Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster Entertainment

Weathering personal storms

Posted on July 20, 2023July 20, 2023 By Steve Metsch No Comments on Weathering personal storms
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Weathering personal storms

Lyons woman writes book to help folks cope 

By Steve Metsch

Diane Marie Lumpkins has spent much of her life helping others.

She works as a case manager who specializes in housing for the DuPage County community services department, using her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling.

The Lyons resident recently released a book with helping others in mind. “When the Moon Goes Dim” was published by London-based Europe Books.

“The book is trying to empower you – if you go through a storm – how to regroup and keep moving forward,” Lumpkins, 52, said.

That storm she refers to, of course, is not the kind that brings rain. Rather, she means emotional storms we all have to deal with now and then.

A Maywood native who in 1988 graduated from Proviso East High School, Lumpkins has lived in Lyons since 2015.

Diane Marie Lumpkins, of Lyons, has written a book entitled “When the Moon Goes Dim,” which she hopes will help people cope with challenges in life. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

Diane Marie Lumpkins, of Lyons, has spent her career helping others. She’s written a book to help folks weather their personal storms. (Photo by Steve Metsch)

Writing a book – using the pen name Diane Marie – came pretty easy for her.

“I love to write. I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed writing until I grew older. For this book, my friends, when they go through things, reach out to me. I try to encourage them in texts, ‘keep your head up’ or ‘pray’.

“My passion is to help people,” she said. “I want to help people. I always have. I wanted to write a book (based) on my own experience and sharing them. How I overcame things,” she said.

By sharing her own life challenges and how she handled them, she’s hoping others will be assisted.

“You have all the negatives thoughts and you have to find a way to pull yourself out of it. You have to regroup, step back, re-evaluate yourself,” she said.

Problems at work and with the dating world are two topics she writes about.

“I got some of the best experience working through job agencies, but it can be discouraging when nobody wants to hire you,” she noted. “I share a lot of stuff, little things I experienced.”

She started the book several years ago, jotting down ideas. When COVID-19 reared its ugly head, she got serious about writing the book.

She found the experience therapeutic.

“There’s a section about grief because I lost my mom (Margaret) on May 12 of 2020. … That was the hardest time because we couldn’t have a service. I added it to the book. It helped me process everything by writing (about it),” she said.

The 142-page book “may not be for everybody,” she acknowledged, but she hopes faith and prayer appeal to people.

“I pray and have very strong faith. That’s very important. Prayer and faith are something all religions have in common, no matter what your beliefs are,” she added.

She has already heard from several readers who said the book helped them deal with rejection “and how to handle it.”

“You can’t just climb into bed and not do anything. You have to move forward,” she said.

Forgiveness is the focus of another chapter.

“It can be very hard to forgive. Some people get stuck, they can’t move on, or it eats them up. You have to forgive yourself and move on.”

The past that can haunt us is easy to focus on, but she urges that we “do not live in the rear-view mirror.”

“One of the things that helps me all the time is I love to read positive quotes. They recharge me,” she said.

Positive words come in handy, she said, when “there are times the storms seem like they’re never going to stop.”

“When the Moon Goes Dim” is available at www.amazon.com and www.europebooks.com.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at [email protected]
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band are still rockin’ - August 10, 2023
  • Weathering personal storms - July 20, 2023
  • Countryside solution irks some - July 20, 2023
NPV: 41
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:"When the Moon Goes Dim", author, Diane Marie Lumpkins, Lyons woman

Post navigation

Previous Post: Countryside solution irks some
Next Post: Senator Michael Hastings and Frankfort Park District invite residents to Ninja Park grand opening

Related Posts

  • Chicago Wolves courtesy of the Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves beat Grand Rapids Griffins 8 to 4 Chicago
  • Edward Kodat, selected as successor to Michael J. Madigan int he 22nd Illinois House District by district leaders Feb. 21, 2021. Photo courtesy Edward Kodatt
    Kodatt selected to succeed Madigan by 22nd District community leaders Chicago
  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady (left) Township Clerk Cindy Murray and Township Trustee Antonio Rubino get a little help from Santa and one of his elves at the Township’s Holiday Program distribution. Photo courtesy of Orland Township
    Orland Township Provides Gifts and Meals for Over 200 Families coronavirus
  • U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders
    Sanders, colleagues push for WTO Waiver on barriers blocking Vaccine production around the world coronavirus
  • (From left) Chief Schofield, cardiac victim Raymond Morrissey, Lisa Morrissey, Lifetime Employees Jason Fox and Jen Strickland, and Lt. Mark Duke.
    Orland Fire Protection District presents lifesaving commendations News
  • Mansour Tadros, publisher of Chicagoland's The Future News Newspaper, and Christopher Kennedy, the son of the late U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, speaks at a governor's candidates forum Sept. 16, 2017 at Reza's restaurant in Oak Brook hosted by the American Muslim Task Force. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Kennedy will respect Arabs, Muslims as Illinois governor Blogger

More Related Articles

Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago. Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdown Business
SD 103 students return today News
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Pappas’ office helps Chicago couple get $2,447 property tax refund Blogger
Arrested in Orland Park April 12, 2024:  Jeffery Meyer,  (Male/21 years old), Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Drug investigation leads to multiple Felony charges in drug sales at Sandburg High school Crime
Illinois Tollway. Courtesy of the Illinois Tollway Authority Illinois Tollway prepared for changing winter conditions General Topics
Massive fire at Rockton Chemical Plant in Winnebago County, June 14, 2021. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Pritzker activates Emergency Operation Center, National Guard in response to massive chemical fire in Winnebago County Fire

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair 
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme