Lynn Noelle Mossburg lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her children, Kate, Bethany and Joshua. She feels blessed to teach childbirth education, newborn health, parenting, vaginal birth after cesarean, and hypnobirthing at Allegheny General Hospital, among others. She loves to cuddle babies, read and manage her daughter’s band Heartwood. She’s greateful for her parents and friends.
Lynne Murphy is a registered nurse from Des Moines, Iowa. She and husband, Morris, are the parents of three children, Taryn, Daniel and Laurel.
Sherrie Page Najarian received her undergraduate degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina and received her master’s degree in nursing from Yale University. She is blessed to be married to her amazing, supportive husband, Ed. Currently, Sherrie is a stay-at-home mom raising her two wonderful children, Alexandra and Jonathan.
James A. Nelson is sixty-seven years old with a B.A. in economics from Eastern Washington University. Divorced with seven grandchildren and four children, he has recently self-published a book entitled, The Way It Was and The Way It Is—Forty-Nine Nostalgic Short Stories. He has been published many times locally, nationally and internationally.
Mary Ostyn and her husband live in Idaho with their six children, including two Korean-born sons whom they welcomed home in July of 1998 and January 2000. Mary enjoys her days as a full-time mother. Late at night when the house is quiet, she also enjoys writing.
Lynn Plourde is a children’s book author. Her picture books include Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Rud, Wild Child, andMoose, Of Course! Lynn lives in Winthrop, Maine, with her husband, two stepsons, and her daughter, Kylee, who was the inspiration for “Seems Like Yesterday.”
Ray Recchi was a lifestyle columnist for The Sun-Sentinel in Florida. He touched many lives with his humorous and poignant columns about everyday life, many of which were inspired by his own experiences with his wife and children. He is missed by many.
Jennifer Reed has two children, Eric and Emma, a dog, a cat, some goldfish and a hermit crab. Jennifer is stay-at-home mom who enjoys writing, especially for children. She has written for major children’s magazines and wishes to publish her children’s books.
Carol McAdoo Rehme is a professional storyteller, public speaker, and writer who believes in parenting by the book. Unfortunately, she is still waiting for the right one to be written. Startled to learn that children leave the nest at about the same rate at which they arrived, she watches her own four spreading their wings—before she is ready to let loose. Contact Carol at 2503 Logan Dr., Loveland, CO 80538; phone 970-669-5791 or email her at
[email protected].
Kate Rowinski writes as often as she can, when she is not working at her regular job in the catalog industry. Kate and her husband, Jim, have four children. She has written several books for children as well as for adults. Kate and her family live in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Judy Ryan is a military wife with two beautiful children ages three and six. She has her master’s degree in education and considers it a blessing to be called “my teacher.” Her favorite word, however is still “mom.” She loves to jog, write and spend time with her family.
Elisabeth Sartorius is and always will be “Mom” to her nine children ranging in age from twenty-three to nine years old. Plus, she enjoys being Grams to Elisa’s almost two-year-old twins, Sara and Benjamin. Elisabeth is a part-time certified pharmacy technician. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her kids participate in different sports, working in her garden and collecting unusual plants.
Deborah Shouse is a creativity coach, speaker, facilitator and writer. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest, Woman’s Day and Family Circle. Deborah coauthored Working Woman’s Communications Survival Guide and Antiquing for Dummies (IDG, Spring, 1999). She loves in Prairie Village, Kansas, where she celebrates her anniversary of being a mom.
Robin L. Silverman is the author of The Ten Gifts, a pathway to personal peace, and the forthcoming book Something Wonderful is About to Happen. Her work also appears in Chicken Soup for the Unsinkable Soul, Heartwarmers andmany nationalmagazines. She lives in Grand Forks, North Dakota with her husband Steve, daughters Amanda and Erica, and their collie, Lady. For more article, book and tape information, see Robin’s Web site at www.robinsilverman.com.
Joanna Slan is the author of five stories appearing in Chicken Soup for the Soul books, making her one of our most popular contributors. Sharing Ideasmagazine named her one of the top motivational speakers in the world. She is the author of Scrapbook Storytelling and I’m Too Blessed to Be Depressed. For information, call 1-888-BLESSED.
Nicole Smith is the proud mother of Nicholas, age five, and Elisa, age two. She and her children make their home in Franklin, Indiana. Nicole is currently at work on her first novel and can be reached by email at
[email protected].
Meiji Stewart is the creator of several ABC writings including Children Need, Loving Families, Great Teachers, Success Is, Friends Are, Dare To. Many of these are available from Portal Publications at your favorite poster store or directly from www.hazelden.org on a variety of gift products. Meiji’s PuddleDancer Press is honored to publish Marshall Rosenberg’s book Nonviolent Communication which Jack Canfield says, “Can literally change the world.” Meiji is married to Claudia. He is the father of Malia and stepdad to Tommy. For more information about Meiji’s writings or projects, please visit www.puddledancer.com or call 858-759-6963.
Cynthia Stewart-Copier (a.k.a. Cindy Barksdale) is a national speaker and the author of several books including Dream Big! A Woman’s Book of Network Marketing as well as Dreams of My Own, and Keys to Success, and soon to be released Creating Wealth on the Web. Cynthia has been a contributing author to books such as Chicken Soup for the College Soul, Christmas Miracles and The Gift of Miracles, as well as numerous magazines. She has been on numerous radio and television shows including The View with Barbara Walters. Through the many challenges that she has overcome, Cynthia knows first hand how to dream big and dedicates her life to empowering other women to stand-up, step-out and reach their dreams. She can be reached at www.DaretoDreamBig.com.
Colleen Story is a senior copywriter by profession, but enjoys writing her own stories whenever possible. Her work has appeared in Country Extra, Nostalgia and Once Upon a Time, among others. She would like to dedicate this poem to her mother, who constantly inspires with her love and encouragement.
Gayle Sorensen Stringer is a mother of three who finds her freelance writing for adults and children cathartic. She holds a master’s degree in gifted education and works part time as a gifted facilitator. Holding dear the creative spirit and the mother’s heart, she endeavors to use both to touch lives.
Mary Jane Strong has been married for thirty-one years to her husband, David. They have three unusually talented children and one ancient, clever and affectionate but manipulative cat, Patches. She has recently retired from twenty-eight years of teaching, and so has time to spend on her first love, writing. She can be reached at
[email protected] or P.O. Box 383, Woodbury, CT 06789.
Nancy Surella and her husband, Ron, live in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, with their four children. They have adopted both domestically and internationally and remain adoption advocates. Susie has reestablished her relationship with the Surella family. She is now married and the mother of a one-year-old and lives in Germany.
Ken Swarner writes the syndicated humor column, “Family Man,” for newspapers in the U.S. and Canada. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two children. He can be reached at
[email protected].
LeAnn Thieman is a nationally acclaimed speaker and author. A member of the National Speakers Association, LeAnn inspires audiences to balance their lives, truly live their priorities, and make a difference in the world. She has written for seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and is coauthoring Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul. You can contact LeAnn at 6600 Thompson Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80526; www.LeAnnThieman.com or call toll-free 877-THIEMAN.
Jim Warda writes and
presents workshops on finding meaning in the moments. He also writes for the Sunday “Family” section of the Chicago Tribune. He has a wife, Gina, and two sons, Jeremy and Matthew. Contact 847-642-5108 or subscribe to his free weekly email column at
[email protected].
Barbara Warner lives with her husband, Brian and three children outside Dallas, Texas. A former high school English teacher, she is currently an at-home mother and freelance writer. She also has a sister, Laura, who she didn’t mention in this story, but loves very much. Her email address is
[email protected].
Marion Bond West has written for Guideposts for twenty-eight years and is a contributing editor. She has authored six books and is an inspirational speaker. Her first book, Out of My Bondage, published in 1976, was subtitled “Required Reading for Every Wife/Mother Who Has Felt Like Screaming.” She is the mother of four grown children, including twin sons and she is the grandmother of six. Marion may be reached at 706-353-6523 or by writing to 1330 DaAndra Dr., Watkinsville, Georgia 30677.
Susan Alexander Yates is a bestselling writer and speaker. Her books include And Then I Had Kids: Encouragement for Mothers of Young Children, What Really Matters at Home: Eight Crucial Elements for Building Character in Your Family and How to Like the Ones You Love: Building Family Friendships for Life. She is the Parent-Child columnist for Today’s Christian Womanmagazine. She and her husband, John, have five children and two grandchildren. They speak at family life conferences throughout the country.
Permissions
We would like to acknowledge the following publishers and individuals for permission to reprint the following material. (Note: The stories that were in the public domain, or that were written by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Patty Aubery and Nancy Mitchell are not included in this listing.)
Baby’s Choice. Reprinted by permission of ColleenM. Story. ©1996 Colleen Story.
It Will Change Your Life. Excerpted from Everyday Miracles by Dale Hanson Bourke. ©1999 used by permission of Broadman & Holman Publishers.
I’m Ready. Reprinted by permission of Kristen Cook. ©1999 Kristen Cook.
The Journey Begins and Love in the Rearview Mirror. Reprinted by permission of Jim Warda. ©2000 Jim Warda.
Inner Sight. Reprinted by permission of Ami McKay. ©2000 Ami McKay.
Delayed Gratification. Reprinted by permission of Patricia K. Cameransi. ©1998 Patricia K. Cameransi.
Enjoy Your Baby, Miracle Baby, and A Life or Death Decision. Reprinted by permission of Bill Holton. ©2000 Bill Holton.
Breaking the News. Reprinted by permission of Helen Colella. ©2000 Helen Colella.
Great Expectations. Reprinted by permission of Liane Kupferberg Carter. ©1999 Liane Kupferberg Carter.
Did You Just Eat a Watermelon? Reprinted by permission of Anna Wight. ©1999 Anna Wight.
Flying. Reprinted by permission of Nicole Smith. ©1998 Nicole Smith.
My Baby Brother. Reprinted by permission of John Conklin. ©2000 John Conklin.
The Eleventh Hour. Reprinted by permission of Melanie L. Huber. ©1999 Melanie L. Huber.
Garbage Day. Reprinted by permission of Gilbert J. Goodwin. ©1987 Gilbert J. Goodwin.
Notes of an Expectant Father. Reprinted by permission of Scott Cramer. ©1989 Scott Cramer.
My Hero. Reprinted by permission of Patricia Franklin. ©2000 Patricia Franklin.
I KnowWhat You’ve Been Doing by Becky Walker from Belly Laughs and Babies. Reprinted by permission of Laughing Stork Press, Inc. ©1997 Laughing Stork Press.
A State of Bliss. Reprinted by permission of Jan R. Butsch. ©1997 Jan R. Butsch.
Hair Raising. Excerpted with permission from Belly Laughs and Babies, compiled by Mary Sheridan, ©1997 Laughing Stork Press. Story is by Susan Everett.
A Mother’s Journey. Reprinted by permission of Elizabeth Butera. ©1999 Elizabeth Butera.
Expectant-ness. Reprinted by permission of Barbara Warner. ©2000 Barbara Warner.
Father Hens. Reprinted by permission of Hugh O’Neil. ©2000 Hugh O’Neil.
Deep in Dadland. Reprinted by permission of T. Brian Kelly. ©2000 T. Brian Kelly.
Love Letters. Reprinted by permission of Robin Silverman. ©2000 Robin Silverman.
The Mercedes. Reprinted by permission of Ken Swarner. ©2000 Ken Swarner.
Daddy’s Girl. Reprinted by permission of Nancy M. Surella. ©2000 Nancy M. Surella.
I’ve Never Been So Scared. Reprinted by permission of David E. Mittman. ©1996 David E. Mittman.
The Baby’s Stash. Reprinted by permission of James A. Nelson. ©2000 James A. Nelson.
A Precious Gift. Reprinted by permission of Kelli S. Jones. ©2000 Kelli S. Jones.
My Unborn Baby Saved My Life. Reprinted by permission of Elisa Kayser Klein.
A Gift of Love. Reprinted by permission of Phyllis DeMarco. ©1998 Phyllis DeMarco.
To My Child. Reprinted by permission of Heather James. ©1992 Heather James.
How Bubba Lukey Got His Name. Reprinted by permission of Del Doughty. Originally appeared in Christian Parenting Today. ©1999 Del Doughty.
The Mouth That Roared. Reprinted by permission of Barbara Hoffman. ©1998 Barbara Hoffman. Originally appeared in the March 1998 issue of Parenting magazine.
Tears. Reprinted by permission of Bonnie J. Mansell. ©2000 Bonnie J. Mansell.
Lesson in Courage. Reprinted by permission of Ami Fox and Dianne Gill. ©1999 Ami Fox and Dianne Gill. Excerpted from Woman’s World magazine.
Dads Will Be Dads. Reprinted by permission of Susan M. Lang. ©1994 Susan M. Lang.
Cute, Cuddly and Calls All the Shots. Reprinted by permission of Sun-Sentinel, South Florida. Story appeared in the February 12, 1992 issue.
A Trusting Love. Reprinted by permission of LeAnn Thieman. ©2000 LeAnn Thieman.
Why Our Son Is Named Fox. Reprinted by permission of Mary Jane Strong. ©1999 Mary Jane Strong.
Baby on Board. Excerpted from the book From Here to Maternity by Alan Zullo and John McGran. ©1996 by The Wordsellers, Inc. Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Baby Mall and The Beholder’s Eye. Reprinted by permission of Carol McAdoo Rehme. ©2000 Carol McAdoo Rehme.
Pre-Parenthood. Reprinted by permission of Jeanne Marie Laskas. ©1999 Jeanne Marie Laskas.
The Labors of Love. Reprinted by permission of Claire Simon Lasser. ©2000 Claire Simon Lasser.
Two for One. Reprinted by permission of Elisabeth Sartorius. ©2000 Elisabeth Sartorius.
Our Story. Reprinted by permission of Judy Ryan. ©1999 Judy Ryan.
Letting Go. Reprinted by permission of Kathleen A. Rowinski. ©1997 Kathleen A. Rowinski.
Blessed Laughter. Reprinted by permission of Susanna Burkett Chenoweth. ©2000 Susanna Burkett Chenoweth.
Grandpa’s Precious Gift. Reprinted by permission of Sharon Crismon. ©2000 Sharon Crismon.
My Father’s Tears. Reprinted by permission of Robin Clifton. ©1997 Robin Clifton.
Miracle of Life. Reprinted by permission of Litchfield County Times. ©1990 Litchfield County Times, New Milford, Connecticut.
Love, Friendship and Miracles. Reprinted by permission of Debbie Graziano. ©1997 Debbie Graziano.
Book of Dreams. Reprinted by permission of Barbara Mackey. ©1999 Barbara Mackey. Excerpted from Woman’s World.
Sickest Baby in the ICU. Reprinted by permission of Cindy Anderson. ©1991 Cindy Anderson.
Generations. Reprinted by permission of Sherrie Page Najarian. ©1997 Sherrie Page Najarian.
I Was Chosen. Reprinted by permission of Susan Alexander Yates and Allison Yates Gaskins. Excerpted from Thanks, Mom, for Everything by Susan Alexander Yates and Allison Yates Gaskins. ©1996.
Keeping the High Watch. Reprinted by permission of Eileen Davis. ©1997 Eileen Davis. Originally appeared in Chocolate for a Woman’s Heart by Kay Allenbaugh.
Grandpa’s Surprise. Excerpted with permission from Belly Laughs and Babies, compiled by Mary Sheridan, ©1997 Laughing Stork Press. Story by Ruth M. H
enshaw.
Love Notes. Reprinted by permission of Debra Ayers Brown. ©1998 Debra Ayers Brown.
To Our Baby Girl. Reprinted by permission of Audrie LaVigne. ©2000 Audrie LaVigne.
Baby Toys. Reprinted by permission of Lynne Murphy. ©2000 Lynne Murphy.
A Friendly Face. Reprinted by permission of Jennifer Reed. ©1999 Jennifer Reed.
Unexpected Blessings. Reprinted by permission of Cynthia Hummel. ©1997 Cynthia Hummel.
Man in Labor. Reprinted by permission of Brenda Ford Miller. ©1997 Brenda Ford Miller.
The Decision. Reprinted by permission of Cynthia Stewart-Copier. ©2000 Cynthia Stewart-Copier.
Fingerprints. Reprinted by permission of Mary Ostyn. ©1998 Mary Ostyn.
Baby for Sale. Reprinted by permission of Marsha Priesmeyer. ©1985 Marsha Priesmeyer.
For Now. Reprinted by permission of Caroline Castle Hicks. ©1988 Caroline Castle Hicks.
Breathe. Reprinted by permission of Lynn Noelle Mossburg. ©2000 Lynn Noelle Mossburg.
My Previous Life. Reprinted by permission of Gayle Sorensen Stringer. ©2000 Gayle Sorensen Stringer.
Good to Be Home. Reprinted by permission of Jackie Fleming. ©2000 Jackie Fleming.
Everything Old Is New Again. Reprinted by permission of Francoise Inman. ©1999 Francoise Inman.
They’ll Be Fine. Reprinted by permission of Patsy Hughes. ©1998 Patsy Hughes.
Rhymes and Reasons. Reprinted by permission of Antionette Ishmael. ©1998 Antionette Ishmael.
The Hug. Reprinted by permission of Martine Ehrenclou. ©1998 Martine Ehrenclou.
Alone Time for Mom. Reprinted by permission of Crystal Kirgiss. ©1996 Crystal Kirgiss.
Let Me. Reprinted by permission of Michelle Mariotti. ©1997 Michelle Mariotti.
Happy Birthing Day to Me. Reprinted by permission of Deborah Shouse. ©2000 Deborah Shouse.
Seems Like Yesterday. Reprinted by permission of Lynn Plourde. ©2000 Lynn Plourde.
A Perfect Gift for a Not So Perfect Mother. Reprinted by permission of Kyle Louise Jossi. ©1990 Kyle Louise Jossi.