Without these awesome young ladies and gentlemen, I don't know where I would be in my writing journey.  

 

How it all began: In religion class at Immaculate Conception School we were talking about using our God-given talents to serve others.  I shared that I had been working on this children's book for a long time, but was struggling because I was afraid.  Afraid of rejection, failure, embarrassment.  I could hear the comments. "Who does she think she is?" This list goes on.  But then I read this statement in a book.  If you don't follow your calling, it is disobedience. That was my wake-up call.  

 

One of my students asked if I could read the book to them.  I was hesitant at first, because I was nowhere near finished with my rough draft.  But I did start reading to them a chapter at a time and they kept asking for more.  They asked insightful and probing questions like, "When are you going to finish?"  "How are you going to publish?" "Did that really happen to you?"

 

I made a promise to them at the end of the first semester that I would finish by the end of the school year.  And I did! 

 

Of course, they asked, "What's next?" When I told them I needed to find an editor, Harper replied, "My grandma is an editor!"  My jaw literally dropped.

 

God put me at this special school with these incredible kiddos who helped me get my book to the finish line.  I am forever grateful to each and every one of you for listening to my story, clapping after each chapter, helping me with the title, suggesting the glossary, and on and on.  From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! And I love you all.