The Story of Us

The Story of Us, my debut book, is for children age 5 and up.  It was inspired by my personal journey and that of hopeful parents-to-be.  This book, about love and family, celebrates the fertility journey experienced by heterosexual and LGBTQ2S+ couples, choice moms and choice dads. The rhythmic poem is an expression of love to little souls who were born with the help of assisted reproduction, a donor or a surrogate. The poem is a heart-warming discussion starter for curious littles wanting to know how their non-typical family was grown.  Although my story ended differently than I had hoped,  I set out to write a book for parents whose journeys had a successful outcome.  While writing the book, it was important that it be inclusive and thoughtful; promoting under represented persons and communities.  There is beauty in diversity.   In honor of my parents, I included a dark blue ribbon associated with colon cancer  and a blue forget-me-not flower associated with dementia on two of the illustrations; a reminder that life is fragile and fleeting, so seize the day.  The illustrations in this book were made possible thanks to Canva.com.  Contributing Canva.com graphic designers have been gratefully acknowledged

 in the book.

When Bella chose me on a chilly February afternoon in Georgetown, Ontario,  I remember feeling like the luckiest gal.  Strangely, I  also recall thinking dog spelled backwards is God.  As I headed home with Bella nestled in my lap, I marvelled at this

 gift of life and love. Admittedly, my affection for her grows by the day. Bella is a petite Goldendoodle.  She has a sweet, friendly, calm disposition (with just the right amount of firecracker to keep me on my toes).  When she's not chilling in her shrine-like corner of the home listening to smooth jazz in the background, she enjoys making new dog and cat friends, playing ball, car rides with the window down, giving her toys a work-out, people watching and doling out kisses and high fives.  Behind her long eye-lashes, soft hazel eyes, pink nose and delicate frame lies a playful, ball of sunshine.  You can follow Bella as she spreads pawzitivity on Instagram. 

When I decided to be a choice mom, I felt excited, empowered and a tad nervous (okay, a lot nervous).  Raising a child on my own was going to be quite the adventure and I was ready for it. I had made up my mind.  What I wasn't ready for was the news of one unsuccessful procedure after another.  When it was all said and done, my journey did not end with a child.  I don't regret the experience as it taught me three very important lessons: #1, some souls will come through you and others will come to you; #2, the soul you were meant to parent may have two legs or four legs; #3, every time you think you are being rejected from your desired wish, you are being redirected to something different. When you can't see His path, believe in His plan.  For anyone about to embark on your own fertility journey, be fearless in your pursuit and always keep an open heart.  For anyone already in the thick of things, trust and release.