The Ruby Locket by Anita Higman

A widow with a teenage daughter that might be financially challenged but they are rich in love and devotion to each other.  Enter a wealthy suitor who seems a dream come true for the mother, Dauphine.  Anne is the daughter who is ever watchful which proves to be life saving.

This is an engaging book by a favored author.  It has some interesting characters, a mystery that held my attention, and an ending that I did not fully expect.  While I am not generally a fan of serial reads I really want to know what happens in the next chapters in the life of Dauphine and Anne plus how they can turn the gothic mansion and their tumultuous, near death experiences into a positive situation. The mansion is quite the inheritance considering it was to come with their respective deaths. 

The writing of this author keeps getting better and better so far as I am concerned.  

Donald Paul Harriman Scholarship, My Nephew and My Memories

I was quite honored when my sister asked me to write a letter to the scholarship recipient this year. It is awarded annually in memory of her son, my much loved nephew, Donald Paul Harriman.  It is important that the recipient understand what he valued and how he lived his life vs existing in life.

Donnie was a remarkable young man who truly knew how to appreciate the many moments that came his way.  He took nothing for granted. He was a great athlete who excelled in Cross Country track.  He practiced even during his summer vacation from high school.  During our family weekend trip to Corpus Christi he got up much earlier than anyone, went for a run and got back in plenty of time for our family breakfast time.  He valued education and clearly understood the long term benefits it afforded.  He worked full time after high school graduation, attended college and made good grades. He liked to tease but was not a bully. He was an encourager and valued his family relationships above all else.

I must admit to being most proud of Donnie earning the level of becoming an Eagle Scout. He continued to practice that code of ethics throughout the remainder of his life.   

Donnie loved to laugh and cherished life.  His life was cut short but his appreciation for education lives on through the scholarship awarded in his memory.  His high school renamed their track meet in his honor to reflect his name. 

 I am equally pleased that the scholarship will help move dreams and goals forward. Donnie wanted to make a difference and this scholarship will make a difference in the life of another.