That’s the dedication page from The Little Way Of Ruthie Leming. From the acknowledgements:

The people of Starhill, and of West Feliciana, have my profound thanks, first for what they gave to my family in our time of need; second, for sitting with me for hours, talking about Ruthie; third, for welcoming [Julie, the kids, and me] so warmly. “I hope you know how special that place is,” said a Washington journalist friend. “You come from one of the last real places in America.” I do, and I do. I hope they will read this book as a tribute to their own capacity for love and generosity. Ruthie’s story is their story too. It is my honor to be able to tell the rest of the world about these fine people.

It is also my honor to do the first public reading from Little Way in the presence of Ruthie’s people. On Saturday, from 2pm to 4pm, at the West Feliciana High School Auditorium (8604 Highway 61, just north of St. Francisville), I’ll be reading from the book and then interviewing Ruthie’s oldest daughter, Hannah, her physician Tim Lindsey, and her best friend Abby Temple Cochran, all of whom played key roles not only in the last two years of Ruthie’s life, but in the writing of Ruthie’s story. The event is a benefit for the Friends Of The Library. $10 adults, $5 students.

I hope to see some of you readers there. It’ll be a special time.

Want a signed, personalized copy of the book? Please send a tax-deductible donation to TAC, and we’ll hook you up.