Heddy is my hero. She really is. I’ve seen fit to blog about her before. She takes on many noble, absolutely exhausting pursuits and still manages to be warm and pleasant at all times. I guess one would have to be after doing such soul-satisfying work.

As I was putting my first book together , I knew I wanted to include the Amnesty International Letter Writing Guide. I got in touch with the organization and they were happy to oblige. Heddy was my contact at the AI office, so we had many friendly e-mail exchanges. In March of 2007, I attended the Amnesty International Annual General Meeting. At one of the fancy dinners, a girl sat down next to me and said, “Samara? I’m Heddy!” We hugged as if we were old friends who hadn’t seen each other in years. It was one of those magic moments when you know you’re destined to be friends with someone. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Heddy. When I first met her, she worked for Amnesty and in her spare time (of which there was little) she worked for a non-profit organization called Rebel Letters—an organization that aimed to unite the fragmented rebel movement in Darfur. Last year she went to Cambodia on a many month-long mission trip. I haven’t seen her since she’s been back, and I have no idea what wonderful things she’s up to now. Hence, the letter I very much needed to write. I mailed it this morning and it should be making it’s way up to her (in NY) right now.

April is National Card and Letter Writing Month, and I’ve vowed to write one letter each day. Also, please check out the essay contest I’m hosting with Giftin24.com.