Fabulous Forty and in Philly! - GPCWC Day 3 - Part I

Today is my 40th birthday! A day to celebrate and rejoice...

It has been a wonderful day so far. From a text at 6 a.m., a card and homemade peppermint soap or the phone calls from home - it has been a great day. I haven't been to my email or Facebook yet - that will be fun too. The evening session of the conference starts in ten minutes but I wanted to thank everyone for making my day special.  I may not be with my biological family but I'm with my writing family...

As much as I celebrate and enjoy my birthday, the day still makes me a bit sad ~ as I share my book with other writers, an agent and an editor today I smile at the memories of my sister and the way God has used the tragedy of her kidnapping to make me a better person. Up until today I have been able to share without watery eyes or that empty feeling in the pit of my stomach but there is something about pitching my book as I remember all the happy times spent with my sister on day's like today.

April 3, 1994 I lost my sister and my best friend. In 2004, I found the Best Friend anyone could ever have or need - Jesus. He can redeem Satan's hand in our lives when we trust it to Him. I pray my book will touch the hearts of the sister, brother and family grieving the loss of their missing loved one in ways beyond their imagination.

I turn 40 today remembering my sister...and thanking God for each new day and breath He blesses me with. Enjoy the photos! Thanks Mom and Dad for doing the leg work to scan and email them when I have a vision in the middle of the night for the next day's blog away from the tools to make it happen. I love you and I'm tickled to have you as my parents.  Love ya, Brat

I am in the center of the photo above ~ Heidi would have only been a baby this year.

The photo to the left is a summer vacation. Side note: I thought the crab chased me down the dock!! LOL

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