I remember running in a Police Athletic League track meet, and I won two bronze medals; one for the 100yd dash and one for the 200yd dash. My mother was so proud until I reminded her that only three sprinters were entered, so even if I had crawled across the finish line hours later, I would still would have won. I just checked the voting tabulation and was absolutely thrilled to see that "It's You I Like" had garnered its first and perhaps only vote. I am not complaining in the least; I've read all of the stories and they are all quite good.

I'm writing this as a thank you for all of the folks who have been kind enough to comment on my work. I am fairly new to this apart from the odd paper or two in grad school years ago. My intent, first and foremost, is to encourage and inspire, and I hope I have. My desire is to create authentic, real people that the reader will want to care about and follow, like friends or family. Your feedback tells me that my fictional family is worth caring about.

I had the supreme privilege of singing "I will rise" with my in-laws at the wake this evening, and it was a wonderful, sad, happy and glorious time. Tears and laughter mingled freely as we appreciated the life my mother-in-law led and all the people she blessed. I said that if you looked up the definition of "sweet" in an illustrated dictionary, the entry would feature her photo. Thank you all for your prayers and support and may God bless you all! 'drea

I am so sorry for the multiple posts. I didn't mean to be so selfish. My sweet mother-in-law died on Saturday, and this has been a way of dealing with the loss as we prepare for the funeral Friday. She was a lovely kind woman; her name was Natalie, and even though I married into her family, it hurts and I miss her so. Thanks for understanding, and I'll try to "pace" myself. God bless! 'drea