They say ‘April showers bring May flowers.’ But when you’re an author (and a homeschooling mom!) it also brings a busy conference season!
However, when May comes around the first thing I think about is my WWII friends. Because my first novel From Dust To Ashes was inspired by the liberation of Mauthausen Concentration Camp on May 5, 1945, this time of year is always significant to me.
And I have to admit, April was full to the rim … but it was joyful because I was intentionally focused on celebrating what is important.
Celebrating Family
First of all, our family went away to celebrate Easter. Because of this, we were able to focus on our Savior and His resurrection in a peaceful, joy-filled space. We spent quality time together without the distractions of home life.
Second, my sweet grandbaby Amelia came to visit from the Czech Republic. The holiday allowed for a more relaxed schedule and consequently, she got to bond with us all individually. (This is her with Uncle Nathan!)
Certainly, a highlight was meeting my long-lost brother! (Who I just discovered as a result of taking a DNA test through 23 and Me!)
I had no idea I had another brother until a few months ago, and we look so much alike!
Celebrating Homeschooling
I LOVED speaking at homeschool conferences this spring, and I’m thankful my kids get to travel the US with me. Here are Jordan and Bella in Ft. Worth (on our way to Waco).
I also loved meeting so many of you! It’s always a highlight of conferences when I get to connect with my readers and friends in person.
I’ll be in Mobile, AL this weekend. If you’re nearby, please come say hello!
Celebrating Heroes
On May 5, 1945, Mauthausen Concentration Camp was liberated by the members of the 11th Armored Division. I met members of that division fifty-six years after the fact. Having known them is one of my greatest joys. Here is a photo from an Austrian newspaper of my friend LeRoy “Pete” Petersohn being honored at Mauthausen. Listening to Pete’s stories (and those of other veterans) inspired me to write my novels From Dust and Ashes and Night Song.
To honor these men, these novels are back in print. (And I even designed the covers myself!)
THANK YOU for all those who have loved these stories and shared them. It’s so important to me that these stories go on. Please enter to win a free copy of From Dust to Ashes!
I love my new covers, and I love reading inspiring reviews, like this one from GoodReads:
Finally, to tie it all together … I’m thankful for the men and women who fought for freedom, so I can enjoy life and enjoy my family. Their sacrifice is not forgotten!
I’m thankful for the men I once knew, for they’ve grown my appreciation for the family I have today!
(This was me with Tom in 2002 … what an honor to know these veterans!)
Celebrating Relationships
Above all, I’m thankful for YOU friend! May you hug your family close as we remember the liberation of Mauthausen and what we celebrate at Easter–the day God liberated us all from sin and death through Jesus Christ!
Tricia
Leave a Reply