Today’s book birthday belongs to Midwinter Magic: Three Original Christmas Fairy Tales. This book, finished in 2018, was dedicated to my middle-school English teacher, Mrs. Hodson, who unexpectedly went to Heaven earlier this year. “Her” book turns 4 today, so I’d like to take a moment to remember a supportive teacher and wonderful woman.

Back when I was in school, she seemed legitimately eager to read the next adventure I submitted to her as part of our English creative writing assignments, and that stuck with me. She also joked that she wanted me to dedicate a book to her someday (this, even though I had no plans at the time to become a writer; it was just something I did for fun as a kid). Even though I lost touch with her, I never forgot that wish. So when I finally decided to become a writer, many MANY years later, I kept on the alert for a book I dedicate to her. I had to pick a story that felt right.

In 2018, I finished Midwinter Magic and thought its heartwarming fairytale charm would be a good fit for her. So I dedicated the book to her, not knowing if she’d ever see it.

The Lord blessed us both when we bumped into each other at a local Kneaders restaurant in December 2021, five years after starting my writing career. I was able to show her the book I’d dedicated to her, and we were able to have a little email chat. Even at the time, it felt like a miracle (so many years had passed, and I live in a BIG city), but now, it feels like an especially tender mercy from the Lord.

If you’re the praying type, I ask today you send a prayer up for Mr. Hodson and the other family members going through their first Christmas season without her.

Thank you for your time.

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