In two recent books, a Crystal Springs woman chronicles how people with debilitating illnesses and disabilities struggle successfully with the help of others to enjoy fulfilling lives.
Ordinary Miracles by Dorothy (Dot) Ainsworth Day tells 61 stories of 26 Southern writers, including herself, who live with daily miracles to confront and overcome the challenges of their varied situations. Battles, Glimpses of Truth published in November continues to tell the stories of others.
Since 1995, Day, a teacher and family therapist as well as a writer, has had to adjust the way she lives many times with the progression of Inclusion Body Myositis -- a late on-set muscular dystrophy.
Ordinary Miracles “pays homage to the helpers -- the miracle workers of the ordinary act making life a little better for each of us,” Day wrote. “May their examples inspire us.”
Day’s miracles have come through the help of a friend, Barbara Grillot Gaddy. When her limitations made it impossible for her to type, Day partnered with Gaddy, a former business instructor and communications manager, who has assisted her in her writing and publishing tasks.
Ordinary Miracles and its sequel can be purchased directly from Day via email at dotdaypathways@gmail.com or by phone at 601-320-9473, from Gaddy at bgrillot1949@gmail.com or (228)-369-0963; or through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple ebooks. Signed copies are available at Clear Creek Flowers & Gifts in Crystal Springs, Alfred’s on the Square in Hazlehurst, Lorelei Book in Vicksburg and Lemurie Books in Jackson.
A portion of the profit from Day’s books support Christian mission work in India through Agape Mission-India, led by Sam and Jery Varghese of Brookhaven.