Charles Dickens wrote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" and this year has been just that. I self-published my first book and have received some wonderful reviews. A Kirkus star was icing on the cake, but then, life happened.

My father died on August 12th. We knew it was coming, but it was still sudden and unexpected.

Before he died, I showed him the June issue of Kirkus magazine. In the back my book was listed as one of the best Indie books of June. He was so proud. He showed the nurse when she came in and said "do you want to meet someone famous?" He showed her the magazine and said "that's my daughter!" I was so embarrassed at the time. But looking back, I'm so happy he had a chance to brag and be proud of his daughter.

Even if he was exaggerating, I'm glad he got to do it. He was always proud of his girls, but being able to give him that little gift that other people thought she did a good job too, meant so much to him. He was so proud that I did what I set out to do. I think in a small way he thought he did something right in this life that he helped make a human who was tenacious and committed enough to follow her heart.

As the summer of 2024 draws to a close, I sit here exhausted. Emotionally and physically drained from the sorrow and happiness. I know it’s life’s contrast that allows us to appreciate things. In his eulogy I wrote "Would we truly recognize the beauty of a blue sky if we didn’t have dull gray ones to compare it to?" I don't think we would.

One thing is for sure. I miss my dad terribly but I’m so thankful I was able to publish my little book before he died.