What a wonderful and memorable day at Barnes & Noble Clearwater.

I was honored to participate in the August Author Signing Event, sharing Connected: Finding My Truth with readers alongside fellow authors Jaelyn D. Jordan, David Spiegel, and John Lawrence Anderson.

What made the day so special were the people who came to see me. I was surprised by longtime friends, former clients from my years at Neiman Marcus and Bailey Banks & Biddle, and a childhood friend from Lake Peekskill whom I had not seen in more than 50 years. Seeing her again after all that time was a moment I will never forget.

I also had the pleasure of meeting new readers and some wonderful new people, including a reporter who loves memoirs. It was so nice to talk with people about my book and the story behind it.

One of the greatest surprises of the day was having my son Dave, his wife Erica, and my granddaughter Harper there with me. It was also Dave’s birthday, which made having them there even more special. Special thanks to Erica’s mother, Kathy, for helping make the day possible and for capturing so many wonderful photographs.

I am so grateful to the entire team at Barnes & Noble Clearwater for giving me this opportunity and for making me feel so welcome. The staff was kind, helpful, and wonderful from beginning to end.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who stopped by, purchased a book, shared a memory, took a photograph, or simply came over to say hello. Your kindness and support meant more to me than I can say.

It was a day filled with books, friendship, family, unexpected reunions, and new connections—a day I will always remember.