In the process of researching the life of Soeur Sourire or Jeannine Deckers, I have heard from many nuns and ex-nuns. The experience has helped greatly in understanding Jeannine, her difficulty in the convent and her reentry into the secular world. I much appreciate the efforts of these women in sharing their experiences with me. It is not easy to discuss lives that most do not understand.

I have met people who have become real friends and it made me think of Jeannine's wish that her sad life do some good for others. I believe that it has and will touch many more when the book is officially released. That is all that any of us can really hope to do in this life.

Whether the biography of Soeur Sourire ever makes the bestseller list or not, I have grown much as a person and a writer. One friend convinced me to write poetry and fiction again since I had been so caught up with nonfiction and journalism. Poetry forces one to dig deep for the right words and the right rhythm. She was quite right to push me in that direction as I had lost the literary side of myself.

There is much value in the old cliche, stop and smell the roses. If you miss the sweet scent, you have missed the true elegance of a beautiful rose.
D.A. Chadwick