Sunday, July 19, 2015

FINAL POST - THANKS FOR MEMORABLE MOMENTS

I end this blog with good news!  Since publishing my book in 2007, I have traveled to a number of states and had numerous speaking engagements.  I was fortunate to have sold TWO printings of "Last To Leave Home".  Although my original purpose was to share Mark's journey from home to group home, it has far exceeded my expectations.  I have grown so much...especially as I have met so many giving, caring, wonderful people along the way.
My final step was to hand a check over to Dr. Leslie Rubin (who wrote the forward to my book and who touched our hearts so many years ago as he took time to examine and tenderly help my brother, Mark).  His organization has grown, expanding to include all adults with developmental disabilities.  In fact, he advises, but is no longer working at the facility.  Janice Nodvin, Executive Director/Clinic Director at Adult Disability Medical Home (ADMH), wrote me recently and thanked me for the $5,000 gift.  The proceeds from the book included some of the Baker personal money, which helped to make the gift an even amount.  Below is a photo of the check presentation to Dr. Rubin. 
God bless you all.  Now on to book #2--on Leadership---focusing on lessons from my successful husband, Clark Baker.  Watch out for the new book coming soon!  

SOLD OUT in Houston!

It was December 2014 and my husband was retiring.  We were moving back to our home in Nashville, Tennessee.  Sr. Anna Laura had purchased books for her class on human dignity for Frassati Catholic High School in Houston.  After sharing with Sister that I would be happy to come in as a guest author, she invited me to come literally days before we left the state.  What a wonderful time I had---the students were impressively astute and asked so many excellent, probing questions.  I felt, indeed, honored to be present.  Just before mass Sister told me that the students had gained so much from reading the book and because I had autographed each book the students felt the books were theirs to keep and this holy woman shared, "I just have to give each of them the book...I want to order more for next year."  "Sister, I only have 84 left here in Houston. 
"I'll take them", she immediately proclaimed. 
I couldn't believe that just before Mass my books in Houston were sold out!  Thank you, Sister, for making this a special moment for me.  I am ever so grateful!  
I recently realized that with such a hectic time, I had neglected to post this good news.  Enjoy the photo of a special occasion!