So many cool things happen along my writing journey. At the moment I’m seeking educators (high school through college) to be advance of publication readers of MY DEAR BOY and provide a review to the publisher, Potomac Books. Since my father, after he retired from his Melbourne, FL medical practice set up the student health care program at Florida Institute of Technology, I reached out looking for someone appropriate to ask to participate. For 10 years, my dad donated his time and salary to the university, and my parents set up the Holzer-Lequear endowment for bio-genetic research, so I hoped someone would remember the history. I was referred to the “unofficial Florida Tech historian,” history professor Gordon Patterson. After I sent him my email plea, he sent me this response. My heart sings when stuff like this happens:

Dear Ms. Schirm,

I believe we may have met years ago. Your mother and father delivered the inaugural lecture in 1985 in the university’s humanities lecture series which I directed for twenty-five years. It was a lovely Thursday evening. They spoke about their return to China and sailing on the Yangtze. Jerry and Natalie Keuper, Jim Stoms, John and Patricia Miller were on the front row. I wrote my dissertation in Vienna and had a number of delightful conversations with your father about the Habsburgs.

I have taught at Florida Tech for nearly 40 years and knew your father well. Your parents were remarkable people. I look forward to reading your book when it is published. At this moment, my discretionary time is limited with finals, a Ph.D. defense, papers, etc. on the horizon. I can only promise a few minutes to review a pre-publication manuscript and would not be able to write any comments.

Many thanks for contacting me. Wishing you the success you deserve, I remain,

Respectfully, Gordon Patterson