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Visitors to Dawson's Gift website have frequently asked the author
these questions:
The Website's intro
shows an image of the San Francisco Transamerica Pyramid building. Does this
have special significance? Yes. There is a story
in the book that tells of our family's unexpected, yet timely connection to
this landmark. On the back cover of the book, it is mentioned how I had told
this amazing story during a radio interview. A listener called the station
to say how moved he and his pregnant wife had been hearing the story. They
had just learned that there baby was going to be a boy and after hearing me
on the radio, they were inspired to name their soon-to-be-born son Dawson.
Five months later, baby Dawson was born. Our families have since become dear
friends. Is there also a significance
to the dragonfly logo? Yes. And that, too, is part
of a story contained in the book. It was a small story, but held great
significance for me. The dragonfly became a beautiful symbol, a blessed
realization, and the story was a turning point for me in my grieving. Many
who have read the book now send me dragonfly objects. Some readers have also
started collecting dragonflies themselves. I have many of every size, color
and material. The largest is one a friend gave to me on one Mother’s Day--a
giant purple dragonfly kite. What is
the meaning of the title, Dawson's Gift? In the book, is there
reference made to a particular gift? There are
references in the book to many gifts--both given to and received by Dawson.
The title originally referred to the fact that the book was my gift to
Dawson … and ultimately his gift to me. But so many readers have written to
me to thank me for sharing Dawson's Gift and to tell me about the
gifts they felt they had received by having read it, that it now appears
that Dawson's Gift actually refers to Dawson's special gift to the
reader. Because it is different for everyone I have been inspired to say to
all who read the book, "May you find the gift that Dawson has for you."
Would you say that this is a "woman's book?"
Although it is true that women do relate strongly to the story, men have
responded to it as well. Men, especially, are astounded by how touched they
are by the story. Wives encourage their husbands to read it and when they
do, they find it opens up wonderful discussions. Readers of all ages have
been equally moved--from teens to the elderly.
Dawson's Gift was given the Bay Area
Independent Publishers Association award for Best Religious/Inspirational
Book. Can this book be appreciated by someone who does not have strong
religious beliefs?
Yes, definitely, for despite its level of spirituality, it is also quite
down-to-earth as it deals with real-life issues in an open and honest way.
This true story about choices and consequences and lessons learned can be
appreciated by anyone willing to take this family's amazing, unexpected
journey.
I cried just looking at the Website. Might reading the
book be too emotional for me? Yes and no. Yes, it
is likely that you will find the book a very emotional experience. But to
the question--might it be too emotional … I believe the "power" of
the book, that is, its ability to have a positive, uplifting effect on those
who read it, comes from the very fact that the reader does get emotionally
involved. Readers have said that they feel as if they have taken the journey
right along with me. I don't deny that it is a painful one, but it is also
very beautiful. The readers who allow themselves to feel it all gain the
most. Dawson’s Gift is not just a good read. It is an experience--and
one that, I am confident to say, will not soon be forgotten. I have been
told many times by readers that they will never forget this story.
Realistically, I know that readers will not ultimately remember every detail
of who said what and who did what and when it all happened, but I do
believe, as the phrase goes, "People will forget what you’ve said and what
you’ve done, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
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