Читать книгу Eye to Eye - Julie K. Rubini - Страница 7

Author’s Note

I HAVE KNOWN of Christine Brennan for years. It has been a privilege getting to really know her over the last ten years as our worlds came together in honor of those we loved.

Christine’s memoir, Best Seat in the House, was published in 2006. My husband, Brad, and I invited her to participate in the children’s book festival we founded in memory of our daughter, Claire, that year. Even though we typically feature children’s book authors and illustrators at Claire’s Day, we thought that since Christine’s book was a tribute to her father, we could stretch the requirements. After all, this is Christine Brennan. She signed the copy of the book I bought for my husband: For Brad, A dear friend and a great Dad. Thank you for all you do for the children of Northwest Ohio. Claire would be so proud of her father. Fondly, Chris.

These three sentences sum Christine up perfectly. Kind. Gracious. Grateful. Empathetic. Christine signed books all day, and when the bookseller ran out of copies, she offered some of her own so that everyone who wanted to buy one would get one. Christine also helped give out our special reading awards in Claire’s honor to students. The C.A.R.E. Awards, or Claire’s Awards for Reading Excellence, are given to children nominated as the most improved readers in their schools. Every child nominated receives a personalized certificate and a coupon to choose a book from the collection available at Claire’s Day.

Researching, writing, and sharing her story has been a blessing. Christine’s messages, whether in a note, a phone call, a lecture, or her writings, are consistent. They are always upbeat, down-to-earth, and true to her honest, midwestern roots. She is strong, precise, and humble. Christine is dedicated to her craft, and just as importantly, to students who wish to follow in her footsteps. She gives countless hours of her time mentoring and teaching future journalists. In fact, students can visit Christine’s website and find a section just for them, offering her advice.

I’ve discovered through studying Christine’s life journey and career path that she is not only dedicated to getting the story right but committed to teaching others to do the same.

Christine is an inspiration as a journalist, mentor, and human being.

I am honored to share her story.