I was totally stunned when I got the email that I placed for the Bronze Award at the International Reader's Favorite Yearly Competition. I had forgotten I had even submitted my book, so when I saw the letter I was in shock. To win an international award for writing is a dream come true for me and to attend an awards ceremony in Miami in November will be the culmination of a long journey. 2019 has been a difficult year for me. Losing my mother on the very first day of 2019 was devastating. It’s taken months to be able to get through the day without crying and writing has helped me get through some of the hardest days of my life. To get recognition about something so close to me is proof that I’m in the right direction. Follow your bliss is a true statement and I will continue to follow mine.