Hello, Everyone.

No, I’m not dead, even after not posting for over two months. I hope everyone had a nice holiday season
and got to spend lots of time with their friends and family.

The last six weeks or so have been very rough for me. At the beginning of December our
group of friends was dealt a heavy blow. Our friend Steph lost a lifelong battle with a
terminal illness, and most of the first two weeks of the month were taken up with
memorial services and just being with one another. Steph was an incredible
woman, and a shining example of humanity. She will be sorely missed.

Then the holidays happened. I had a wonderful Christmas with my friends and family,
but I don’t have to tell any of you how draining the holidays can be.

Most recently, we lost my dear Gramma Irwin, who passed peacefully on January 4th. She
was 92, and I had made a point of visiting her as often as I was able for the last several years,
usually once a week. I grew up next door to her, and she was always a huge and important
part of my live. We will all miss her dearly, but simultaneously, we are incredibly happy that she
is free of her earthly bounds and can be with the God she strived her entire life to see.

So.

It’s been an interesting month or so. Thanks to everyone who’s kept in touch,
who’s written about the Special Edition Hardcovers, who’s sent encouragement to me to keep going.
I appreciate hearing from you all.

And if the last month has taught me anything, it’s never put off a chance to be
with those you love. When you are faced with loss, you will never regret the times
you spent together, only the times you did not.

Love to all, and a Happy New Year.