Many years ago, when my children were very young (they were so young, the third one was just a gleam in the Good Lord’s eye), I watched as a young mother walked out of a K-Mart and left her little brown-haired girl behind. The episode, and how the event unfolded, rocked me to the core of my beliefs. But it changed me, too.
Years later, when I started writing essays, the K-Mart story surfaced and begged to be told. I bet I wrote a dozen versions of that story. And each time I submitted the essay to a market, it came back with a “No, thanks.” I can’t say that surprised me. I knew there was something more I needed to tell, and that I hadn’t gotten to the heart of the story. Then I saw the Thin Threads Contest.
As described on the website, a thin thread is a “moment, event, setback, crossroad or encounter that connected you to a person, place or an opportunity that changed your life for the better.” I knew immediately that I had to try again.
I suppose that this time, I got it right. Because “A Little Brown-Haired Girl” was selected for Thin Threads, Special Edition: Compassion and Giving. They’re always looking for life-changing stories, and maybe you have one that’s just right for this series. Find out more at their website. Or submit your story for the Thin Threads Contest like I did.
I’ll be ordering a few copies of the Thin Threads Compassion and Giving, perhaps have a contest here and give it away. But it won’t really compare with what a little brown-haired girl gave me so many years ago.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Congrats! And now I really, really want to read your story!
Oh Cathy, that is so wonderful! I can't wait to read your story! Did you just find out?? When is the book out?? I need more info!! I'm sooo happy for you!! Congratulations!!
Now that was a teaser if I've ever read one! Congratulations to you! Can't wait to read that story…
Wow, Cathy, that sounds like some story. It's those moments we can't let go of, the ones that linger, that make the best stories because, if done right, the reader can feel our hearts in the words. Congratulations!
I really, really want y'all to read the story, too! :-)It's available now at the website-I think it's been out for a month.I suppose it sounds like a HUGE story, when really, it was just a few moments in a store parking lot. But the impact, for me, at least, was kinda huge.I'll do a book giveaway soon. Promise!
I'm so glad you found the right place for your extraordinary story. You told me about the little girl several years ago and I've always been touched by it and couldn't believe some publisher wouldn't see the beauty of such a heartbreaking tale. Congratulations
Oh, thanks so much, Anita. Guess it just had to find the right home!
Cathy, although I haven't read your story yet, you reminded me of something I witnessed, also in a parking lot, about 15 years ago, involving a young child….it was so upsetting, I couldn't get it out of my mind for days, weeks,and obviously years. I'll have to jot that memory down in one of my note stacks!
Hey, you've redecorated! Very cool and colorful. Also, congrats on your story! Must read it too. Hope it sells a gazillion copies of Thin Threads.
Becky, yes, write it down! I have a Stack O' Ideas, too, and I'm so glad when I remember to jot a few notes. When I don't remember, that idea is gone with the wind!Thanks, Elizabeth! A gazillion copies-wow-that'd be swell! Um, is that more than a bazillion? I've always wondered…:-)
I must know what happened to her!I have an event like that … but, the child was still with their parent … long story to explain, but it still haunts me. Congrats on your story getting published!
Kelly, I know exactly what you mean-haunting is an excellent way to put that kind of experience.(P.S. The parent came back after 20 minutes or so, to get her child. But the police wouldn't let the child go with her-)
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Congratulations, MY. Glad you got the story where you wanted it…and where you wanted it…if ya know what I mean!
I know EXACTLY what you mean 🙂 Thanks, Lisa!