Thank you for your support

"Thank you" is not sufficient, but it's the best tool I have to express my gratitude for the readers who came to Barnes & Noble Friday as I signed my new book, "#AuntAlma: Raisin' a Little Hell Heaven on Earth." The support I received was overwhelming and humbling.

During the planning stages of the event, I learned that the average number of books sold at a book signing--unless you're J.K. Rowling or someone as well-known as she--is eight. Yes, eight. For that reason, many people dissuade authors from doing signings at all. I'm glad I did not listen to the naysayers. I probably beat the average in the first 15 minutes--and the good fortune continued. In the first hour, my volunteers had to retrieve additional books from the car. God is good!

I believe I wrote a humorous, engaging, quality book that anyone would be delighted to buy, but this event was about more than selling books. It was about meeting you, shaking your hands, getting to listen to you, just as you "listen" to me as you read my column every week. Many of you attended not just because you liked the description of the book, but because you wanted to tell me in person that you read my work, and you wanted to encourage me to stay in the fight and to continue being a voice.

I had no idea so many have been so moved, that so many have been reading. Sure, I've received some emails and heard some voicemails, but still, I had no idea. I'm honored. So I wanted to take this moment to say that I receive your thanks, but I also give you my thanks. It's encouraging to know that what I'm writing, you are reading, that as I seek to make a difference in my own little way, you are standing alongside me and even as I may write things with which you may occasionally disagree, we can agree that we want what is best for the country--and isn't that what matters most?

Barnes & Noble, who was gracious and accommodating, offered me high praise, but in so doing, it is you, and others like you who came, they were praising. The store manager said my signing was unlike anything they had seen before, except for a David Limbaugh event! She invited me to come back anytime and said that even as the event was going on, she ordered a few copies of my book to sell in the store. Prior to last night, my book was available online only, not in any brick and mortar store. The enthusiasm she witnessed leads her to believe more people will come in and ask for the book; she wants to be ready. She ordered a handful, so if you were not able to get to the signing last weekend or would like another copy, consider going to Cape's B&N to get it. If they sell out, they'll order more, I imagine--and that would be a wonderful thing. Otherwise, visit auntalma.com to order a book and to shop for more #AuntAlma merchandise.

As a motivational speaker, I know that laughter is vital. We cannot be inspired, we cannot be motivated, if we cannot laugh. I have dubbed this project the Make America Laugh Again campaign. So in the midst of the nation's trials and tribulations, let us tap into lightheartedness and levity.

Most of what I write about is serious and deep and sometimes sad. I discovered Friday night how much you appreciate it, though, that you even find comfort in it, and have been moved by it. But I also realized that you are multifaceted in your interest and loyal in your support. And this native New Yorker-turned-Southeast Missourian is most grateful to be here amongst you.

Thank you for coming out to my first book signing. I travel to New York next month to do a signing in the school district where I taught for 17 years. I've designated it a fundraiser for the Hudson Children's Book Festival. But I'm confident we'll do it again in Cape soon and I'll see you again there. In the meantime, I'll see you right here every Tuesday.

Adrienne Ross is an editor, writer, public speaker, online radio show host, former teacher and coach, Southeast Missourian editorial board member, and owner of Adrienne Ross Communications. Reach her at aross@semissourian.com.