Shortly before my mom passed away, she encountered a skunk with an empty dog food can stuck on its nose. She wanted to help but wasn’t sure how she could without getting sprayed. She was heading into the church for a meeting, and someone called out to her to leave it be and she did. She told me later that she felt like a hypocrite going into the church when she was too afraid to help what was surely the “least of these.” I told her, I for one, was very glad she didn’t try, as I would have had to give her a tomato juice bath, just like when her Irish Setter got sprayed. (To be clear, Ted the dog was not trying to be a good Samaritan - he was actually going out of his way to antagonize the skunk).
BJ a friend of mine, your mom and Ted had also ordered the book. Her comment to me Of course Hope wanted to help the skunk and of course Bobbie helped a Ukrainian artist. The line continues. My love and admiration goes on ….
Wonderful Bobbie! I ordered a copy of your new book; can't wait to have it...When the heck did you find time to write a book, link up with an extraordinary illustrator, have a peace-promoting global adventure, and consoled, comforted and helped the war weary on the other side of the planet?? You are amazing! As my 103-year old friend used to say to me: KEEP GOING! KEEP GOING! M
Thank you, Marta! But honestly there wasn't a lot of consoling, comforting, or helping. I was very good at asking "are you okay?" and then saying, "dear lord, I'm so sorry". I'm not sure that really constitutes being helpful. Mostly I cried and felt guilty for having so much comfort and joy in my own life. But thank you, and I hope you love the book!
I’m not sure which I loved more, the book, or the story behind it. Your Mom would be incredibly proud and pleased!
Yes! to Kate’s comments… I love this story behind the story. Thank you.
Thank you, Barbara! The book definitely took on a life of its own, and it feels a bit odd to have it "completed."
BJ a friend of mine, your mom and Ted had also ordered the book. Her comment to me Of course Hope wanted to help the skunk and of course Bobbie helped a Ukrainian artist. The line continues. My love and admiration goes on ….
That's so sweet Penny, Thank BJ and thank you for telling me. (And you forgot - "of course Ted chased a skunk"
Wonderful Bobbie! I ordered a copy of your new book; can't wait to have it...When the heck did you find time to write a book, link up with an extraordinary illustrator, have a peace-promoting global adventure, and consoled, comforted and helped the war weary on the other side of the planet?? You are amazing! As my 103-year old friend used to say to me: KEEP GOING! KEEP GOING! M
Thank you, Marta! But honestly there wasn't a lot of consoling, comforting, or helping. I was very good at asking "are you okay?" and then saying, "dear lord, I'm so sorry". I'm not sure that really constitutes being helpful. Mostly I cried and felt guilty for having so much comfort and joy in my own life. But thank you, and I hope you love the book!