SZMAJLO11

Renee Szmajlo was born in Chicago, Illinois and published her first poetry book, Voice of My Choice in 2008. Her brother, Christopher tragically lost his life in Lake Michigan on July 4th, 2011. She lost not only her brother, but her best friend. Deep sadness and grief took a huge toll on her for almost a year. She finally realized that Chris would not be proud of this person she became. She turned her life over to God and began writing again. She recently published her second poetry book, SLUSH: Poems by a sister who lost & Poems by a brother who we've lost. This newest book contains many religious, grief and losing a loved one poems. Renee currently lives in Orland Park, Illinois.