Terry Wasek was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in August, 1959, and has just celebrated his 64th
birthday. As a first generation American, he was born to European parents who came to the U.S via Ellis Island after WW2.
He’s played the trumpet since the age of 8, been a combat medic in a M*A*S*H unit, a registered respiratory therapist and neonatal-pediatric specialist for 34 years. It’s only natural that he would write a children’s holiday story. He has two adult children. His son lives in Northern California, while his daughter has remained in their hometown of Cedar Rapids.
Growing up in the 60’s, Terry was blessed with an unimaginably endless source of talented and
accomplished lyrists, music writers, authors, and story tellers. His most beloved stories and memories have always encircled Christmastime. Each year, with the fragrant perfumed scent of pine emanating from the Christmas tree, his family would gather to read stories by candlelight and to share inexpensive gifts with each other. As the second youngest of seven children, (4 boys, 3 girls) you can imagine the energy surging in his home starting the day after Thanksgiving. Growing up, he would save every nickel and dime from mowing lawns, shoveling sidewalks and driveways simply for this most exceptional time of year: CHRISTMAS TIME!
However, above all else was gathering the whole family together, sometimes literally lying on top of each other to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas followed by How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The significance and appreciation for their pure and intelligent expression of good-will instantly captivated Terry’s spirit.
He currently lives in Centerville, Ohio, however he does plan on returning “home” to Cedar Rapids before his retirement, to spend his later years with family.
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