You Never Know Who You Will Meet

This past fourth of July, Mags and I enjoyed a day at the Oswego County Fair located in Sandy Creek, New York. We laughed and enjoyed the time spent with a small portion of Oswego Counties authors. As much as I enjoy meeting other authors, my favorite aspect of doing book signings and speaking engagements is the interaction with those stopping by the table. Some introduce themselves, some ask questions, and some just take a card so they can "look me up" when they get home later that day.

A sister duo enjoying a day together at the fair stopped to say hello and learn more about my book. They might of stopped to learn more about Heidi, her case, and my story yet they encouraged and inspired me. The woman wearing the black shirt is named Joan. Joan lost her son and published a book about her journey.

Joan shared a little about her son's death and some of the things that happened in the days, months, and years to follow. Her son died around the same time my sister, Heidi M Allen, was kidnapped.

The thing about pain is regardless of the years in between, your faith in God, or how you experienced the loss...there is a distant look in the eyes. Joan (or myself) are no different. As she talked about her son and the book she wrote, I recognized the sadness staring at me yet at the same time, there was hope and life.

---

Joan and I both lost someone dear to us. She lost her son and I lost my sister. We have something else in common too, we both have hope to see them again when we arrive in heaven.

An eternal hope is so much stronger than a wish or dream. I haven't read Joan's book yet but have it saved in my "wish list" on Amazon.

Our conversation was short and sweet. Her joy and love for her son and God, encouraging. The connection, eternal.

---

NOTE: I will be at the New Haven Town Farmers Market tonight, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. with copies of all three books.
For more information about the market and its vendors this week,
contact Debbie Allen at the Town Hall, (315)963-3900.
She is always looking for new and more vendors.
Tonight in addition to fresh produce and myself,
you can enjoy a night of "home parties" without cleaning your house!
Stop to say hi, buy some produce or a book, and have fun enjoying our community!

Click on any photo for a direct link...

Who inspired you last week and how?