A Little Love Story Book

A stranger sent this book to me. I thought it was because he or she thought I would like the book. In that sense, she was right. I enjoyed the book much more than I expected. The story shouldn't work, but it does. When I got to the last page of the book, much to my surprise, the stranger who sent it has written a note, in a type of handwriting that can only be described as "grandmotherly." The appearance of the note jolted me. I had no idea it was there until I turned the page.

It said:
In the spring of 2007, our sweet, granddaughters, Elyse and Alaina, were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. May they witness a cure in their lifetimes.

If you've read the book, you get it. I write a weekly column for my local newspaper. This grandmother was doing what she could -- through a simple book -- to help educate others about the plight of her grandchildren. Her effort touched me deeply. And I pray that someone out there does find a cure for cystic fibrosis for all the little Elyses and Alainas out there.