Amy M. Schaefer
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From the Front Porch

I am an "accidental blogger". When I launched my writing career in March of 2014, one of the things that I decided to include was my journaling, which I have always found to be a comforting and therapeutic endeavor.  It was a big risk to open myself up in such a public forum, but it has taught me that, for the most part, we share far more experiences than we think. It's comforting to know I'm not alone!  (*the "Button Text" is the link to my first novel)
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Day Thirty-six: "Happy", on Steroids

12/8/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
"They're here," I told my husband reverently, hands trembling as I gave him the rain-soaked box that had been delivered Saturday afternoon. "I hope they're not damaged," he said, worried. "Me, too," I got out, but mostly I was holding my breath in eager anticipation. He took the kitchen scissors and gently cut the tape sealing the contents. Soggy paper was removed, and beneath it pristine, undamaged perfection...Mattie's book. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pulled them out to inspect the piece of work Mattie and I had created. This is the first hold-it-in-your-hands book I've published, and it's fitting that most of the words written within are hers. Brad took the first copy from me. "This one is mine," he said possessively and pulled my shaking body into his arms. "I am so proud of you," he whispered against my hair. "And she would be, too."

On Sunday, I took three copies with me to church. I showed them to some of the people Aunt Mattie had known and all of them shared stories with me about how she'd touched them with her brilliantly beautiful light. I came home with no books but a heart so full of joy I don't know how it didn't burst. Later that afternoon, I took a copy of the book to her son and daughter-in-law, who live in the house where I grew up, Mattie's house, refurbished with love that shows in every space. When her son thanked me for making the book, I had to bite back a sob. I wanted to tell him, "Thank you for sharing her with me," but knew the words wouldn't be enough. Some things truly have no words to express them. This is definitely one of those times. Today I am happy, thankful, and honored to have the opportunity to give something back to the most influential person in my life. Making someone's dream come true might just be the most powerful "high" I have ever experienced. No wonder Santa wants to keep his job for all eternity! The magic of Christmas is a spell created from the sincerity of giving...a child to the whole world, food & gifts to those in need, as well as those we love, and dreams made real. It is powerful magic!

2 Comments
Brooke Dahl
12/8/2014 08:36:04 am

What a wonderful thing you've done. Mattie would be so happy and so proud! Congratulations!

Reply
Amy M. Schaefer
12/8/2014 11:07:29 am

Brooke, coming from you that means a LOT! Thank you for your kind words and unwavering support. Love you!
Always,
A.

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    About The Author

    I grew up in rural North Carolina. When I was only nineteen, I moved away and became a military wife. My only aspiration at that tender time in my life was to create an adult life that "fixed" all of the "injustices" of my childhood. Secretly, however, I wanted to reach for the sky! I wanted to be a writer and find ways to "save the world" (my mother used to say, "You have Save the World Syndrome".). Mostly, I wanted to matter.

    Since then, I have learned to reach well beyond what I ever dared to think was possible. I've learned not to allow fear to stop me from whatever future I want to create!

    What keeps me grounded? My Tribe! What provides the wind beneath my wings? A well of reserves filled with unstoppable passion!

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  • Amy M. Schaefer, Writer
  • Blog: From the Front Porch
  • Novels
  • Short Stories
    • Children's Books
  • About the Author
  • Contact
  • Photo & Art Gallery