A book written over three decades ago for her own children has now come to life for all children by local author Sharon Chadd.
Over thirty years ago, Chadd wrote, "Blinky The Lightning Bug" for her three children and the Putnam County resident admits she has always been a writer.
When her children were younger, she decided to combine her love for writing and her family's love of trying to catch lightning bugs during the evenings in the summer.
She said the reaction her children would have catching lightning bugs inspired her to write a book.
"The kid's reaction and curiosity moved me to write lightning bugs. The words came very easy to me. As I wrote, I thought about other kids who don't get to experience the simple pleasures in life, such as lightning bugs. Blinky The Lightning Bug was born. I thought a bug so small and beautiful can bring so much joy to a child. I wanted to show kids you can have fun at night and not be scared. Most of all, I really wanted to write a book for my kids and now grandkids. After all the years of reading to them other author's work, I wanted a book of my own to read to them," Chadd said.
One of her goals with the book was to give parents the opportunity to "slow down in life and spend quality time with their children."
"Reading to them is one way to spend that time together that you can never get back when they are all grown up," Chadd said.
Chadd said she has been "humbled" by all the kind words and encouragement she has received.
"I am certainly not used to the attention I have received. I have to say I am so thrilled I finally did it and made my dreams come true by publishing my book for kids. What I hope to get out of the book is to bring smiles to children and wonderment of the world outside their door. I also want parents to take the time to enjoy the special moments with their children by reading to them and enjoying the outdoors with them. Time goes all too fast and before you know it, your kids are grown and you have grandchildren. Treasure the moments and memories made," Chadd said.
