#Chincoteague #Assateague #Virginia #JamesAlone #shipwreck #vacation #beach #ceceliadowdy

Wow, what a busy couple of weeks it has been! Our son has officially moved into his dorm room! We’re officially empty nesters! Here are a few pics from his move-in day!

In my last newsletter, I’d mentioned that we were embarking on an amazing adventure! We went to Chincoteague Island for vacation! So much fun!

This little guy came looking for food!

We tried a glazed donut topped with bacon! Tasted strange! I prefer my bacon on the side!

I visited the Museum of Chincoteague Island.

While visiting the museum, I was mesmerized about the account of James Alone.

Over 200 years ago a Spanish ship was tossed amidst a raging storm off the coast of Assateague Island. The ship broke apart and 400+ soldiers, plus wives and children, perished. Before the ship broke apart, the mother of one of the children tied her boy to a wooden plank and tossed him into the ocean, desperately hoping that he would survive.

When the storm was over, the boy washed ashore. The boy spoke in a language unknown to the islanders. The islanders raised the boy as their own.

They named him James Alone.

When James was 20 years old, he officially changed his name to James Lunn. He chose that name because that was the name of the family who raised him.

James Lunn married twice and had kids and grandchildren. Many islanders can trace their lineage back to James Lunn.

This story resonates with me because I wonder how it feels not to know from where you came.

What I mean is, what is it like to not know your relatives, which might lead one to wonder about one’s roots.

James Alone never knew his mom. In spite of this he lived a life on the island and he embraced his new family.

In Rocky Road Dreams, Kyle is somewhat lost – he never knew his mom, and not knowing her – has left an unfilled hole in his life.

During his work hiatus, he longs to find out more about the mother who gave birth to both him and his twin brother.

Rocky Road Dreams is the story about a journey – a mysterious journey where Kyle finds out about his mother’s past, giving him insight into his current life.

I hope all of you have an amazing week!

So many of you have emailed me with your advice about my air conditioner. For those who can’t recall, the manufacturer would honor my warranty, although it was valid. Air conditioner is now fixed & warranty was honored! My son and I recently celebrated our birthdays! Mine was July 30th! His was July 31st! He’s 18! He even opened up his first bank account yesterday! In case you’re wondering about the names on the cake – Dawn is my middle name – and it’s what family & friends call me. CJ is what we call our son – short for Christopher Junior. This is CJ – right after he opened his bank account yesterday! We’re so proud of him! Birthdays are a time for reflection. I was thinking about how much our son has grown up. One of my favorite children’s songs popped into my mind. Make Me a Servant. This is my son when he was five years old, singing at his kindergarten graduation with his classmates. Hearing these sweet little voices makes me stop and think about Jesus. Speaking of Jesus and reflection, in Rocky Road Dreams, Kyle has to think about his life and about his faith. He knows he needs to rely on Jesus, but, he still struggles. I believe most of us can relate to struggling. Kyle has unanswered questions about his past – questions to which he seeks answers. His curiosity takes him on a journey – a journey in which he discovers more about himself – and his faith. Join Kyle as he delves into his childhood and uncovers secrets about his past! A Journey!Speaking of journeys – we’re about to go on an amazing adventure! Stay tuned!