Every once in a while, being an author can be an extremely rewarding experience.
And I'm not talking monetary rewards.
Image courtesy of [Stuart Miles] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Yes, this is my job. And of course, I want to earn an income.
But how wonderful is it when you receive more than a paycheck? How wonderful is it when you feel as though you have done something that touched someone else's life? Or helped someone?
That feeling came to me this week in the form of an email regarding my book, I'M WITH YOU.
(I have omitted the dates and names to protect the personal information of this lady.)
Dear Taylor,
I'm so happy you wrote a book about a baby with Trisomy 18. I understand your feelings completely. In 2015 my daughter gave birth to my first granddaughter. She lived 12 1/2 BEAUTIFUL hours and then went to Heaven. The baby had Trisomy 13. Nine months and two days later in 2016 my daughter gave birth to my second granddaughter.
My daughter was six months pregnant. The baby was stillborn.
She was my granddaughter with Trisomy 18. The odds of this happening two times back to back is like winning the largest lottery with only one purchased new ticket. These baby girls mean so much to me. I think about them often and it's nice to know there's someone out there who knows what I feel. That I love these baby girls. My story does continue and it's beautiful.
In 2017 my daughter gave birth to my grandson. He is fine. He's a beautiful healthy 7 lbs. 13 oz. little boy. I thank you for making people more aware of children with trisomy 13 or 18 or 21. You let the world know that these babies are real and they are LOVED... Thank You
It is messages like this that really keep me going and inspire me.
Image courtesy of [Stuart Miles] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Another thing that happened fairly recently came in the form of a package from a reader who I've become friends with. She lives in Belgium. How cool is that? I have a friend in BELGIUM! If not for being an author, we never would have connected. Through our emails we have found we have much in common. Some day I really hope to meet her in person. At Christmas, she asked if I wanted to exchange Christmas cards and I said yes. But she sent me much more than a card.
This yummy package of Belgium chocolate arrived!
WOW! This was so unexpected and YES, it was AMAZING.
By the way, she blogs about the books she reads here. She likes clean romance and has some great recommendations.
On this day before Valentine's Day, I'm thankful for people who SPREAD THE LOVE! And that means ALL OF YOU who follow this blog and leave me lots of comment LOVE and ENCOURAGEMENT!
THANK YOU!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Image courtesy of [Stuart Miles] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
That is a wonderful letter from that grandmother. Your gift from Belgium looks amazing! I'll check out her blog!
ReplyDeleteI've gotten many recommendations for good books from her. I think you'll like her blog, Christy. And that letter . . . I love it so much.
DeleteThe letter from a reader brought tears to my eyes. I can't even imagine the heartache she went through. Thank God she now has a little grandson to love.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if your friend in Belgium wants to be my friend too. I would love to also get a package. lol
It brought tears to my eyes as well, Rita. It means the world to me when I get letters like that. I had never heard of anything Trisomy until it happened to us. I had no idea this was happening to so many mothers. It's heartbreaking.
DeleteAnd yes, who wouldn't love a friend who sends us chocolate, especially from Belgium!!
I'm with you is such a beautiful story. It taught me so much about how people experience and convey (or don't convey) grief...what they're thinking inside, how they're hurting. That box of chocolates is beautiful...and Belgium chocolate is the best. How fun! Hope you're doing wonderful, my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charissa. I saw Mylissa's review of Between Hope and the Highway. She loved it and I was so thrilled that she did!!
DeleteI learned a lot about grief while writing I'm With You. It explained all of the crazy emotions we were all feeling and helped me understand them. It was therapeutic to write it.
It's amazing how the internet has affected our world. Such a wonderful post and a great time to share it. Happy Valentine's Taylor...and everyone else.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental My TT
Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Sherry. Hope it's a great one with Mr. Wonderful. I love that you call him that!
DeleteIt's true, the internet is amazing. I feel so old when I tell my kids I grew up without a microwave, a cell phone, or google! Times have changed, but I love all the changes.