A TIME OF THANKS

This post will go live on November 22, 2018 which is when the United States celebrates Thanksgiving. There have been a number of posts about the beginning of this holiday. That is not what those of you who read this will see. Instead, I want to take the time to honor those who give me reason to be thankful.

My parents, both of whom have passed on. To them I want to let the world know how supportive they were in anything I attempted. They always told me, there will always be someone who does something better than you, but you will do things better than others. It all balances out. Follow your dream and you will achieve it. You know what? They have been right. They also read to me. Of course I kept demanding it and they gave me the love of language my honoring my need for stories.

My first grade teacher, Mrs. Williams. I spent most of my early life in and out of the hospital. I missed most of my first year of school. Since I attended a small school with multiple grades in one room, she passed me with my classmates and I did first and second grade together, with her as my teacher. She also read to us every day, a gift I still treasure.

To all those delinquents whose life intersected with mine. While they did not always come out of the system alive, they offered me a look at how others lived and what it took to survive in a world they were ill equipped to live in. Some grew and succeeded in life, others chose to spend their lives incarcerated or made a choice that led to their demise. From them I learned patience and compassion.

To all the co-workers and fellow students throughout my life, a huge thank you for being a part of this world and offering lessons I needed to learn.

To Chris Nichol from PPLDs Special Collections who encouraged me to share my love of research and history with the world. As a result I've written four papers for their History Symposium, which is streamed world wide. Those papers were: ' Karol Smith; from Real Life to Reel Life', ' The Cripple Creek Volcano; a thirty-five million year disaster', 'Doc Susie and Hollywood; Myths of 19th Century Women Doctors in Colorado' and 'Joe Ward; the Man at the Center of Colorado Springs first Sensational Murder Trial'

To Cheryl Pierson and Livia Washburn Reasoner of Prairie Rose Publications for believing in a novice fiction writer and giving her a chance to follow a dream. Because of these women my first story "Home for His Heart" was followed by "Never Had a Chance", "Lost Knight" and so many others.

This is not a complete list, but I would be remiss if I didn't have great gratitude for my fellow authors and the wonderful stories they share with the world. And last but definitely not least, to all the wonderful readers who read the stories I and my fellow authors write. Thank you!

May you all enjoy your lives and loved ones this coming holiday season and throughout the upcoming years.

From "A Gift of Forgiveness"

     Laughter shook the room, as the silly story ended. Nettie was sure that John had made it up for Ila and Albert to enjoy, and it seemed they weren't fooled. Both asked whether it was true. John turned to Nettie and, with a twinkle in his eye, then looked straight at both of the children. "I swear on a Bible, it's a true story."
     Ila looked very serious. "John, don't swear on a Bible and tell a fib. You could get into a lot of trouble. I know."
     John looked at Nettie, a questioning look on his face. He didn't seem to understand what Ila was talking about. To forestall any further questions, Nettie ventured, "Ila, if John says the story is true, I'm sure it is. Now, I'd better get started on that dinner. Why don't you help set the table?"
     As Ila moved ahead, John leaned in and whispered, "What was that all about?"
     "It was just her way of making sure you were not telling a fib," Nettie whispered back. She didn't feel she could tell him how Ila felt about testifying and what the whole incident in her past had done to her. Still, from the look in his eyes, she could tell he knew there was more to it than that. Feeling trapped, Albert saved her the explanation as he took John's hand. "Come see what I found."
     John gave Nettie a look indicating he would let it go for now, and followed Albert.
     "That's one lie I don't want to tell again," Nettie said as she headed into the kitchen.

Amazon e-book

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Angela Raines - author: Where Love & History Meet

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Thanksgiving Thoughts from Sarah J. McNeal

Thanksgiving couldn’t come at a better time this year. So much sadness, oppression, violence, and deprivation seems to be going on in the world right now. We all worry about our planet and the effects global warming is going to have on all living things here on Earth. I am war weary. It seems there is no end to war and violence. People are trying to escape to someplace where they can find peace, safety, and freedom. Just this past week, terrorists took the lives of so many innocent people in Paris, and as terrorists like to do, they threaten more senseless violence around the world. I’m not even certain if they truly have a reason for all their hatred. Who do they hate? Everybody? Why do they hate so many? I just don’t know. I am heartsick thinking about all this.

But I have hope. Hope is a powerful thing. It can make us believe there’s a light out there even in the darkest of times. It can make us believe there is good in everyone, even if it’s so far down deep inside them we can’t see it right now. I can imagine those Pilgrims so long ago escaping an oppressive land to find freedom just as the Syrians are doing today. Having hope is like having faith. In troubling times, faith can lift us up and give us the strength to persevere no matter how awful or dark our circumstances.

I’m thankful I was born and raised during happier times. Those were the Norman Rockwell kind of days. Some kids today have known nothing but war so far in their young lives. My great niece has never known a time without war, global warming, and civil unrest and violence.

Next week when I’m surrounded by loved ones preparing to eat a feast in remembrance of those stalwart Pilgrims, I’m going to keep hope in my heart and gratitude for living in a country founded on freedom and where, in times of trouble, people come together and help one another. It never fails to inspire me that, when things are at their worst, human beings are at their best.

So, here’s a little Norman Rockwell for you and a prayer that things will get better soon. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. God bless you and keep you from harm.

 Sarah J. McNeal is a multi-published author of several genres including time travel, paranormal, western and historical fiction. She is a retired ER and Critical Care nurse who lives in North Carolina with her four-legged children, Lily, the Golden Retriever and Liberty, the cat. Besides her devotion to writing, she also has a great love of music and plays several instruments including violin, bagpipes, guitar and harmonica. Her books and short stories may be found at Prairie Rose Publications and its imprints Painted Pony Books, and Fire Star Press. Some of her fantasy and paranormal books may also be found at Publishing by Rebecca Vickery and Victory Tales Press. She welcomes you to her website and social media:

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Note: all pictures of Norman Rockwell art from Pinterest