Today, I read and signed books at the beautiful Vroman’s Independent Bookstore in Pasadena. When I looked out into the audience, I saw all three of my daughters, their husbands/partners, and children, plus a whole slew of close friends who had made the trek from Burbank, Glendale, San Dimas, San Marino, Covina, and even one all the way from Texas to hear me read and discuss Hope in the Time of Dying. I felt so grateful to be surrounded by such love and support. Thank you, family and friends, for coming. What a gift.

Seeing my three older grandkids sitting so politely in the audience (one with a friend and his mother) also gave me a sense of legacy. These darling kids are all so creative, each in their own way, and I hope that my effort to demonstrate my creativity will serve as an example to them as they continue on their life paths. Twelve-year-old Luna and her best friend have written, acted in, and produced a series of videos; Nico and the friend with him today are working on a story written as a comic strip, and little six-year-old Lyla summarized the writing of my book with these words: “Grandma, a book is a work of art and you need to feel really proud of yourself for your creation.” Little two-and-a-half-year-old Ethan, on the other hand, was playing with toys in another part of the bookstore during the reading. I think we can all understand that he may not yet be quite old enough to wax poetic about his Memaw’s creative endeavors.

I will have other photos to post from Gary, one of my friends, who took lots of pictures of the event. Thank you, Gary! I saw just a few of the photos this afternoon and was thrilled to see what he had captured.

To all who have supported my book, thank you. If I were to say what has surprised me the most about this endeavor, I would have to say it is the love and generosity I have received from so many people who have purchased my book, written reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, attended my readings, and supported me through private messages. Wow. Who knew that taking the risk to share my work of art would produce such an outpouring of love?

One of my former writing students said, “I’m not used to saying this to someone who has been my mentor, but I am really proud of you.”

How much better does life get than all that?

Here’s a photo of Mackenzie, a close family friend, her daughter, Josephine, my daughters Sarah, Rachael, and Liz, and a fourth honorary daughter, Heather from Texas, plus our beloved Andrew, Rachael’s partner. His mother, Martha, is taking the photo!