Blurb #2 - Pam Cope

One day last Fall, my editor (Marilyn) handed me a little clipping of a book she had discovered in the newspaper. The book was called Jantsen's Gift, and it's author is Pam Cope (with Aimee Molloy).  Marilyn thought that I should read this book since its theme seemed, in some ways, similar to mine.

I ordered Jantsen's Gift through Amazon that day and began reading as soon as I received it. This story, which is described on the cover as "A True Story of Grief, Rescue, and Grace" is that and so much more.

This incredible woman and her husband took the most devastating event of their lives--the sudden loss of their teenage son, Jantsen--and turned it into something beyond imagination. In Jantsen's memory, they created the Touch A Life Foundation, which advocates on behalf of thousands of trafficked and vulnerable children around the world.

I can't even begin to adequately share all the good that Pam and Randy Cope have done in this world through their foundation. Suffice it to say, they have saved many lives. For that reason, I would love for you to go to the website and take a look for yourself: http://www.touchalifekids.org/

And if you feel so inclined to join their mission or send a donation, that would be a blessing.

After I read Jantsen's Gift, I felt compelled to reach out to Pam about Daniel's story. She has obviously done so much to make a difference, and we would love to do the same in Daniel's memory. Pam graciously took her valuable time to speak with me on the phone for an hour or so one day. She's a lovely person, and was so ready and willing to help this newbie author (me) with our project.

So, it is with tremendous admiration that I announce my second cover blurb. We are truly grateful for Pam's generosity and kindness.

Blurb #1 - Frank McKinney

I am so honored that Mr. Frank McKinney has provided a cover blurb for Daniel's story. He is an amazing man with a wonderful story himself.  Frank is the author of "The Tap," along with 4 other international best-selling books. He is widely known for his success as a Real Estate Artist, creating and selling multi-million dollar homes that are better known as art projects.

I love the essence of his book, "The Tap," because of its religious nature. In the book, Frank reveals the most important spiritual principle that he attributes to his astronomical success. He explains how God has tapped him (and taps everyone) many times in life, answering prayers and presenting life-changing opportunities. The Tap shows you how to sensitize yourself to feel, then act on your life's great "Tap Moments," embracing the rewards and responsibilities of a blessed life.
 
And in 1998, Frank acted on the "tap" of his life by starting the Caring House Project Foundation.
Based on the belief that stability begins with a home and without the need of shelter being met, there is little hope, he created a foundation that cared for those who had no shelter. He was inspired by the Gospel of Luke, 12:48: "Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more demanded of the person entrusted with more."

As of 2012, the Caring House Project Foundation has built fifteen villages in the Haitian cities of Gonaives, Port au Prince, Testasse, Ft. San Michael, Los Cacaos, Cap Haitian, Ange Village, Paroty, Terre Rouge, Fond Rouge Torbek, Chameua, Mannual, Makandal, and Mahotiere/Rampa all at no cost to the beneficiaries.

I find it intriguing that God "tapped" me to reach out to Frank McKinney shortly after Daniel had passed away, without even knowing about this book. All I really knew about him at the time was that he was an accomplished author and that he goes to our church.  I was outside in our backyard one day, and into my head pops "Contact Frank McKinney."

The Tap, indeed.

I immediately went into the house and formulated an email message to send to him. I was quite nervous since I didn't know him personally, and wasn't sure how my email would be received. Not ten minutes later, our phone rang. It was Frank McKinney. He kindly listened to Daniel's story and--without hesitation--graciously offered his endorsement to the project. He even emailed me the contact information for his publishing representative. Unfortunately, after months of correspondence, the publisher fell through, but obviously I was meant to connect with Frank for other reasons.

So...I finally, and most proudly, announce his support.  If you would like more information about Frank, his bestsellers, and his Caring House Project, please visit:  http://frank-mckinney.com

Plugging away...

Day by day, I am making progress on the book. The last couple of months have been spent formatting the manuscript to the publisher's specifications, or trying to anyways.

My trusty editor, Marilyn, is in the process of giving the book a final once-over with edits. She is 2/3 done.

My friend, Lisa, who is a PR/marketer, is helping me work on the back cover script.

And, finally, I have a few cover blurbs, which I'll be posting about soon.

I still hope to have Daniel's story to the publisher in the next couple of weeks, which doesn't seem out of reach.

Praying for the Holy Spirit to continue guiding this project!

Mischief Baby

It's a bottle of baby lotion.

Not just any baby lotion.  It's Mischief Baby.

It was purchased for Daniel in Nanchang, China when we adopted him and we massaged his little body with it almost daily.

And it's empty now.

But I can't bear to throw it out.

Does that sound weird?  Do I sound like some strange hoarder?

Somehow, I feel like that silly plastic bottle is a piece of his journey home--a piece of him, and I don't think I'm ready to part with that.

Not yet, anyway.

Sometimes, I suppose it's the little things...

Happy Birthday, Little Groundhog

Today is Groundhog's Day. 

It is also Daniel's birthday. 

There is a little four-year old celebrating up in Heaven today. 

This picture is from China when we celebrated Daniel's 2nd birthday
with him at the Safari Park in Guangzhou.

Happy birthday, Daniel!  Thinking about you today and every day!! 

 

 

Dear Daniel,

Two years ago today, they placed you in our arms.

And I will never be the same.

I praise God for having you.

But I'm sad to have lost you so soon.

The love I have for you will never diminish, son.

You are with me always, a fixture in my heart.

Thinking of you today and every day, my angel boy. 

We miss you down here.

Pure Treasure

See these pictures?  We just received them last night. They were emailed to us from friends in Spain who brought their daughter Clara home at the same time we brought Daniel home.

Daniel is the cutie in the orange shirt.

Daniel and Clara lived in a Holt-sponsored group home together. They were bed-mates.

Our friends in Spain discovered the photos of Daniel after he'd passed away, and they were afraid that it might be too painful for us to see them.

When I contacted them for permission to include Clara in our book, they decided to send them to us.

Pure. Treasure.

Thank you, Lord.