The popular series, Chicken Soup for the Soul, started more than 20 years ago with a book of inspirational and motivational stories. Since then, 250 additional titles have been published.

For one former Northwestern Lehigh resident, the best "chicken soup" is yet to come.

Nancy Emmick Panko, 1961 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, had her story, "A Journey of Healing," published in "Chicken Soup for the Soul – Find Your Inner Strength," released Oct. 28, 2014.

The story reflects her own journey of healing in the aftermath of the death of her younger brother, Terry Emmick.

In 1976 Terry and his wife, Laura, were building a home along Route 863 in Breinigsville when he attempted to cut down a tree.

An accident caused a traumatic head injury and he died instantly.

It was an accident that resonated with Nancy.

Although her childhood goal of becoming a nurse was waylaid by marriage and child-rearing, her brother's death inspired her to go back to school.

With two children, ages 6 and 12, and a 50-mile commute from her home in Lock Haven, she managed to graduate with straight A's.

The published story focuses on an incident that happened during her ICU clinical experience.

A 19-year-old man, hurt in a tree-trimming accident, was admitted. With a fractured skull and a ventilator for breathing, he was not expected to live.

Struggling not to let her emotional, personal experience interfere with her duties, she studied his chart and prayed for help.

The lengthy "journey of healing" was successful.

The man survived.

"Without a doubt," said Nancy, "it was a miracle."

Coming from a close-knit family, Nancy's stories come from their experiences and her own intuitive perceptions.

A second story is upcoming in "Chicken Soup for the Soul – Hope and Miracles."

"The Last Dance" tells the story of Nancy's parents, Arthur W. and Mary L. Emmick, and their love of dancing.

The Emmicks met at a dance and continued their love of big band music and dancing throughout their lifetime. Even as they were losing their health, they would swing and sway, said Nancy.

Mary died in 2012; Arthur, a year later.

Relatives, including Nancy's, sisters Gail Christman, Joni Novotnak, and sister-in-law, Laura Emmick, gathered at the family's summer home along the St. Lawrence River to distribute the ashes of their parents.

As Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Serenade" played in the background, a "last dance" involving two whirlpools occurred. Details will be revealed when the book is released Feb. 10.

Nancy has been writing since she took a creative writing class during her senior year at Northwestern. She has done extensive genealogical research, tracing her family back to the Mayflower.

She hopes to continue work on a novel and a World War II story.

Although she has no designated writing time, she does admit to playing computer games when a writer's block occurs.

As is the case with many writers, she says, "Commas are my downfall."

Of course, there is another serving of chicken soup in the works. As it appeared to Nancy in a dream, a special brown glass fish in a little brown box will be featured. Like the others, it is a story that will warm the heart.

Nancy and her husband, George, now live in North Carolina.