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What they’re saying about
Dawson’s Gift:
"I am an avid reader. I've read A LOT of books. But I can honestly say
that Dawson's Gift is undoubtedly the BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!
-- Barbara, Petaluma, CA
"This story strengthened my own beliefs. Everyone should read this book,
but especially someone who does not believe in God. I thoroughly enjoyed it
and cried throughout. It was like watching a wonderfully touching movie."
-- Lucy, Napa, California
"Dawson's Gift is like all great books--you are constantly thinking about
it, you want to read it every chance you get, it makes you cry, it makes you
chuckle. It is making me run through an array of emotions, but as I am going
further I am thinking that I do not want it to end."
-- Lorraine, Concord, CA
"My mother came down for a visit. She started reading Dawson's Gift. When
she left, she took it with her leaving a note behind. 'I could not stop
reading. I had to take your book home with me. Here's a check.' "
-- Victoria, Napa, CA
"Dawson's Gift and the telling of the precious days spent with him were so
beautifully written. The inspiration to write this book was a wonderful
blessing. It is a straight-forward, good book."
-- Ann, San Mateo, CA
"I just finished Dawson's Gift. It truly was a gift. It touched me so and
filled me with much emotion. I have enormous respect for the author -- as a
mother, writer and strong woman. I will never forget Dawson's story."
-- Lisa, Concord, CA
"Amazing! I have just finished reading the best story ever--from beginning
to end. An inspirational book that will touch and change the lives of all
who read it."
-- Joyce, Clayton, CA
"While Dawson's Gift was certainly sad, it seemed that at every point when I
thought I might not want to continue--there I'd find a 'pearl.' There were
pearls of understanding, of love, and of hope. It was those pearls -- or
bright spots -- that made the unbearable, bearable. And much more than
bearable -- enjoyable!"
-- Tip, Truckee, CA
"Awesome! I have never read anything like it. I have never been so touched,
so moved, so inspired. Who could not 'believe' after reading Dawson's Gift?
I read it in three days -- not wanting to put it down. It took me on a
mother's journey -- an experience I will never forget. Such love and faith!"
-- Mary, Vacaville, CA
"I was so engrossed in Dawson's Gift -- my favorite TV show, The
Sopranos, came on and I never took my eyes from the book. A first!"
-- Bob, Nevada City, CA
"Thank you for 'Dawson's Gift.' You write with conciseness and a special
love to convey Dawson's story. I was touched in many ways with tears of
emotion, interest, hope and at times, laughter -- reading about Dawson's
subtle humor.
Throughout the chapters, I could sense and feel Dawson's presence. Your
story is heart-wrenching, yet truly blessed."
-- Deacon Joe Brumbaugh, Novato, CA
“I just wanted to let you know how much “Dawson’s Gift” impressed me and
touched me. What a magnificent tribute to a remarkable young man. After
reading your words, Dawson came to life as a deeply caring, spiritual soul
who had learned the lessons from his past and left a legacy of love to help
others along their life’s journey. Dawson’s gifts were so many and they
continue. I will never forget him or your book.”
-- Kit, Novato, CA
“When I bought your book, you said to me, “May you find the gift that
Dawson has for you.” I wanted you to know that I did! I know the gift Dawson
had for me. It was one of comfort. I am in remission from leukemia, but ever
since my original diagnosis, I have had a recurring nightmare. Every night
in my dreams, I was being chased. I kept running and running and would
awaken fearful. I must tell you that from the night I finished reading
“Dawson’s Gift,” I never had that dream again. It was as if a peace came
over me. I felt reassured that even if my illness returned I was going to be
“okay.” I have faith now and I know that with faith you can endure. Thank
you for this most amazing gift!”
-- Carri, Novato, CA
“We met at the Friends Luncheon at St. James Parish. I purchased the book
from you there. How beautifully and honestly you have written of your love,
your pain and your joy as you traveled the path to your overwhelming faith
in God. Yes, it is Dawson’s story and his gift to those left behind, but it
goes beyond that. It is your journey and your gift as well. Dawson was a
treasured child of God. His humor--contagious. His courage and
acceptance--miraculous. His love for you a shining beam of light. As I read
your book, I walked alongside you--laughing, crying, loving…feeling the
times of despair, the times filled with hope, the fear, the anxiety and the
awakening of faith and courage and purpose. I loved the report Claudia wrote
of her Confirmation. A woman like her mother. A woman of deep faith and the
words to express it in a way that we can all relate to. You signed my book
“Believe” and I do!”
-- Irene, Petaluma, CA
“I know that I will forever remember this year’s Avalos Golf Classic. I
almost had not attended, but by going, I met you and Dawson and received
such an unexpected gift! I wish I could adequately express how in awe I am
of you and your book. You were able to make your reader feel the raw emotion
of your experience…the hope, the despair, the fear…the undeniable joy of
restored faith. Thank you, thank Dawson and thank God for the courage and
strength that I can only imagine it must have taken to write your book. You
have honored Dawson and God by accepting your path and sharing your grief
and, most of all, your faith. My mind has not shut off since I started
reading “Dawson’s Gift.” I am carrying the words, the messages, throughout
my days. Though it brought back much of the pain of my own grief, it has
helped me to remember some of the signs of faith that I had filed away. I
thank God and Dawson for the opportunity to have met you. And, oh yes, I
believe!”
-- Susan, Petaluma, CA
"As I prepared my homily for the evening mass, I found that your story was
much on my mind. So I worked it into the Gospel ("Render to God the things
that are God's," etc.) and I told of reading your book. I quoted your
passage: 'God had not handed faith to me. The gift he had given me was the
choice to believe or not. It was my free will that was his gift, my
opportunity to make my own choice and I had chosen to believe.' I said that
was how faith was.
The homily went very well. I thank you for that. So Dawson had a
gift to the students at Georgetown.
It is noteworthy to say that I was still thinking of your text as I
prepared the homily. You do make the main characters come to life and it is
a very engaging read. Of particular interest is your account of your
family's returning to faith through the trials of facing death together.
Those struggling to understand the ways of God can be encouraged by reading
of a family that struggled before them.
The story of Dawson's coming to love and faith will remain as his
gift to the world."
-- Thomas M. King, S.J.. Professor of Theology Georgetown
University. Washington, DC
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