The Gift and Other Stories

"Kathy, through her stories, shows us the value and the beauty of the everyday gifts - if we can learn from her example and be awake and attentive to them."So wrote Kathy Howard's husband, Fred, in the preface to this marvelous collection of short stories. How appropriate for this volume to be called The Gift, for indeed it is a gift. One to be opened with eager anticipation, for this is a package sure to delight and surprise. These stories were first delivered verbally to members of her congregation. That's where Kathy first discovered the gift she has for storytelling, a gift she has relished giving to her friends and family throughout her life. Her tales are humorous as well as poignant, chock full of both laugh out loud remarks and understated wisdom. Whether she's describing the joys of community experienced as a Little League mom, finding a bit of grace in the midst of the disruptive circumstances of alcoholism, or drawing closer to her God while being half way around the world and afraid, her stories always go straight for her listener's hearts - and their funny bone. Real-life experiences take on a special meaning when seen from Kathy's unique perspective. It's been said, "You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl." This was never so true as it is for her. She was raised on a small farm in South Georgia, but most of her adult life was spent in cities and suburbia. Yet that farm girl lives on inside of Kathy and makes herself known, playfully, especially in storytelling. Kathy's perspective is one of both a wide-eyed innocence and a maturity of spirit, and these two elements artfully combine to give her stories a special charm. The Gift, like any good gift, is a thoughtful expression of love. Open this one first as it's sure to provide amusement, inspiration, and solace.