Book

 This is a simple book with a profound message for anyone of any age – You are important, you are one-of-a-kind, and you matter!  In the busyness of life we often forget that the simple things, like a smile or a hug, can have a huge impact on us and those around us.  I believe that letting people know that they are seen and heard are gifts I can give anyone, and they are gifts we all need. 

I am a 71-year-old mother of three sons and grandmother to five grandchildren.  I was a stay-at-home mom until I was 41 when I went to college.  I earned two AA degrees and worked in the English department of the college for 17 years.  I used to live in Morro Bay, California, and I walked on the beach almost every day.  I retired in 2018 when I moved to live with one of my sons and his family in Nevada.  (I still miss the beach!)

I have been through many struggles in my life, but honestly, I wouldn’t go back and change anything because I have learned over the years that those struggles have made me who I am.  I am stronger than I thought I could be, and I like who I have become.  I’m not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, I still have a lot of learning to do, and I don’t have all the answers, but if my struggles can help others through theirs, I believe there was, and is, a purpose to it all.  I have more empathy and compassion for those who are hurting because I can relate to them and understand some of their pain.

I love writing poetry and have written a lot over the years.  Taking photos of flowers, sunsets, and God’s magnificent artwork everywhere around me is another one of my favorite things to do.  When I take photos of flowers, however, I don’t just look for the perfect ones.  It might sound strange, but I find real, amazing beauty in imperfection.  We human beings aren’t perfect either, but I want people to know that even with our imperfections, each of us is unique, beautiful, and valuable.

I believe I have a God-given purpose to fulfill in this life, and publishing this book is a large part of it.  I want people to know that they are seen and heard.  That might sound silly, but how often have you felt alone in a crowd, felt invisible because you were passed by as though you weren’t even there, or felt no one really heard you?  Not just your voice, but your heart?