DATE: Friday, September 12, 1997            TAG: 9709100191

SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS     PAGE: 03   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: THUMBS UP! 

SOURCE: BY JENNIFER C. O'DONNELL, STAFF WRITER 

                                            LENGTH:   70 lines

HER JOURNAL OF SISTER'S DEATH SERVES TO HELP OTHERS IN GRIEF

``IT HAS CHANGED my life,'' said Florence ``Flo'' Wolin of her sister's death in 1980. ``In more positive ways than negative.''

In order to help others going through difficult times, Wolin, a Portsmouth native and art teacher at Chesapeake's Tidewater Detention Home, wrote and illustrated ``Love Never Ends.'' The book is a tribute to her sister, Mary Jo Hughes, who died of lupus nearly 17 years ago.

``Love Never Ends'' is based on Wolin's journal at the time of her sister's illness and death. Lupus is a chronic auto-immune disease that causes inflammation of various body parts, especially the skin, joints and kidneys.

Before she died, Mary Jo Hughes battled kidney disease, heart and lung problems, skin rashes and other problems associated with the disease. While steroids and chemotherapy helped curb Mary Jo's condition for a few years, it wasn't enough to save her life. Wolin's sister died on Nov. 16, 1980 at the age of 32.

Wolin's journal at the time of Mary Jo's death in 1980, consisted of poems and brief daily entries on her sister's hospital stay, illness and untimely death. Despite the subject matter, Wolin's journal is upbeat with passages documenting the love and emotional bond the sisters shared as well as their faith in God.

``I never intended to share my journal with anyone,'' Wolin said. ``It was my therapy.''

But share it she did. After Mary Jo's death, Wolin showed her journal to family members and close friends.

``I thought they would want to know how much I gained from the experience of Mary Jo's death,'' Wolin said.

Wolin eventually made copies of her journal and gave them to friends when they, too, were faced with the loss of a loved one.

Eventually, a co-worker and friend encouraged the art teacher to publish her journal. Although she was hesitant, Wolin decided her words might help others going through hard times.

``Love Never Ends'' was published by Cornerstone Publishing last year. Cornerstone Publishing is a vanity press, so Wolin had to finance the printing of some 1,000 books herself. But the gamble paid off. Wolin and Cornerstone have already sold several hundred copies of the book. Despite the book's success, Wolin is not pocketing any of the profits. The proceeds from the book will benefit the Lupus Foundation, Central Virginia Chapter.

So far, sales from the book have raised more than $700 for the organization.

``Love Never Ends'' can be found in several bookstores and giftshops throughout the area, including Kirby's Office and School Supply store in Chesapeake and the Art Atrium in Portsmouth.

When Wolin is not attending book signings, she can be found teaching art to her students at Chesapeake's Tidewater Detention Home. Wolin believes her experience with Mary Jo helps her with her students.

``I have survived pain,'' said Wolin. ``I believe because of that, I can be supportive of the students and encourage them to write about their pain and anger.''

Today, Wolin tries to live by the words of her sister just before her death: ``Whether we live or whether we die, let us love. Love is more important than anything else, even physical health.'' MEMO: Love Never Ends ($7.95) is available from Cornerstone Publishing,

P.O. Box 7972, Louisville, KY 40257, 888-442-6096. Proceeds will benefit

the Lupus Foundation, Central Virginia Chapter. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JIM WALKER

Portsmouth native Flo Wolin published the journal she wrote, ``Love

Never Ends,'' as a tribute to her sister, Mary Jo Hughes, who died

of lupus.

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