All These Beautiful Things

Some stories choose us. 

Last year, my mom, Kathy Downey, asked me to help preserve her memories before they slip away. Today, I'm revealing the cover of "All These Beautiful Things" - my first work of non-fiction and most personal project yet.

For over 40 years, Mom served others as a teacher, church worker, and volunteer, touching countless lives with her genuine care and love. Now, as dementia reshapes her world, I sit with her every Monday at Willowgrove, collecting the stories that surface - from sending weather balloons with her father to memories of teaching French and writing spontaneous poems.

If Mom's path has crossed yours - whether through teaching, Brant Bible Church, Compass Point, or any other moment - I'd love to hear your memories. Each story you share becomes a gift I can bring to our visits, a chance to see her face light up with recognition and capture her perspective while we still can.

This isn't just a book about memory loss - it's about love that persists even when memories fade. I would love it if you would like to join me in preserving these beautiful things, before they take flight

Please share this post with anyone whose life Mom might have touched - former students, church members, colleagues, or friends. Every share helps reach someone who might have a precious memory to contribute to this collection of her story.

Coming soon. 

Cover art by LC, photography by Nate Woods