profound message. Through these pages, I aim to help others see death not as an end but as an integral part of life—a transition that can be met with peace rather than pain. By embracing grief with the peace of God, we can rise above the suffering and find solace in the enduring love and lessons left behind by those we have lost. My prayer is that this book serves as a beacon of hope, helping readers to conquer the anguish of loss and find comfort in the divine promise of eternal life and enduring grace.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Certainly not! Writing my book about losing many loved ones was one of the most challenging journeys I have ever faced. As I poured my grief onto the pages, I cried so many tears reminiscing about my mom, dad, as well as everyone. Unbelievably, I suddenly lost my fifth sibling, a loss so sudden and devastating that it felt like the ground had been pulled from beneath me. We were incredibly close, and the pain of his absence was unbearable. I cried countless nights while trying to finish the book, each tear a testament to the love and sorrow that captured my memories of him. At times, it felt as though God was guiding me, asking me to change the title and parts of what I was writing, reshaping things in profound ways. Yet, the process was far from easy; I wrestled with anger and heartache, questioning why he was taken so abruptly. My book became more than just words—it became a reflection of my raw emotions, a tribute to the bonds we shared, and a testament to finding purpose amidst the pain.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For more than 37 years, I’ve been deeply involved in the world of pharmacy technology, learning the ins and outs of the field and building a career that I’m incredibly proud of. These years of experience have shaped me and helped me discover my true purpose in life. Over 14 of those years, I had the chance to teach and train pharmacy technicians at OTC in Georgia, where I got to help others step into this amazing profession. I even served as the state chairperson for Georgia twice, which was both challenging and rewarding. The rest of my time was spent working as a pharmacy technician, keeping me closely tied to the hands-on side of the job.
Looking back, I can honestly say the field of pharmacy technology has been really rewarding for me. Out of all the tasks I’ve done, my favorite has to be IV admixture. There was something so satisfying about mixing medications that would go directly into a patient’s veins—it’s precise, important, and made me feel like I was making a real difference. Those moments reminded me just how vital pharmacy technicians are to healthcare, and they’ve left a lasting impression on me. This profession has taught me so much about dedication, skill, and the impact of good, compassionate work.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up, I always loved hanging out with adults and soaking up their wisdom. While most kids were running around outside, I was happy to sit and listen, taking in their stories and experiences. Yeah, I was a bit different, but I enjoyed it. My mom was super protective, so I spent a lot of time at home. But one summer, my older sister Helen talked her into letting me visit New Jersey to stay with her and my other sister, Everlene. That trip turned out to be life-changing—a real eye-opener for a small-town girl like me from Statesboro, Georgia.
That first visit to New Jersey was something I’ll never forget. The energy, the sights, and all the new things were completely different from anything I’d seen back home. I made a few new friends, explored places I’d only dreamed about, and just soaked up the whole experience. Honestly, it became my favorite childhood memory, and I couldn’t wait to go back. So, every summer after that, I’d return to New Jersey, making more memories with Helen and Everlene. Those trips shaped me in ways I didn’t fully realize at the time, sparking my curiosity and love for adventure. I kept going back every summer until I graduated from high school, marking the end of an incredible chapter in my life but leaving me with memories I’ll always cherish.
Pricing:
- 11.99 Ebook
- 16.00 Paperback
- CPR-(BLS) Instructor- Email for Information
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shellypryordrake.com
- Instagram: spdrakebizz8
- Facebook: Shelly Drake
Image Credits
Edith Greenwood – Photographer
