The Truth is You Can HELP

There’s not been an Easter as far back as I can recall (and that’s pretty far back) that hasn’t offered frightening, horrible weather like we experienced in Alabama and Georgia last night. My heart goes out to all the people who lost members or their family, their friends, and their homes. It will be a long time before life returns to normal for many of our neighbors.

Instead of writing fiction today, I’m going to tell you a whole lot of truth in very few words – these people need your help.

After spending part of my career working for nonprofit organizations that assist people in need, I know firsthand how important it is to step up to the plate in times like these.

So, here’s one little thing you can do: Donate

Visit the American Red Cross website or text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to give $10.

The governor of Alabama has also set up a relief fund:
Governor's Tornado Relief Fund
Neighbor Helping Neighbor Inc.
The Tuscaloosa News
P.O. Box 20187
Tuscaloosa, Ala., 35402-0187

To assist victims residing in Northwest Georgia: American Red Cross of Northwest Georgia

Click and donate - Five, ten, twenty dollars - whatever you can manage.

If you find other ways to donate or ways to volunteer, please post them here, on Facebook, Twitter. Get the word out so we can help our neighbors in need.

Until Monday, I remain saddened by all of this devastation and willing to help.

Truth or Fiction Thursday - Sylvia's Roses

Sylvia stood at the intersection of her parent’s driveway and the dirt road that ran between her home and the expanse of field where her family raised vegetables in Laurens County, Georgia. The mid-summer view of the farm filled Sylvia with thoughts of busy farm hands and late afternoon jaunts out to offer up her mother’s lemonade for their hard work. It was her favorite part of every day because of one boy – Elmer.

Elmer was tall and thin, handsome with dark hair and striking green eyes. He had worked her parent’s farm since he was thirteen. At the beginning and end of each season and often in between, he brought Sylvia a rose.

Standing near the worn white mailbox at the road's edge, Sylvia could hear the roar of an engine coming closer to her. She took two steps back away from the road and waited for the vehicle to pass. It was a truck full of farm workers coming in from town and hanging off the back of the truck, making eyes at Sylvia, was Elmer. Like a typical seventeen year old boy he hooted and hollered his greeting to her. Then all at once he tossed a beautiful pink rose in her direction. It was no secret that the two teenagers were in love.

Sylvia waited a moment for the dust to settle before stepping out into the road to pick up the flower. She shook off the dirt that had come to rest on it then inhaled its fragrant scent. She loved roses, especially the wild ones that Elmer picked for her because they smelled the sweetest. On the beautiful wildflower Elmer had tied a small note with thin brown twine.

Now, it’s time for you to join the conversation. What do you think the note said? Did this really happen in 1920s Laurens County, Georgia or is it fiction?

I hope you enjoy today’s little romantic mystery. Until tomorrow’s reveal I remain Unstoppable.