It seems like every milestone in my life, Christy's smile fills my mind. We talked about encourging others at the ladies retreat I went to this weekend, and it was Christy I thought of. I remember asking her to read a short story I wrote back in High School. I was nervous since it was my first time allowing anyone to read my work, but I knew, even if she didn't like it, she would point out the good first. Of course I was right. She encouraged me in such a way, that I continued to write. It was later that same year that I won 2nd place in a writing contest (which if the judges would have been more even, instead of a bunch of men), I might have gotten first place.

It's now (15 years later) that I am able to write once again and feel the creative side resurfacing. I have Christy to thank for that inital encouragement that I so desperately needed. I believe she is still encourgeing me.