My mind photographed that very special moment when I handed Mom the finished book. We were both speechless and filled with joy. Our eyes teared just a little. I was so proud and so was she. I keep remembering back in 1970, when I was in the hospital recovering from a tragic toboggan accident. I told Mom that I was going to write a book about her and the family. She said, "OK" not realizing that I would actually do it some day. It took me nearly forty years to realize my dream. Thank you God. Through You--all things are possible.

  
       
I can't believe I talked the whole flight home from San Jose to Spokane to my seat-mate. I didn't know him and I don't think he got a word in inch wise. I usually sleep on the return flight, but I was excited about editing my book and the young man listened. He was wearing a dark pinned-striped suit and had a briefcase, so I figured he was either going or returning on a business trip and didn't think much more of it. The next thing I knew the plane was landing and I apologized for not even asking his name. He stood up to retrieve his overhead luggage and while reaching inside his suit pocket for a business card to give to me he said, "I'll make you a deal. When you publish your book, you send me a copy, and I will send you a case of my finest crab." Printed on the card read, Ken Doris, President of Harbor Crown Seafood, Inc. and Dutch Harbor Plant. I immediately responded, "Well, I know who's going to get the better end of this deal!" and he smiled.

Nearly two years later, when I published my book, I went looking for his card that I filed away under future contacts. I was pleased to find it stapled to a 8 1/2" x 11" piece of paper. I sent him an e-mail reminding him of the deal he made with me and followed it up with a phone call. He was out of town. Concerned it might have gone into the junk file, I asked his secretary if she wouldn't mind checking with him the next time he phoned in if he received my e-mail. The secretary asked me about the contents and she excitedly responded that he did receive it. She said he had told all of his employees about our plane acquaintance and my e-mail. So after I sent him my book I e-mailed him again and said, "Hi Ken, I spoke to your secretary. She said you received my book and got a kick out of my last message. Well, so is it worth sending me a case of crab like you said you would? Looking forward to hearing back from you." His response was, "ABSOLUTELY! I've got your address so I'll send a case of 16/20's "fresh cooked" (non-frozen) next week. I'll have my staff inform you of the arrival date. Cheers-

 

The crab was soooooooo good and didn't even need butter. I cracked open a bottle of champagne and celebrated. Thanks Ken!



I got an order from a lady through PayPal. I wrote back that her name sounded familiar, asked if I had met her and who she wanted me to sign the book to. Her reply was so touching it brought me to tears and I wanted to share this message and moment with everyone. I feel blessed and honored with such a request. I can't imagine anything more special than this.

"I don't think we have met. I would love for you to sign it to Katrina. We as a branch of Washington Trust have adopted her family for Christmas through the Wishing Star. She is a mother of 7 and requested your book as her gift. I appreciate you signing it for us. Thank you!"



While I was in California for a 2008 family reunion Notre Dame High School, my alma mater, offered me my first book signing/presentation. They planned the whole event, which took me by surprise. I was thankful for their great support.
 


The number "16" appears to be magical and gives me goose-bumps at times. I ordered 1,000 books, a limited edition of 16 x MOM--they were shipped 16 to a box. My brother Steve, was child number 16, and the only one of the 16 children to have passed on November 16, 2002. The one date available for a book presentation in my homeowners association happened to be August 16. My first featured article was in the Deer Park Tribune on page 16 and accented on the top of the front page "Loon Lake woman pens book about her mother...Page 16." Then The Loon Lake Times followed with a featured article on page 16, too. I like to believe the "16's" are more than coincidences and feel they are Steve's thumbprints sent by God as a blessing to Mom.