What I Hope You Remember: Lessons, Letters, and Life From a Man Who Chose the Long Road to Here
In this deeply honest and soulfully written collection, Keith Thorn offers a lifetime of wisdom shaped by pain, love, redemption, and grace. What I Hope You Remember is more than a memoir—it’s a series of openhearted reflections and letters written to his children, to the people he’s loved and lost, and to anyone navigating the long road back to themselves.

Through quiet revelations, intimate moments, and the hard-won clarity of hindsight, Thorn explores themes of fatherhood, forgiveness, resilience, presence, and spiritual growth. These stories aren’t just told—they’re offered. Each chapter invites the reader to pause, reflect, and rediscover what truly matters.

Whether you’re healing from the past, searching for peace in the present, or simply longing for someone to say the words you never heard, this book will meet you where you are—and remind you that becoming never ends.

If you’ve ever longed for truth, grace, or a light on the path ahead, What I Hope You Remember is the book that offers all three.

When I’m Gone: The Story Behind the Silence
Is a deeply personal memoir that weaves through love, loss, and the long road to healing. Written as a legacy of truth for those who may never hear it in person, the book invites readers into the soul of a father reckoning with his past, reflecting on hard-earned wisdom, and learning that forgiveness—of others and of self—is often the truest act of love.

Told through letters, prayers, memories, and moments of quiet revelation, the story explores the author's journey from striving to peace, from silence to presence. Through the love of Melody and the grace of spiritual awakening, he finds not only redemption—but the courage to let go.

This is not just a story of what was lost. It is a testament to what was built. A final blessing to those who walked away. A gentle benediction whispered to the ones still listening. And an unwavering light left on—for anyone who might someday find their way back.

The road isn’t just a path to new places—it’s a journey inward, a teacher that shapes us through quiet moments, shared fires, and lessons learned beneath open skies. In Waves, Wind, and Wisdom: Volume Two, Keith Thorn continues his reflection on travel, connection, and the quiet truths discovered along the shores of Port Isabel, the winds of South Padre Island, and the endless stretches of the open road. Through deeply personal journal entries, this volume captures the essence of what it means to embrace change, face endings, and honor the quiet wisdom found in both solitude and companionship. From the echoes of campfire conversations to the lessons left behind by the tide, these stories are about more than destinations. They’re about the unspoken rules that guide us, the strength found in stillness, and the people and places that stay with us long after the journey has ended. This book is an invitation to reflect, to pause, and to find meaning in the simple moments that shape who we become. Because some stories don’t end. They evolve, one road at a time.

Waves, Wind, and Wisdom:
Reflections from Port Isabel

Port Isabel is more than just a destination—it’s a place of transformation. The waves whisper lessons of resilience, the wind carries the echoes of change, and the quiet moments offer wisdom only time and reflection can reveal. In Waves, Wind, and Wisdom, Keith Thorn shares personal reflections, life lessons, and thought-provoking stories inspired by the rhythm of coastal life. From the shifting tides to the endless horizon, this collection explores the things we carry—memories, fears, habits, and beliefs—and the moment we finally let them go.

Written from the heart of Port Isabel, this book is an invitation to pause, reflect, and embrace the journey—both on the road and within. Whether you're searching for meaning, healing, or simply a new perspective, these reflections remind us that sometimes, the greatest wisdom comes from simply watching the waves.

After losing his mother and feeling an ever-widening distance from his children, Jack Callahan makes an impulsive decision—he leaves behind his life in Illinois and heads south to Port Isabel, Texas. With only his loyal dog, Cardi, and aloof cat, Millicent, as company, he embraces the solitude of RV life, believing it will bring him the peace he desperately seeks.

But Port Isabel has other plans.

As Jack settles into this quiet coastal town, he finds himself drawn into an unlikely circle of travelers, each carrying their own burdens. Among them is Melanie, a woman with her own scars, whose presence stirs something Jack thought he had lost. With every sunset, ghosts of his past rise to the surface—an unsent letter, a long-lost friend, and a reckoning he never expected. He begins to realize that redemption isn’t about erasing the past but finding the strength to face it.

In the rhythm of the tides and the quiet moments between strangers, Jack learns that healing isn’t about running away—it’s about finding the courage to stay.

Through highways, back roads, and life’s unexpected detours, The Long Road to Here is a memoir of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. Set against the backdrop of scenic landscapes and pivotal crossroads, this deeply personal journey weaves together past travels, relationships, and the choices that shaped a new beginning in Port Isabel. Exploring themes of love and loss, family and estrangement, grief and renewal, it reveals how every road—no matter how winding—leads us to exactly where we are meant to be.

Stillness in the Storm invites you into a year of grounded presence, quiet strength, and mindful living.

Rooted in the deep traditions of Aikido and enriched by teachings from Zen, Taoism, Buddhism, Indigenous wisdom, Stoicism, African proverbs, and select Christian insights, this 365-day journey is a daily return to center—where calm meets clarity, and action begins in stillness.

Each entry begins with a simple truth: Ki is extended…
What follows is a reflection on life, energy, and spiritual practice—drawn from real experiences, dojo lessons, and timeless wisdom from across cultures and philosophies.

Whether you’re a martial artist, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone navigating a world full of noise, this book offers a quiet companion to help you:

Recognize what cuts off connection

Return to center

Let go of ego, judgment, and fear

Live each day with purpose, softness, and strength

Let this be your daily pause, your breath between moments—your stillness in the storm.

They say life is a journey, but it becomes a true adventure when you find someone who not only rides shotgun but cheers you on at every turn. In She's Not Just Along For the Ride: A Journey With My Biggest Fan, Keith Thorn invites readers into a soulful, humorous, and heart-filled memoir-turned-travelogue of love, second chances, and the beauty of shared roads.

From the palm-lined coast of Port Isabel to the sun-drenched beaches of South Padre Island, every stop tells a story—of laughter echoing over poolside chats, of slow dances under Texas skies, of RV mishaps turned into memories, and of quiet moments that say more than words ever could. But above all, it’s a tribute to Melody—the woman who chose not just to come along but to believe in the dream, the writer, and the man at the wheel.

This is a book for anyone who’s ever found love later in life, for winter wanderers, and for those who know that the best journeys are shared.

Join Keith and Melody on a thrilling road trip from St. Louis to the tropical warmth of Port Isabel and South Padre Island. Leaving behind the Midwest's first frost, they embark on an 80-day adventure, navigating highways, meeting unforgettable people, and journaling their transition into life as Winter Texans.

Told in a journal format, this book captures their daily experiences—sunrise departures, roadside discoveries, island sunsets, and the joy of settling into their winter retreat. From the first stretch of highway to the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast, this travelogue invites you to experience the magic, beauty, and unexpected moments that come with chasing the sun.

Filled with personal reflections, vivid storytelling, and firsthand experiences, "Escape to Port Isabel" is a must-read for wanderers, dreamers, and anyone considering a seasonal escape of their own.

Effortless Power is a journey of self-discovery, discipline, and transformation through the lens of Ki-Aikido philosophy. It follows a dedicated martial artist who begins to understand that true mastery is not about physical dominance but about learning to move with the natural flow of energy—both in combat and in life.

Through a series of real-world encounters and personal challenges, the protagonist realizes that power is not something to be seized or forced, but rather something to be aligned with. The book takes the reader from structured training within the dojo to unpredictable, high-stakes moments in the real world, where the principles of Ki and Aikido are tested in ways no practice session could prepare for.

Guided by an experienced Sensei, the protagonist navigates lessons in stillness, presence, and trust. Each chapter unpacks a deeper understanding of what it means to extend Ki, to move without resistance, and to embrace failures as stepping stones toward greater awareness. Along the way, the book weaves in the philosophy that mastery is not a destination but a continuous process of refinement—a principle that applies not only to martial arts but to relationships, leadership, and personal growth.

With a blend of introspective moments, dynamic encounters, and profound wisdom, Effortless Power challenges the reader to rethink the meaning of strength, control, and effort. It is an invitation to embrace a way of being that extends beyond physical movement—one that harmonizes with life itself.

Whether you are a martial artist, a seeker of inner peace, or simply someone looking to navigate life with greater ease and clarity, Effortless Power offers timeless lessons in balance, presence, and the art of letting go.

A Warrior’s Last Words: A Final Poem follows the extraordinary life of Nakano Takeko, a warrior bound by honor, duty, and an unwavering commitment to the samurai way. Born into the Aizu Domain in 1847, Takeko defies societal expectations, training under the finest samurai sensei, mastering the naginata, and embracing the teachings of Bushidō. From childhood, she is guided by her father’s discipline and her own relentless determination to carve a place for herself in a world dominated by men.

As the Boshin War erupts, Takeko emerges as a leader, gathering a battalion of women warriors to defend Aizu against the advancing imperial forces. Facing insurmountable odds, she launches a rebellion against the warlord Matsunaga, a ruthless daimyo whose ambition threatens to consume the land. Through strategic raids, ambushes, and alliances, Takeko’s warriors become a symbol of defiance, disrupting supply lines and rallying support for their cause.

However, war is never without cost. As Takeko battles both enemies and the weight of her choices, she is forced to decide whether honor means blind loyalty or forging her own path. Her journey culminates in a final confrontation with Matsunaga in a burning fortress, where she delivers justice in a duel that will decide the fate of her people.

Even in victory, Takeko understands that the burden of war never fades. As the smoke clears, she reflects on the warriors she has lost, the battles she has won, and the sacrifices that shaped her path. The novel closes with a haunting final poem, echoing the legacy of a warrior who fought not for conquest, but for the right to exist on her own terms.

A Season in the Sun: The Winter Texans
A Novel of Adventure, Reflection, and Second Chances

Emily and Jake embark on a six-month journey to Port Isabel, Texas, seeking a break from their routine lives. They quickly become part of a close-knit community of Winter Texans, spending their days on the sunlit beaches of South Padre Island and their evenings enjoying local gatherings. As they immerse themselves in this new environment, they confront unresolved personal challenges, including strained family relationships and past grief. Through meaningful interactions with local veterans and the discovery of a mysterious journal from the 1960s, Emily and Jake are prompted to reflect deeply on their future. Ultimately, they must decide whether to return to their former lives or embrace the possibility of a fresh start in this welcoming community.