This whole idea of journaling started a few days after my daughter’s funeral, which was April 28, 2016.  So many amazing, undeniable, and heart-warming stories were brought to my attention by family and friends.  After time had passed and the stories continued, I found myself continuously saying to my friends, “I need to write a book!”  I felt like people needed to hear this, and I shouldn’t keep it to myself.  I know God was asking me to do this because it’s not something I would have wanted to do on my own.  So many times, I’ve wanted to give up because I absolutely had no expertise in composition and no direction in publishing.  So many tears were shed during the construction of Hugging Me from Heaven.  Not only was the content difficult for me to repeatedly relive, but I also struggled with organizing a journal of events into a chapter book.  God has been so good to me, and I must do what He asks of me.  It would be wrong not to obey Him. This is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do, but He confirms that it will be worth it.

I hope that this book, Hugging Me from Heaven, will inspire those who have lost a loved one to stay focused on the vision of Heaven and all the beauty and love it holds. I beg of you to turn to Jesus. I promise, He is right by your side, waiting to embrace you.

Dear Lord,

Use me to channel the words you want my readers to hear.  My goal would be for anyone to be inspired and know that you never leave our side.  Your love for your children is beyond any love we can ever imagine.  Thank you for the continuous bond that you allow Isley to have with us.  Relationships still go on when someone has passed.  The soul lives on.  Thank you for allowing us to see it happen.  You are awesome!  I love you!

Love, your daughter who is trying, 

Misty