Family Review

When the phone rang last night my heart gave a little 'thump'. Caller ID showed it was my cousin, a woman that I've always looked up to and admired. Perhaps it's a sign of my age, or more likely the aging of my family, that made my first thought "I hope nobody is sick." No, nobody was sick. My cousin was simply calling to tell me she just finished reading my novel, Signs of the South. She wanted to talk to me about it. My heart gave an even bigger thump. The thing is, I sort of expected her to say she hated it. I don't know why I expected that, but I closed my eyes and waited for the inevitable. "I loved it!" she said. "I can't wait to read the next one, because I know I'll love that, too!" Her enthusiasm and encouragement brought me to the edge of tears, and reminded me of how grateful I am for the continued support and love of my family. Family will tell you when they think you haven't done a good job, but they support you through everything because they love you. This is what makes the praise all the more meaningful. Thank you, cousin Lynne.