I was a little worried when I heard that an 11 year-old friend of my niece's was reading my book. What would she think? Could she possibly get anything out of a book meant for widowed moms or at the very least married adults? And yet the letter she wrote to me has blown me away and I just can't help but share. I am discovering that inspiration flows in two directions.

Dear Abby,I loved your book, it truly inspired me to never give up on what you love and if something happens you can’t let it ruin your life forever. Thank you so much for the donation [of your book] to my school, My school and librarian and me really appreciate it. There are so many books I’ve read that have made me think…. Ok now what? But yours made me think…… WOW this really makes me think about how I pass my time and how I use my time wisely because, I have to know that one day I will lose someone, and I can cry that’s ok, I can care and be sad but I can’t let it take my life with it. I cannot tell you have inspirational you are to me, how well you deal with it, how you dealt with it. It brought me to tears and I really did feel how you felt, like I was there and it made it even more personally because I know you. Even though I have never met Aaron he sounds like an amazing Husband and dad. And I felt as if I had known him my whole life. Abby, you truly have a gift of talent, kindness and a BIG heart. You are such a great mother, aunt ,sister and everyone tells me how great you are an I agree. I really am a fan. Thank you for giving me the pleasure of reading your book and sharing your gift with me and many more. If I do bring tears, I hope they are of joy. And I want you to stay as confident and joyful as always. Hope I can see you soon.

Those tears she mentions are definitely of joy. Joy that my words had the power to affect someone so young.