Contributed by Melissa Bleier & Dustin Bradshaw
Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift is an understated but powerful ode to the most important gift we can all share, our genuine selves.
Tucked away in a box of family papers for more than 20 years, this once lost tale, Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift has been published with the goal of bringing it’s delightful story to a wide array of hands, including; early child, and elder care, assisted living facilities, schools, libraries and memory care facilities as well. This inspiring and heartwarming story is sure to be a beacon of love to all.
Born in Boone, North Carolina, Jeannette Brown spent much of her life in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In early 2012 she retired and relocated to Palmer, Alaska. Throughout her career as a legal secretary, Jeanette focused on supporting Samaritan’s Purse, an international charity and disaster relief organization, but that same spirit that allowed her to professionally help improve the lives of people around the globe began in a much smaller way, and that kindness is reflected in the story of Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift . Jeannette has written short stories and poetry her entire life, and so the discovery of Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift was no surprise to her family. However, the delicate way that Emily, “a very little girl” goes through her day, bringing joy to each member of her community resonated so strongly as a reflection of Jeannette, that her son knew it was different. “There’s so much that she touches on. Inclusion, special needs, Alzheimer’s, youth and aging, self worth, and communication. She had no angle. She just wrote about her life and her friends and family that she has loved.” The characters Emily visits are indeed based on real people in Jeannette’s life. Mary is a neighbor who lived in a cabin down the road from the author and her family in Boone, North Carolina. Ms. Addie is her grandmother, who lived to be 100 years old. Ben is Jeannette’s younger brother, who had Down syndrome. Ms. Ida is a dear family friend. The real people in Emily Higgebotham, The Gift are not just relatable, they are recognizable as our own neighbors. Emily’s eventual understanding that her gift is her time. Her time and the kindness she pours into the simplest interactions is a powerful message. In an age when the push to give the “Best Thing” is amplified at a frenetic pace, Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift reminds us all that the most important gift of all is ourselves, our love, our time and attention. Facing her own challenges with Alzheimer’s disease since 2018, Jeannette embodies the heart of Emily. She wants everyone to know that it’s never too late to make a difference, and that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life, even the world. A portion of the profits are donated to charity. Find Emily Higgenbotham, The Gift at all fine booksellers and on Amazon at:https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/1734344318/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_thcv_p1_i0 Coming soon: AudioBook and Braille versions. For readings, signings or outreach engagements, please contact: Dyer West Press dyerwestpress@gmail.com 828-773-4131 Some Quotes from Readers: “It is a great book. It opened up a lot of different conversations, it’s a good warm feeling. We really enjoyed it!” E.Troutman “An absolute treasure, "The Gift" is a gentle reminder to us all, that our most valuable gift to the world, is our loving presence in the lives of those in need around us. Never underestimate your value in the lives of others.” D. Hawes “Absolutely love this book and its message that we can ALL do SOMETHING to love and care for those around us!!” E. Trivette
