At each book talk/event/signing/club I attend, there are many similar themes and questions that arise each time. The relationship with my mom. The dynamics of my family. The strength of the Notre Dame family. The humor in my rods. I welcome these questions, and enjoy answering them because they are the heart of my story.

What I find most interesting, however, are the new comments or questions that I have not heard. And there is at least one “new” question each time I share my story. As an author, it is fascinating to get this insight from a reader, to learn what has touched them or in what ways their lives have been affected. Whether it is a major part of the story, or just a few words that speak to them, each person has something to which they can relate - and often someone with whom they can empathize.

Another question I am often asked is whether or not it is hard to share my story repeatedly. When first asked, I surprised myself when I replied, “No.”

This has been on my mind as I received a letter in the mail this week from a former student of mine who I taught in the late-90s, and who wrote to share her feelings about the book. She ended with, “I remember you telling me that you sometimes get tired of telling your story; but, I hope you know how valuable it is for people to read.”

In many ways, this is why I wrote the book, and I am thankful that it is no longer difficult for me to share the story. Perhaps it is because it was my choice to do so. I have finally taken ownership over what happened to me – to us as a team and a family – and I now control it. For years, the accident controlled my life, and not necessarily in a positive way. I now feel as though I am in control and using my experience in a positive way. How lucky for me to have the opportunity to do that, how healing, and how easy. How could it be hard to share hope? To Share the Inspiration…

On a different note, I have uploaded more pictures from some of my book events this winter. I hope you enjoy them!