Why I Love Being an Author

Last week at school a child asked me if I like being an author.  I love it when kids ask such great questions!  When something touches me my hand goes straight to my heart, which it did when this young lady asked me that question.  “Oh yes!  I do,” I said enthusiastically.  I went on to tell her and the class that I am so passionate about animals and Frankie’s message and what a joy it is to share Frankie with others.  It made me feel so good to share my excitement and my passion… hoping it catches on for each of them someday and that they each find their own passions…. I want that for each and every child on this planet.

Another reason I love being an author is the thank you cards Frankie and I receive.  Today a large envelope came in the mail.  Here Frankie is with what was inside from Mrs. Filiaggi’s 2nd grade class in Exton, PA.

Isn’t this cute??!!?  I loved it!  A thank you paw booklet with letters from the kids.  I will share one of my favorite…

“Dear Aunt Barb & Frankie,”  (side note:  How cute some of the kids referred to me as Aunt Barb… I was visiting my niece, Jenna’s classroom)

You are the best entertainers in the world, Wow, you know how to make someone’s day! Frankie is so lucky to have y as an an owner.  I wish my dog could sit on the toilet and go to the bathroom, but he is a bull dog.  ps:  Walk on!!”

Love, Isabella

I have saved each and every card from each and every child.  I often tell my family I will be the old lady in the nursing home with tons of pictures, cards, etc. of Frankie, and Lord help the staff and my family who visits me if I have dementia and repeat all my author day stories over and over and over again!  HA!

Doggie Dentist Day

Bright and early today Frankie was whisked off to the vet for her "Doggie Dentist Day."  I got up at 6:00a and helped her go potty and gave her a splash of water. Then I smooched and hugged her as much as I could before handing her off to her Papa for the ride into the town next to ours where her vet is.  My husband is a general contractor so she got to ride in the "big truck."  I will be on the "pick-up" shift and will get her sometime this afternoon.

I am out in my writing studio… all alone… no Frankie.  It always makes me pause and realize how she is such a big part of my life.  I know that, but really feel it when she is not physically here.  I realize too how much I hold and kiss her throughout the day and when she is not here I don't know what to do with myself.  Of course, Kylie, my yellow lab who gets equal love, gets even more when Frankie is not around.  She's not complaining.  In fact I think she even smiled this morning!  She got extra "bell-bell" rubs which she adores.  She lays on her side and I say, "Bell-bell?"  She then raises her leg up and I have to scratch and rub her belly.

So, here I am missing my little one… will it be afternoon soon?  I hate to wish away any moment or any day, but hoping today will fly by faster than others.  The big bonus of Doggie Dentist Day will mean clean fresh breath… goodness knows, Frankie needed it!!  Eeeee gads!!

Frankie continues to positively affect special little boy, Jackson

I received an email over the weekend from Dawn, mom to 3-year old Jackson.  You may recall Jackson is the sweet little boy who has a form of CP.  After reading Frankie's book he wanted to meet her and has formed a special bond with her.  He now refers to the brace he wears as "his Frankie brace."

Here is what Dawn said:

"I had to tell you about this. Today we went to a painting pottery place where they have mostly figurines for kids to paint.  Well, they had a "Frankie dog" according to Jackson. It was a Daschshund, so he painted it. Jackson and Mike picked out the colors, and Jackson knew she (Frankie) needed to be brown.  He will not let go of it.  Then on our way home he was talking to His Franke Dog and told her he missed her… It was soo cute.  Now he is in his room napping, Um I mean playing and Frankie had to have a special place on his dresser so he could see the statue while he laid in his bed…
 
I thought you would get a kick out of hearing how Jackson is still so impacted by your sweet little Frankie."
 
I think this is so great!!  Knowing Frankie continues to be a part of Jackson's life is truly heart-warming.  Read Jackson's story that I wrote about him meeting Frankie here.