Katie's View
I am a woman, a wife, a mother, (as of July, 2015) a GRANDmother, and an author. My view is broad and broadening daily. Won't you join me?
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Nothing like a new knee in the new year!
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Just Kinda "out there" or "meant to be"?
Hello, and welcome to spring… winter? … spring! I don’t know. Here in Waukesha, Wisconsin, it’s been difficult to know what time of year it is. The other day we reached 75 degrees, only for the temperature to plummet into the teens again that night. But… other than that, our family is happy and healthy. And busy, like most!
So… Something really neat happened to me last week,
and I wanted to share it with all of you. First, let me ask you this. Have you
ever wondered if the things that you do really matter? Will anyone ever truly
benefit from something I do (or write?), or is it all just kinda “out there”?
As a Christian, I know that the answer is YES! Of course, with God’s guidance,
the things we do (or write!) really can matter. We may never realize the effect
our actions have on others, but nothing is just “out there”. While I do know
this, sometimes it feels as though our best efforts fall flat. Until last week,
that is…
Take for example… back in the summer of 2015, I began
writing my second book, “From This Day Forward…” I’d had a deep feeling – a
“calling” maybe – that it was something I should absolutely do. If you recall,
the book is comprised of eight in-depth interviews with couples and individuals
who have (or had) lived their lives in Christ-centered marriages. Some met and
married young, some lived well into old age. One story follows a couple who
each suffered through rough divorces, then found each other, which led to a
blessed second chance. Another describes the heartbreak of infertility, which
eventually led to four loving adoptions. There’s even a story of a widow and
widower who found deep love for a second time around.
Each of our discussions, which I voice-recorded, took
about five hours. After our talks, I sat down and transcribed each of them,
weaving what they’d said into their own individual love story. On a personal
level, that experience has enriched my own life/marriage more than simple words
can say. The wisdom I absorbed while listening to each interviewee – watching
their facial expressions, feeling their emotions, the highs and lows - was
life-changing for me. After the book released in 2018, I had people tell me how
one story or another had affected them, too. However, after the book’s initial launch
surge, it didn’t sell many copies. I came to terms with the fact that the book (I
was sure I was meant to write) would be there for whomever needed it, whenever
they needed it, but was unlikely to ever be a best-seller. It bothered me a
little, but I guess I felt okay.
Back in February, at the age of 91, one of my
interview participants passed away. She and I had attended a Bible Study
together at our church for more than 25 years. Yes, we had a 30-year age
difference, but she was my friend, and she was with God now. Though I hadn’t
seen her as much as I used to, I knew I’d always miss her. I felt deeply fortunate
to have spent all those precious hours talking with her, listening to her as
she reminisced about her life, her family, her love(s); then having the ability
to transcribe it all and share it. Talk about time well-spent. When the book
was finished and I handed her the beautiful printed copy with her love story(ies)
inside, she loved it. Rumor has it that she “treasured” it. Wow, you
know?
Last Saturday, I attended her memorial service. I
appreciated what the pastor said about my old friend, which brought me a few
laughs, and tears, too. Afterwards, on my way to the door, I greeted a few old
friends I hadn’t seen in a while. From the back of the room, a man approached
me. He introduced himself as a distant cousin of my friend, and asked me how I’d
known her. I felt a little surprised to be meeting this stranger – like why
is he approaching me? Anyway, I said hello, introduced myself, and
explained I was a friend of hers from Bible Study. He then pointed toward a
whole group of people (distant cousins, reunited) and asked if I’d take a few pictures
of them all.
Hmmm… It was a different
protocol for me, at a funeral, to take group photos of folks I’d never met, but
I ultimately smiled and said, “Sure, of course!” Every person in the cluster –
probably a dozen? – handed me their individual phone so they could all have their
own shot. As you can imagine, there was joking and laughing as I reminded them
to smile and counted to three, over and over again. In the end, I was glad he’d
approached me, and that I could help them out.
As I shrugged on my coat, a woman emerged from the
group, came up to me, and quietly asked me how I knew our friend who’d passed.
I explained that for many years we’d been in a Bible Study together at church.
“Did you know her well?” She asked, her eyes growing
teary. “What can you tell me about her? I let too much time slip by, and now
it’s too late for me to talk with her.”
Oh my… I felt sad for the
woman. It’s that “tale as old as time”, isn’t it? We’ve all been there; letting
too much time slip by, and then it’s too late to talk to the friend or loved
one who’s passed away.
But think about it… in this particular case, I was
someone who could answer this woman quite thoroughly. In fact, what are the
chances that I was the one person they approached to photograph their group at
all? Of all the people in the room – probably close to 100 others, WHY was I
the one they asked?
“I knew her very well,” I smiled. “In fact, a few
years ago I sat down and interviewed her for a book project I was writing on
Christian marriage.”
My new friend seemed so relieved, almost giddy! “You
got to interview her? What did she say? What can you tell me? How can I read
the book?”
She seemed so happy as I wrote down my name and the
book’s title. She said she knew how to access Amazon and that she’d be ordering
her copy soon. I thanked her, too, and wished her well.
It was time for me to leave the funeral, so I waved
good-bye to my new “friends”. At that same time, I whispered a little prayer,
thanking God for His goodness. I knew His hand was solidly in this
“coincidence”. In fact, the women in that Bible Study (and I) always refer to this
type of coincidental happening as a “God incident”; a crazy turn of events, all
seemingly unrelated, but actually line up to make perfect sense. How amazing was
it that I was present, and could help that woman fill in some of the blanks of
this old relationship? She needed to know more about her friend, and through the
book I’d written, she was going to be able to learn so much about what she’d
missed.
Some might say, “Right place, right time.” I’d have to
answer, “No, no, no…” I firmly believe that God used me and my book at
the exact right place and exact right time. There’s a difference. After all, since
I believe He “called” me to write the book, I also believe He will arrange ways
for it to be used for His good purpose. Nothing “out there” about that.
By the way, the woman ordered the book from Amazon the
very next day. I hope and pray that as she reads, she finds the answers (and the
peace) that she’s looking for….
As always, have good days! Love, Katie
Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of
three books: “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born
with a Limb Difference” (Ten-Year Anniversary Edition – Now with Photos!); “Silly
Stories and Sentimental Stuff”; and “From This Day Forward – True Love Stories
Shared Through Interviews”. Each is available through Amazon in a Kindle or
paperback version. For more information about Katie, please visit her website
at www.katiekolbergmemmel.com
Monday, January 29, 2024
Cheers! to Retirement
Hi everybody!
How’re y’all doing? We’re doing well, actually. Yes, 2023
was one heck-of-a-year around here, but we’re putting it in our rearview and pressing
forward.
I’ve been thinking. I don’t believe I ever blogged about the fact that Todd, my husband of 42-plus years, has retired. He formally retired at the end of 2022. know, I know… it’s an awfully big life change to not have mentioned, yet lots of “other life” snuck in and took over the front burners of our schedule for a long while. Now that things are settling down, I figured that today, I’d catch you up.
Ten people = lots of shoes! |
Back in October, as our family discussed who would host Christmas this year, it sounded good to both of our kids’ families to come up to Wisconsin. Since both sets of in-laws also live in this area, it’s nice to connect with their other families as well. Todd and I accepted the host/hostess challenge, which included deciding how we might “sleep” ten people in our house – six adults, three little kids, and a baby.
As all of these dates, plans, and people-shuffling ideas
started to form, I had a light-bulb moment. Last year, there hadn’t been a good
time for everyone to be in town together to fully acknowledge Todd’s
retirement. Perhaps the holiday season could be the perfect time for us to throw
him that “Surprise Retirement Party” I’d been contemplating! I talked with the
kids and they said it sounded good, so I started making calls and crunching
numbers. December 26th seemed like a perfect day for our family, so I
rolled up my sleeves and began the invitation process.
This blog entry would not be complete without some history about Todd and work – a complicated pairing, indeed. I’ll start by saying that both he and I were raised in families who worked hard and saw jobs through to completion. From grass-cutting to babysitting, whatever jobs we undertook, we learned what we could from them.
In January of 1979, 45 years ago, Todd started his Sheet
Metal Apprenticeship. About a year
later, in February of 1980, Todd and I met - he was 19 and I was 18. I was
working at the Miller Brewing Company, doing secretarial work. Both of us were employed
and happy in our jobs.
We fell in love, so in September of 1981, Todd and I said our “I do’s”.
Those first few months of marriage were fun and care-free. Then, just three
months into our marriage, he received his first lay-off notice. Our life no
longer felt as fun or as care-free. We bickered more often, and I admit that these
sessions were not very helpful, likely making our situation even worse. It took
three long months for him to get called to a new company. Our hopes rose. Maybe
this will be the end to the unemployment… but no. The placement didn’t last
long. He received another lay-off. He hated what was happening. All he wanted was
to work full-time, accumulate the hours needed to graduate from his
apprenticeship, and finally become a journeyman.
In that tough early-1980’s job market, the way to
permanent employment would be to make himself indispensable. The trade needed
welders, so he enrolled in a night class to help him beef up his welding
skills. His strategy worked and he was hired. Welding wasn’t/isn’t easy or
glamorous. Despite the protective gear he wore, he came home every day with
burn holes in his jeans and t-shirts. But his dedication impressed me. He knew
what he wanted and needed, and went after it. He was no longer unemployed.
He liked his new company. Initially, he welded, but
then grew into a whole different aspect of the trade – service. They gave him a
van to drive and a schedule of appointments to keep. With lay-offs, he’d lost
about six months, but eventually he graduated from his apprenticeship. The
union ended up inviting Todd to teach night school. For many years, after working
a full day at his job, he’d then teach up-and-coming apprentices one night a
week. He could earn more money in those four hours of teaching than I could
have earned in ten hours of part-time secretarial work. Over the decades, many young people have
approached me, saying how much they appreciated Todd’s teaching, leadership and
mentorship in the trades. It always meant a lot to me, knowing that the
sacrifice we made of him being away from us (his family), was helping others.
Woven into all of this school and work, other life
experiences were happening, too. We bought a house and remodeled it. We became
parents to our two children: Tony (our son) was born in 1985 and Megan (our
daughter) was born in 1988. From early-on in our relationship, Todd and I worked
toward me being a stay-at-home mom. Todd confesses that from the minute he
watched our kids come into the world, a deep fatherly responsibility settled
over him. It was no longer just him and me – no, we were now a family, and he
(mostly) would be financially responsible. That was our goal. He took that very
seriously. Finally, we sold our house and moved to an apartment while we built
another home which he actually designed - from scratch! The kids started school
and lots of other activities. Life really took off.
At work, Todd became a boss - a man that other
employees reported to, and relied on for employment. Remembering his own
feelings about those early lay-offs, he felt deep responsibility to keep “his guys”
employed; no longer working for just himself and our family, but also for a
crew of other people who needed to feed their families, too.
During his years in the trades, he learned many
aspects of the work. From his earliest days of sweeping floors, to hanging
ductwork, welding, being “on call” for service, teaching, bidding and running
jobs, and even attending engineering classes at MSOE to obtain licensing; to
finally becoming a partial/co-owner of a mechanical contractor. What a career
it’s been!
Work held a top spot in Todd’s priorities. How could
it not? But… to be honest, I personally experienced a love/hate relationship
with Todd’s work ethic. On the one hand, I respected and was proud of him. Nobody
would or could ever refer to him as lazy. I fully understood that the kids and
I relied on him (almost solely) for income, and benefitted the most from all he
did. Yet… we also took the biggest hits where his work was concerned.
Vacationing became more stressful than simply staying
home and having Todd go to work. We can laugh about it now, but he actually
closed a big deal on a payphone (pre-cell phone days) at Walt Disney World in
Florida. All we wanted was for him to ride “The Pirates of the Caribbean” with
us, but he wouldn’t hang up. That said, we continued to go through the motions
of him taking time off, always hoping for those special moments that only
vacations can bring. The best trip our family ever took was in March of 2001.
We flew to Mexico for a week’s stay at an all-inclusive resort. His cell phone usage
was not yet international so he couldn’t work. We had a whole week with
him to ourselves – snorkeling, playing volleyball, eating, drinking… relaxing! It
was the best family get-away we ever spent.
As the kids grew up, I was able to attend most of their soccer/baseball games, marching band competitions, band and choir concerts, school plays, and church activities. Todd came whenever he could, and even coached soccer for a couple of seasons. Are the kids resentful of all the work their dad put in? There may have been days that was true, but overall, I don’t think so. Now that they’re parents, they stay mindful of how much work they invest themselves in; perhaps striving for a better work/play balance than our own family achieved. But they’re also both aware that work must take a high priority in order to keep a growing family fed, clothed, educated, churched, and active.
Back to present day… Christmas at the Memmel’s this year was crazy but joy-filled. On the morning of the surprise party, Megan said she had a terrible headache. My mind raced, wondering if after all of the planning, she’d even be able to attend. As life would have it, she could not go. Her husband, Joe, and kids were there. Tony, Lesleigh and the boys were there, but not her. What could we do except to keep going? Eighty people, everyone from family, neighbors, friends, and work acquaintances, were planning to attend; all of them ready to honor Todd for all of the work he’d accomplished during his 43 years of dedicated employment. It had to be celebrated.The party turned out terrific! Todd was totally surprised! He had no idea, whatsoever. Tony honored Todd by speaking briefly. He acknowledged that from the beginning of time (Adam and Eve), work has been a complicated directive to which we must find a balance. Tony tied it all together saying that now that he’s a small business owner, himself, he knows how hard that balance can be to find. His words brought tears to many of our guest’s eyes. I spoke for a minute about how I felt about Todd’s work. Mostly, that I’m really happy that he’s finally done. I believe that retirement is going to be good for us. Food, drinks, cake… it truly was a night to remember.
Sooo… Happy Retirement, Todd! We’re all proud of the
man you were, are, and always will be. You’ve accomplished so much. Here’s to
many new endeavors and projects in the years ahead!
Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of three books: “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference” (Now a 10-Year Anniversary Edition with Photos); “From This Day Forward…”; and “Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff”. All three books are available through Amazon as either a paperback or electronic version. Visit Katie’s website for more information. www.katiekolbergmemmel.com
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Good-bye, House...
Good-bye, House…We’ll Never Forget You
Most of you know that my father passed
away in May and we held his funeral on June 1st. If you hadn’t heard
that news, here’s the link to that blog post: https://katiekolbergmemmel.blogspot.com/2023/06/saying-good-bye-to-my-dad.html
Celebrating Dad's 99th b-day |
Before he fell, I often talked with Dad
about how his “end days” might play out, and how he thought things should be
handled after he was gone. He advised that if nobody in the family wanted to
buy the house, I should sell it. He knew I had worked on the administrative
side of real estate for many years, and that I had a friend or two in the
business. He trusted I’d handle the sale without any trouble.
My father had never been a pack rat. That
said, he was 100 years old, and had not moved since building the place, 70
years prior. Let’s simply say he’d accumulated quite a few things, especially
when you factor in that he was from the generation who’d lived through the
Depression. He didn’t like to throw out or waste anything that might have a use
some day.
After the funeral, I spent lots of time at the house, detailing each room’s contents, and weighing out the best way to empty each. I started by making an announcement to the family. “If anybody wants something, tape your name on the item. If more than one person wants it, we’ll figure it out.” (For the record, no two people ever wanted the same item). I was often present as our loved ones came through the house. I felt privileged to witness their tears, as sweet memories spilled out. “I remember holidays when we’d play ping pong in the basement…” “Remember when Grandma baked cookies with me…?” “Remember the games of basketball on the driveway…?” On and on...
Slowly, the items were taken from the house, which then left me with decisions to make about the rest. The Salvation Army came and picked up some clothes, dishes, and furniture. I only became emotional once. It was when the movers carried my father’s brown leather recliner out the front door. I could still envision him sitting in it, all of us gathered to celebrate his 99th birthday. How many sports teams had he watched on TV from that perch? Movies? I must admit that the sight of it leaving made my throat close and my eyes mist. But… there was still work to do. We made many trips to Goodwill (and yes, even to the dump). Todd cleaned the basement, then packed up and boxed paint brushes, nuts and bolts, and any/everything else that was scattered around Dad’s workroom. One brother faithfully took care of the lawn and flowers. My oldest brother and my sister seemed to enjoy sorting through the numerous boxes of photos and news clippings that had accumulated. As we laughed, reminisced and even rolled our eyes, we created a pile of pictures for each of us, plus a stack to go through “later”.
As I waited through the probate process, I received many phone calls, as well as a large amount of written correspondence, from realtors and “we-buy-houses-for-cash” businesses. I really didn’t want to sell our family home that way - to someone who only wanted it to turn it around and re-sell. Rather, I wanted a buyer who would enjoy living there, and who'd make the needed repairs because he/she liked the place. I received a couple of offers from those cash dealers, but just couldn’t see our family going that route. Before I listed the house, I asked my realtor friend for advice about the process. In the end, and to my delight, it was his son who purchased the house. In my opinion, the deal was a win/win – a young man who liked the home and neighborhood, and wanted to live there.
The phone was in the corner by the fridge |
My room and closet where I "hid" my journal |
And so… after the house was
emptied out and cleaned by us for the last time, I signed the paperwork that permanently
ended our family’s time there. It had to happen sometime. Was I ready? Yes… and
no. Is anyone ever fully ready to let go of such a large part of their history?
Their life?
But I can say that just as love and care
had been shown to each of us in that house over the past 70 years, first from
our parents, then finally from our dad; love and care was given through our
preparation of selling it, too.
Mom and Dad |
“Good-bye, Mom, good-bye, Dad. Good luck, old house. May you thrive with
your new owner. Love, your one-and-only family… well, to this point, anyway. We’ll
never forget you."
Then… I closed the door.
Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author
of three books: her recently-updated “Five Fingers, Ten Toes – A Mother’s Story
of Raising a Child Born with a Limb Difference – 10-Year Anniversary Edition,
now with Photos”; “Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff”; and “From This Day
Forward…” All are available in paperback as well as electronic versions. For
more information about Katie and her writing, please go to her website: www.katiekolbergmemmel.com
Monday, June 26, 2023
Saying Good-Bye to My Dad
Thursday, November 3, 2022
A Wonderful Wisconsin Whirlwind
Sooo… I had a new experience recently, and I wanted to share the details with all of you.
I don’t know about you, but I’d never been to a birthday party for someone who was turning 100 years old. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever even met anyone who was in their 100’s. I know they have (or used to have…?) a segment on the Today Show for those entering that stage of life, but I didn’t know anyone personally… until now.
My father turned 100 this week. My sister (Cheryl) and I started throwing around the idea of hosting a party for him, several months prior. We decided to make it a surprise, not so much to really “surprise him” exactly, but more because we thought he’d worry himself silly with negative scenarios of why we shouldn’t have a party, or how it might not work out because of… well…whatever his reason might be.
Me, my siblings, and our spouses |
She and I brainstormed potential dates, and then ran the idea past our brothers, who both thought it was a good one. The four of us decided we’d split the costs equally. We settled on Sunday, October 16th, during the afternoon, and would incorporate the Green Bay Packers game into our day. Sure, the date we chose was two weeks before Dad’s actual birthday, but at the same time we didn’t want his big day to arrive, and then not have a party until much later.
The guest list would consist of more than 50 people,
including a fair amount of children. That’s a
I created a flier with all of the who’s, what’s, where’s, when’s, why’s and how’s. Cheryl addressed all of the envelopes and got them into the mail. RSVP’s started to roll in, and believe it or not, almost everyone could make it! Amazing! Initially, my daughter (Megan) and her family didn’t think they could come. Now that she’s a teacher in the public schools, taking off on school days didn’t seem like a real possibility for her. Two weeks before the party, she contacted me and asked if it was still possible for them to make the trek. She’d worked things out with her principal, and their family’s attendance could now be a “go”. “YES!” I said. “Of COURSE!” That news made me very happy.
Theo, Jake and the cake |
Cheryl also arranged for her son (John) to call our dad a few days before the party, and invite him to a little Packer gathering at his house the day of the event. John and his wife often host get-togethers of that nature, so it wouldn’t seem odd at all. My dad accepted. We had decided that if Dad called and said he didn’t feel up to it, or didn’t want to go, then we’d have to tell him about our scheme, but… that never happened! On the day of the party, Jack and Cheryl picked him up as though they were going to their son’s house. Little did Dad know that 50 guests awaited his arrival at his 100th birthday surprise party.
Dad arriving at the party - Tony opens the door |
Cheryl texted me when they were a few minutes away. I asked everyone in the room to grow quiet, thinking it might be best to not shock our “dear old daddy” by shouting. The room we rented had its own entrance door, so when the trio arrived, they simply needed to ask him to get out of the car. He didn’t know why, but he did it willingly. My son, Tony, pushed open the door for him, and he said he didn’t understand why Tony was at John’s party. Once he got his bearings, we sang “Happy Birthday”. He was honestly sooo surprised.
Grandkids, their spouses, and great grandchildren |
Most of us had tears in our eyes watching him say hello to his grandkids, his great grandkids, and other extended family members he hadn’t seen in a couple of years, mostly due to the pandemic. It was truly a blessed reunion. We got him seated, and people started to file by to talk with him, kind of like visiting Santa!
As you know, both of my own children and their families live
out of town, and both families drove up. Tony, Lesleigh (who is very pregnant)
and Theo live near
About a month before the party, one of my nieces volunteered to make a slide show of Grampa’s life. Most of us contributed photos we’d taken through the many years. Some of the shots included my mom (of course) and overall, it was so moving to watch his life reeling past. So many good times.
Our family with my dad |
On our dad’s actual birthday, a few of us got together for a small luncheon. The weather was so spectacular (a rare 70-degree November day) that we sat outside in the yard. As we ate subs, chips, pickles, and cake, we bantered about past family vacations, times spent up north at the cottage, good old days when Mom was still alive, and other special topics. Most importantly, we toasted to our dad’s past 100 years, and wished him another 100! (LOL)
Celebrating at dad's on his big day |
Dad has shared so many stories about his upbringing, his youth, his army/WWII years, dating our mom, and becoming a father. He even participated in my book, “From This Day Forward…” You can read his story there! He’s experienced most of what the world could throw at him. He had to quit school to help out his family, but he’s smart and well-read. He deeply cares about our government, so I took him to “early vote” this week; that way he wouldn’t have to fight the crowd next Tuesday. He knew exactly who he wanted “in”. He’s wise. He still cares. And one of his biggest fears is that something will happen to one of us before he passes. He feels that would be way out of order. But… mostly… he trusts in God and knows that all of that is out of his control. He takes things as they come – one day at a time.
As always, thanks for reading!
God's Blessings,
Katie
Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of three books: “Five Fingers, Ten
Toes: A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born With a Limb Difference”; “Silly
Stories and Sentimental Stuff”; and “From This Day Forward…” All are available
in paperback as well as electronic versions. For more information, visit her
website at www.KatieKolbergMemmel.com
Sunday, October 2, 2022
Big Announcement: Katie's New Project
Hello Dear Readers!!!
Yes, it has been a while since I posted last, but that is not because I’ve been lounging about, not working! No, sir!!! On the contrary, I have an amazing new project to share with you, and I hope you’re going to love it.
Can you believe that it has been a whole decade since I released my first book, “Five Fingers, Ten Toes… A Mother’s Story of Raising a Child Born With a Limb Difference”? I took a chance back then, openly sharing my experiences of raising my son (Tony Memmel) who was born without his left forearm and hand. I can honestly say that things have gone very well, and that “Five Fingers…” has reached people all over the world. That fact is so incredibly humbling… It has always been a dream of mine to add photos to the story. All those years ago, I had so many pictures in my photo albums that I referred to as I wrote, that helped me to chronicle that part of my/our life.
After releasing two other books, I finally reached the point where I had some time. I took a chance and did the hard work. It took me a long time to go through all of the photos, and decide which ones were “the ones” to add – the most special, the most telling/revealing. BUT… I’ve done it! “Five Fingers, Ten Toes…” will soon be printed with over 100 photos of my family’s, especially Tony’s, life!
Presently, I am in the “Proof” stage, waiting to make sure the book’s layout is right and that everything is as I dreamed it would be. The book (paperback only at this time) should be available via Amazon in the next month or so. I will also be ordering copies for myself so that I can sign and mail/deliver them to all who are interested.
In my opinion, these photos have given so much life to my words. I’ve shared with you before how I felt as I wrote the first book; how there were days I’d sit here typing, laughing like crazy… or... crying my eyes out. Honestly, I did the same thing this time as I clicked “insert” on each of these special snapshots - 110 to be exact - including the new image on the book's cover!
Another awesome addition to this second edition is that Tony personally wrote the book’s “Foreword”. In it, he describes some of his own experiences over the ten years since “Five Fingers…” was released. He writes about what he’s heard from people while he’s out on the road sharing his own music and story. Talk about bringing a tear to my eye… You’ll see!
So keep your ears open and your eyes peeled for the near future when I make the big announcement. I’m very excited to release this new project. It is my hope and prayer that all who read my new version will benefit greatly. As the old adage says, “A picture paints a thousand words.” Believe me when I say, that has been my own experience, too.
God’s Blessings,
Katie
Katie Kolberg Memmel is the author of three books: "Five Fingers Ten Toes... A Mother's Story of Raising a Child Born With a Limb Difference"; "Silly Stories and Sentimental Stuff"; and "From This Day Forward - Eight True Love Stories Shared Through Interviews". For more information, visit Katie's website at: www.katiekolbergmemmel.com
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