I had an amazing week this week! I watched as two dreams I voiced years ago came true. I put it out there into the universe, spoke it and watched as it came back to me. One was huge with possibly big consequences, the other was smaller and more of a personal triumph. Both of these things came about the week of my birthday, so Happy Birthday to me. Birthday packages come in all shapes and sizes.
Nine years ago while Bryant was still in the ICU and we were given little hope that he would pull out of his coma or live a productive life, we were scheming otherwise. Steve and I talked and planned that one-day Bryant would overcome and become a motivational speaker. I know that sounds crazy, but we did, we really did talk and pray about it. What we didn’t know is that his younger brother would take that walk with him.
This week we received a double blessing, both Bryant and James spoke to a group of athletes at a local high school. They have an unbelievable story and want to tell young people, how your choices today, right now as a teenager could change your entire life, and possibly that of your children. This is a small beginning to what I believe in my heart will become so much more. My mind goes back to my favorite movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. You never really know how your actions may impact another person’s life. I believe that they have put their feet onto the pathway of changing many outcomes, even though they may never know it. Well done sons, well done. This is a great example of turning victim to victor! So if you know of a speaking venue for these two young men, please contact me via our web site.
The other triumph was that my book, The Year of the Cicadas made it to the Summer reading table of Rave & Faves by local readers at Joseph-Beth Bookseller. I used to walk through that very bookstore and dream about writing a book and one day and having my book placed on that very table. I must admit, I am rather proud. God has already prepared the hearts and minds of the people who are to receive our message. In my own way, I too will be changing a life when someone reads our very personal story of truth and redemption.
I have had years of work and sleepless nights between dreaming those dreams and the reality, but oh the victory is so sweet.
Happy Birthday to me, this has been an amazing week so far!
Catie
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Our marketing plan is driven by one person at a time, and you play an integral role in helping this book find it’s way into the hearts and the minds of the people it was written for.
Want to help? Here are some of the things you can do:
Write a review on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or our website www.theyearofthecicadas.com
Tell a friend about our book or purchase a copy for them as a gift.
Take our book to your or your friends book club, church group, or start a small group to read the book together. We have study guide questions on our website to help guide you through conversations about the book. You can get a discount through our website for multiple books purchased.
Write your local newspaper book reviewer and tell them how much you like our book.
Send a copy of our book or write to one of your favorite shows, like the Ellen Show, Oprah, The View or Kathie & Hoda, tell them what you think about it. It only does so much if I say my book is good, you the reader carry a lot more weight than I do with the outside world.
Pray for our message, that our story will reach the hearts and minds of the people who can help us to open the doors. Pray that our story will help to inspire people who are in need and that our story finds a way into their lives.
Without you, the readers of The Year of the Cicadas, this story would be in a shoebox in the top of my closet waiting for my grandchildren to discover it after my passing. Thank you for letting me see it find the light while I am still here. You rock.
The Year of The Cicadas 
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