Our pediatrician, Doctor Bradford, is mentioned in the book because he was a part of Daniel's journey here and a part of our story. He's always been very good to our family.
Last week when I took Charlie in for his 3-year wellness visit, I took along a copy of the book...just in case.
Not only did Doctor Bradford want to buy the book, but he kindly asked me if they could sell them there at his practice!
I will happily be delivering books, and a display, to his office this week.
So now the patients of Pediatrics by the Sea will see Daniel's sweet face on their counter:)
Monday, November 26, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
About book reviews...
I want them! I need them! Please, Daniel fans, won't you write one? Pretty please?
Of course, I am seeking out only the good ones. The negative ones need not participate, okay? Because I've always subscribed to that old adage, "If you have nothing nice to say, than don't say anything at all."
Thanks:)
I feel so fortunate in that I have already received some beautiful heartfelt reviews, and I am learning that book reviews really do work. Several of my Amazon reviewers have received emails that their reviews have indeed influenced others to purchase the book!
And the more people who purchase the book...well, the greater the likelihood that Daniel's story will touch and inspire others. That is our ultimate goal here, friends!
It's very simple to write a review on Amazon. Basically, it requires searching the book title on Amazon, clicking the little area (in blue) where the reviews are listed, and then adding your review.
Easy breezy.
Another site that is growing in popularity is called Goodreads.com. I have no idea how it all works, but I would love for With an Open Heart to be recommended on Goodreads if any of you have an account there and would be so kind!
Thank you, again, for your support. I feel like I'm always asking for more, more, more from Daniel's fans! Oh, the things we will do for our children, right?
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Be sure to hug those children and make precious memories!!
Of course, I am seeking out only the good ones. The negative ones need not participate, okay? Because I've always subscribed to that old adage, "If you have nothing nice to say, than don't say anything at all."
Thanks:)
I feel so fortunate in that I have already received some beautiful heartfelt reviews, and I am learning that book reviews really do work. Several of my Amazon reviewers have received emails that their reviews have indeed influenced others to purchase the book!
And the more people who purchase the book...well, the greater the likelihood that Daniel's story will touch and inspire others. That is our ultimate goal here, friends!
It's very simple to write a review on Amazon. Basically, it requires searching the book title on Amazon, clicking the little area (in blue) where the reviews are listed, and then adding your review.
Easy breezy.
Another site that is growing in popularity is called Goodreads.com. I have no idea how it all works, but I would love for With an Open Heart to be recommended on Goodreads if any of you have an account there and would be so kind!
Thank you, again, for your support. I feel like I'm always asking for more, more, more from Daniel's fans! Oh, the things we will do for our children, right?
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! Be sure to hug those children and make precious memories!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
My First Book Signing
I want to sincerely thank those who came to my first book signing, appropriately at St. Vincent Ferrer, where so much of our journey with Daniel took place.
Because of the purchases made, our family can donate to Holt International Children's Services, and we have chosen to supply warm clothing and sturdy shoes for an orphan in need.
If you would like to know more about Holt's orphan care initiatives, please visit their website. There are so many ways to help through giving.
With an Open Heart is still available in the gift shop at SVF, and there are several ways to purchase through the links on this website. Daniel makes a great Christmas gift:)
We thank you for opening your hearts and helping us share Daniel's story! We hope to have another orphan care book-signing fundraiser in the Spring.
May God bless you and yours as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday and reflect on all of our blessings with gratitude!
Because of the purchases made, our family can donate to Holt International Children's Services, and we have chosen to supply warm clothing and sturdy shoes for an orphan in need.
If you would like to know more about Holt's orphan care initiatives, please visit their website. There are so many ways to help through giving.
With an Open Heart is still available in the gift shop at SVF, and there are several ways to purchase through the links on this website. Daniel makes a great Christmas gift:)
We thank you for opening your hearts and helping us share Daniel's story! We hope to have another orphan care book-signing fundraiser in the Spring.
May God bless you and yours as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday and reflect on all of our blessings with gratitude!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Stretched
In the book, I mentioned my ever-present fear of public speaking. It rests with me always, and last weekend--as I spoke at the tail-end of seven Masses--was no exception.
But I knew it was something that I had to do as the one who wrote this book. There is no one else who could convey my thoughts or feelings. No one else could sufficiently evoke my emotion. No one else who could appropriately share our story. And the fact that the parish was graciously allowing me any time to speak at all? Wow. What an awesome experience that I'm incredibly grateful for.
And Daniel's story couldn't have come at a better time. Because the gospel last weekend was all about loving God, and loving thy neighbor.
In my heart, I wanted my message to be even BIGGER than the book. Of course, my upcoming book signing this weekend was in the line-up, along with our family's journey with Daniel, but I felt a need to address Orphan Sunday, too, and the fact that there are more than 147,000,000 orphans in the world. I wanted to provide an array of existing options to help (adoption, foster care, sponsorship, prayer).
At the end of it all, I was left feeling completely drained in every way--mentally, physically, and emotionally.
So, I ponder--how is that possible when I spent almost all weekend with God? In the presence of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit?
Perhaps, at Saturday night's Mass, because Charlie woke up from his nap at the exact time I supposed to speak. He insisted that I hold him, which was fine, but his weight--combined with my nerves--did a number on me physically.
Perhaps it was because the only thing I ate all Sunday morning was a banana.
Perhaps it was because I forgot to bring a sweater all weekend, and the church was freezing.
Or maybe it was because my adrenaline was triggered approximately one hundred times in a 24-hour span.
All kidding aside, I know where my emptiness came from. Remember in the book when I wrote about how God stretches us sometimes?
Well, I do believe I'd been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d again.
And it felt as if a wound had been ripped open--almost like we'd lost Daniel all over again. The grieving process is a long one, and I walked away feeling like I might need a break from the book.
But rest is a miracle cure, and because of Jesus' love for us, each day we are renewed. And given the strength to forge ahead. So after a couple of days, I do feel renewed! I also feel like the actual book signing this weekend might be the more relaxing part for me.
I am so grateful for our community at St. Vincent Ferrer. All of the priests and staff were so amazing, and supportive. And the parishioners, as usual, were so kind.
As to whether any impact was made, I will share one story that made my whole experience complete.
After the final 5:30 Mass on Sunday, I was approached by a sweet, younger couple. They both had tears in their eyes and asked if I had five minutes to spare. We walked outside together, and they revealed that they are in the middle of an adoption process and were faced, last week, with a bump in the road that could cause a significant delay. Not only did this leave them questioning their choices about their path of adoption, but they also found themselves struggling to get to church that day. They wrestled back and forth with going to Mass on Sunday, but the Good Lord won, and they decided to show up.
And they heard my testimony.
Is there any doubt that the Holy Spirit sent them there to hear what they needed to hear? To comfort them and confirm that they're on the right path? Not in my mind.
It just doesn't get any better than that...
But I knew it was something that I had to do as the one who wrote this book. There is no one else who could convey my thoughts or feelings. No one else could sufficiently evoke my emotion. No one else who could appropriately share our story. And the fact that the parish was graciously allowing me any time to speak at all? Wow. What an awesome experience that I'm incredibly grateful for.
And Daniel's story couldn't have come at a better time. Because the gospel last weekend was all about loving God, and loving thy neighbor.
In my heart, I wanted my message to be even BIGGER than the book. Of course, my upcoming book signing this weekend was in the line-up, along with our family's journey with Daniel, but I felt a need to address Orphan Sunday, too, and the fact that there are more than 147,000,000 orphans in the world. I wanted to provide an array of existing options to help (adoption, foster care, sponsorship, prayer).
At the end of it all, I was left feeling completely drained in every way--mentally, physically, and emotionally.
So, I ponder--how is that possible when I spent almost all weekend with God? In the presence of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit?
Perhaps, at Saturday night's Mass, because Charlie woke up from his nap at the exact time I supposed to speak. He insisted that I hold him, which was fine, but his weight--combined with my nerves--did a number on me physically.
Perhaps it was because the only thing I ate all Sunday morning was a banana.
Perhaps it was because I forgot to bring a sweater all weekend, and the church was freezing.
Or maybe it was because my adrenaline was triggered approximately one hundred times in a 24-hour span.
All kidding aside, I know where my emptiness came from. Remember in the book when I wrote about how God stretches us sometimes?
Well, I do believe I'd been s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d again.
And it felt as if a wound had been ripped open--almost like we'd lost Daniel all over again. The grieving process is a long one, and I walked away feeling like I might need a break from the book.
But rest is a miracle cure, and because of Jesus' love for us, each day we are renewed. And given the strength to forge ahead. So after a couple of days, I do feel renewed! I also feel like the actual book signing this weekend might be the more relaxing part for me.
I am so grateful for our community at St. Vincent Ferrer. All of the priests and staff were so amazing, and supportive. And the parishioners, as usual, were so kind.
As to whether any impact was made, I will share one story that made my whole experience complete.
After the final 5:30 Mass on Sunday, I was approached by a sweet, younger couple. They both had tears in their eyes and asked if I had five minutes to spare. We walked outside together, and they revealed that they are in the middle of an adoption process and were faced, last week, with a bump in the road that could cause a significant delay. Not only did this leave them questioning their choices about their path of adoption, but they also found themselves struggling to get to church that day. They wrestled back and forth with going to Mass on Sunday, but the Good Lord won, and they decided to show up.
And they heard my testimony.
Is there any doubt that the Holy Spirit sent them there to hear what they needed to hear? To comfort them and confirm that they're on the right path? Not in my mind.
It just doesn't get any better than that...
Monday, November 5, 2012
Reunited
I had posted earlier in the month that With an Open Heart would be one of the titles featured at the Women of Faith conference in Kansas City, MO.
To my surprise, I received a Facebook message from a friend who she would be attending this event.
But that's not the coolest part....
The best part is that this incredible woman, Deidre, was part of our adoption journey with Daniel.
Her family traveled to adopt a very special little girl, a sister for their two boys.
And they were in our Holt China travel group.
I'm sure it's not the way she ever hoped to be reunited with Daniel. It wasn't my plan either.
But, nevertheless, I was so thankful that she was able to receive one of the free e-bookstubs.
So now, Daniel can live in her house, too:)
To my surprise, I received a Facebook message from a friend who she would be attending this event.
But that's not the coolest part....
The best part is that this incredible woman, Deidre, was part of our adoption journey with Daniel.
Her family traveled to adopt a very special little girl, a sister for their two boys.
And they were in our Holt China travel group.
I'm sure it's not the way she ever hoped to be reunited with Daniel. It wasn't my plan either.
But, nevertheless, I was so thankful that she was able to receive one of the free e-bookstubs.
So now, Daniel can live in her house, too:)
Saturday, November 3, 2012
One of my weekend prayers
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Please, Lord,
Please, Lord,
As I speak at the Masses this weekend,
I pray that you fill me
with your spirit.
Please help me deliver your
message of faith.
Please grant me the serenity to help me to focus less on my
own insecurities
And more on the message that needs to be heard:
There are more than
147,000,000 orphans in the world.
Please, Lord,
Let my words of our family’s experience flow with the Grace
that only you can give
Ignite a fire in
my heart with the kindle of your
love,
And give me the sufficient words to inspire families to care for and adopt your
children.
Please, Oh Lord,
I pray that Daniel’s story touches
lives and opens hearts this weekend.
In your name.
Amen.
Friday, November 2, 2012
A Month of Love
November is National Adoption Month. Could you open your heart to one of these children?
Thursday, November 1, 2012
A Daniel day
Today has been one of those Holy-spirit filled, Daniel kinda days. I love these days, especially because I'm reminded--through some amazing moments--that Daniel still lives.
Part One
While Charlie and I were getting ready to walk into our St. Vincent playgroup this morning, I took a call from Peggie, the director at First United Methodist Church (you may remember the church, and Peggie, mentioned in the book).
"Do you have a minute?" she asked.
Peggie began to tell me that she had taken her Mother-in-Law to the hospital yesterday and how she was feeling all "woe is me" because her Halloween was completely tied up with a doctor's visit. But, she'd brought her copy of With an Open Heart along to help with the wait, and she carried it in her arms.
"What are you reading?" the nurse asked her with curiosity.
Peggie said, "Oh, it's a book that one of my preschool moms wrote about her son, Daniel. He was a blue baby that they'd adopted from China. They took him in for his open-heart surgery, but he didn't make it."
The nurse, apparently, was stopped in her tracks.
"I have a son named Daniel," she said, "and he was a blue baby." "He's had four open-heart surgeries, and he's now in his twenties!"
Peggie said that the nurse--who seemed filled with faith--couldn't contain her goosebumps as she listened to more about Daniel, and she could hardly wait to read the book. The nurse also mentioned that she planned to make every nurse in the hospital read it.
Of course, I couldn't contain my goosebumps after taking that phone call!
Part Two
When we walked into playgroup, I was introduced to a new member of our group, Susi, who brought her two little ones to play.
About halfway through the play date, she and I finally had a chance to chat. We talked about our kids for a few moments, and then she revealed that her sister-in-law knows me. She mentioned that her son was baptized two weeks back at St. Vincent's, and that her brother-in-law (her son's Godfather) and his wife flew in from MD for the baptism.
Susi's sister-in-law, who just happened to see the ad in the church bulletin for my book signing on November 11th, took one look at the picture of the book cover, and said, "I know her! We know that family!"
Turns out, the Godparents were in our China travel group when we adopted Charlie! They adopted an adorable little boy themselves! We had even dined with them on our trip!
Is that crazy?? It was Susi's sister-in-law who'd suggested that she start attending the church playgroup with her children. And that's how we met today. Only God. I am amazed that With an Open Heart made this connection!
Part One
While Charlie and I were getting ready to walk into our St. Vincent playgroup this morning, I took a call from Peggie, the director at First United Methodist Church (you may remember the church, and Peggie, mentioned in the book).
"Do you have a minute?" she asked.
Peggie began to tell me that she had taken her Mother-in-Law to the hospital yesterday and how she was feeling all "woe is me" because her Halloween was completely tied up with a doctor's visit. But, she'd brought her copy of With an Open Heart along to help with the wait, and she carried it in her arms.
"What are you reading?" the nurse asked her with curiosity.
Peggie said, "Oh, it's a book that one of my preschool moms wrote about her son, Daniel. He was a blue baby that they'd adopted from China. They took him in for his open-heart surgery, but he didn't make it."
The nurse, apparently, was stopped in her tracks.
"I have a son named Daniel," she said, "and he was a blue baby." "He's had four open-heart surgeries, and he's now in his twenties!"
Peggie said that the nurse--who seemed filled with faith--couldn't contain her goosebumps as she listened to more about Daniel, and she could hardly wait to read the book. The nurse also mentioned that she planned to make every nurse in the hospital read it.
Of course, I couldn't contain my goosebumps after taking that phone call!
Part Two
When we walked into playgroup, I was introduced to a new member of our group, Susi, who brought her two little ones to play.
About halfway through the play date, she and I finally had a chance to chat. We talked about our kids for a few moments, and then she revealed that her sister-in-law knows me. She mentioned that her son was baptized two weeks back at St. Vincent's, and that her brother-in-law (her son's Godfather) and his wife flew in from MD for the baptism.
Susi's sister-in-law, who just happened to see the ad in the church bulletin for my book signing on November 11th, took one look at the picture of the book cover, and said, "I know her! We know that family!"
Turns out, the Godparents were in our China travel group when we adopted Charlie! They adopted an adorable little boy themselves! We had even dined with them on our trip!
Is that crazy?? It was Susi's sister-in-law who'd suggested that she start attending the church playgroup with her children. And that's how we met today. Only God. I am amazed that With an Open Heart made this connection!
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