Michelle was a very creative, artistic child. She would retreat to her room for hours to create. I would find all kinds of treasures in her trash can, and she would just shrug her shoulders! I realized early on that this was no ordinary talent and that Michelle had something extraordinary! The Christmas Catastrophe! was one of those finds. That year, Michelle was only ten years old, and she was so embarrassed when I sent copies of her work to the family in lieu of Christmas cards. A Christmas Catastrophe was recently resurrected while going through old cabinets and closets, and upon reading it, it again held my attention until the very end and brought a great smile to my face and warmth to my heart. I decided that the world could use a smile and some warmth, and as a gift to Michelle, to have it published for years to come and maybe even someday be read when she has children of her own! I love you, pretty girl! —Mom