WE0209

I MADE IT! ❤️🙏🏾 This morning started with heartbreak after waking up to find my van broken into, two windows shattered, and two lawnmowers stolen. For a moment, I thought I wouldn’t make it to the Louisiana Book Festival. But I reminded myself that one bad moment doesn’t have to ruin an entire day. Despite everything, I made it! Standing here surrounded by the five children’s books I’ve worked so hard to bring to life means more to me today than ever before. They may have taken my lawnmowers, but they couldn’t take my joy, my purpose, or my determination. Thank you to everyone who reached out with love and encouragement. Today, I’m choosing gratitude over frustration. ❤️

What a day it has been! ❤️🙏🏾 This morning started with heartbreak, frustration, and uncertainty, but it’s ending with a reminder that there are still so many wonderful people in this world. I want to give a very special thank you to Sam of Auto Glass Mobile. With it being the weekend and most places closed, finding a replacement window wasn’t easy. But Sam went above and beyond! He located a driver’s side window all the way in New Orleans, drove there to pick it up, came back, and installed it for me. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find a replacement for the back window, but he took the time to securely cover it with cardboard so I could make the drive home and have it repaired there. I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to Steven of Baton Rouge, who reached out after hearing what happened, came to see me , and while I was at the book festival, started making calls to find someone who could help. He’s the one who connected me with Sam. Two people who didn’t have to go out of their way for me, but chose to anyway. That means more than words can express. To each and every one of you who sent encouraging messages, offered prayers, made donations, or simply checked on me today, THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! ❤️ What started as one of the most discouraging mornings I’ve had in a long time turned into a beautiful reminder of the kindness and compassion I try to spread through my own work every day. Two lawnmowers may have been stolen, and my van may have been damaged, but today I gained something far more valuable: another reminder that good people still exist and kindness always finds a way to shine through. I’ll drive part of the way home tonight, stop to rest, and finish the journey tomorrow. I’m tired, but my heart is full of gratitude. Thank you, Baton Rouge, and thank you all for turning a difficult day into one I’ll never forget. ❤️🙏🏾 Auto Glass Mobile

The Baton Rouge Police Department came by, took photos, and collected my statement. Unfortunately, the Marriott didn’t have security cameras covering the parking lot. There was a small camera near one of the doors, but it didn’t capture anything. In total, two brand new lawnmowers were stolen. These were two that were in there for two kids I had to visit in IA. A few books that aren’t damaged. It’s unfortunate and frustrating, but that’s life. Things happen, and we keep moving forward. Many of you have kindly reached out asking how you can help with the cost of replacing the broken windows, and I truly appreciate it. If you’d like to contribute, you can do so through the link below. Thank you all so much for your kindness, generosity, and support. Despite everything, I’m still going to do my best to make it to the Louisiana Book Festival today. I came all this way to share my books and meet everyone, and I refuse to let this unfortunate situation ruin the entire day! ❤️ weareraisingmen.com/donate