"Life After Leaving" by Kelsey McCraw

This is a picture of the book. Attached is a friendship bracelet she made me with my favorite colors, green & lavender.

I knew my neice Kelsey was wiser than most 8th graders and has been through more than she should at such a young age, but after receiving this story she wrote, I see that she is talented as well. Some people/kids could go in a negative direction and turn introvert with what she has been through, but not Kelsey.... both her & her brother Brett got all "A's" on their progress reports and Kelsey wrote and illustrated a book called "Life After Leaving". Her English department had this project published. When I heard about this I said "please give me a copy - please"...... I figured it would be good. Cute. But what I didn't expect was what I got. An unbelievable story of a little girl named Abby who was angry and intended to be that way, but with a change of heart and a shift in perception, she realized that she still had alot to be grateful for and that she had a choice. She said a prayer and faced some fears and has found a way to live life with grace with the help of Jesus.

The story is so good. The situations are real. I'm so proud of her and hope there is a sequal....

Her late Grandpa Combs would be so proud of her. He was a writer and artist and this lil project is proof that the artistic blood has been passed along.

Kelsey wrapped the present for me and it brought tears to my eyes. . . .

because her mommy Mary sent presents the same way.

With added little notes & doodles of love!!!