James Said,

I used to doubt myself. I used to write poetry but I was not
satisfied. I wrote the poems from my heart with all the passion I could
muster, but I desired more. I have had a hidden dream of writing since
I was a little girl and had no one to share this type of passion with.
Writers are like mothers&;#8230; they seem to have a different kind
of heart.

"Chrissy, why don't you write? You have the imagination and the heart,"
my mother suggested. She always was the first to recognize my
potential.

September 7,1998 Mom was very impressed as my poetry began appearing on
the" Web Page for Writers."

December 8,1998&;#8230; my personal life took an emotional turn.
That day I had experienced the death of my mother and I was overwrought
with grief. As the days passed I had to accept the reality of my loss
and I was slowing realizing the fact that I just wasn't able to write
any more. All the time in the back of my mind I could hear her saying,
"Chrissy, why don't you write."

Mom always believed that people emerge into our lives to deliver a
message of hope and encouragement&;#8230; Mothers are seldom
wrong&;#8230; Enter my friend... James.

Christmas had been an extremely hard day. I wanted to escape to happier
times. I turned to my trusty computer and off I traveled to my own
little world.

I had re-visited "WEB PAGE FOR WRITERS" but, instead of reading my
words I read "Far Away Places." I decided to write a note to the author
to tell him how much the story brightened one of my saddest days.

The next day I received this reply: "Take your time about your
writing&;#8230; right now you are full of feeling as a result of the
holidays and the circumstances surrounding your mother's death. Sit
back and just BE for a while;
feel your feelings. After you have lived through this period of your
life, you will be able to reflect on this time and write again with a
new richness."

He furthered to encouraged me as he wrote&;#8230; "Peace be unto you
my friend."

As I read his words tears of sadness and tears of joy mixed. Mother was
correct&;#8230; I should write and magically I had just been sent
the message I needed to continue with that dream.

Without his kind words I might have never written another poem that
would touch another's heart or a story that would inspire.

I am thrilled with the words I create with my writing.

Yes, once I used to doubt myself but, that was before James
said&;#8230; "Keep Writing!"