I searched for a way to contact you and hope that this method is valid. Years ago I read an excerpt of your book in Reader’s Digest, began thinking about it again recently and found the book on Ebay (by the way it’s a SIGNED copy – woo hoo!).

I just finished reading The Ditchdigger’s Daughters for the second time in a few weeks. I wanted to express to you how grateful I am to you for writing this immensely inspirational book. It touches on so many aspects of importance in our lives – focus, determination, work ethic, drive, excellence, wisdom, perseverance and I could go on and on. I am a middle aged white woman who still has a teenager at home. I’m in awe at how your mother and especially your dear father set out with such intentionality to rise above less than perfect circumstances to ensure you daughters (and Betty) broke the cycle of economic struggle. Most importantly, his beliefs and values in regards to education, to abstinence, to family, were so important. If only we could bottle that and sell it to parents today. If only I had an ounce of that emotional strength that your father exhibited from the time you 5 girls were born to the day he died. If only I could do half the job he did imparting wisdom to his offspring.

Thank you SO much for writing the book. God bless you in everything.

Rita