The Book

I'm not really sure where the idea came from. I do know that it came to me when we were stationed in Florida. Perhaps it was my need to get out of there, out into the real world. Maybe it was being cooped up in the house with two babies that gave me the brilliant idea. Nevertheless, the concept was born. And once we moved to Ohio I set the books in motion.

There are two books, really. And the notion is simple. I chose a topic, two, because they were two topics that I just can't seem to get enough of. One book is about September 11th, the other about life lessons, life experiences, and/or advice.... personal stories.

I did the first page of the September 11th book. The premise of the book is to gather the stories of America into one book I could give to my young daughters who were not yet alive on that beautiful Tuesday morning that forever changed our country. I wrote of where I was that day and how it affected me. I included a picture of me with my grandmother standing on the Jersey shore (ironically, my grandmother was born & raised in New Jersey, which made it even more personal) with the Twin Towers looming behind us just one year before they fell. And that was it. I passed the book to a friend with direct instructions for her to do the same, complete one page about where she was on September 11, 2001, then pass it on to someone whom she thought had a story to tell and would do the same. When each page is complete there are instructions on where to send the book; back to me.

The second book is a little more open-ended. This time I did not start the book, just left instructions. I'm looking for a book of wisdom. Advice, if you will. Everybody has some, and everyone's experience tells a different tale. I sent the book off asking the recipient to document on one page a special life experience they would like to share. I have no idea what direction this book will take.

And I have no idea where these books are. I'm hoping whomever is fortunate enough to be in possession realizes that they hold the book because they have something important to share. And I'm hoping that people from all walks of life get the chance to add their own touches on the book. Because if they do, my children will be in possession of one of the greatest gifts I could give them.... A unique perspective created just for them.

I don't know how long it will take, or if I will even get my books back. I don't think they could ever be published, even if I do. But there is no doubt in my mind that if I do gain possession of these treasures there are lessons the lovelies and I can share for years to come.

Reading really can take you places.