In 2015, three of my kids came forward and reported physical abuse. I grew up with dysfunction and abuse, had 18 kids and did foster care for 15 years so that my kids wouldn't have to experience abuse. That is called a cruel irony. It would be wonderful to say that was the extent of dysfunction the range my 18 kids have suffered, but that would be a lie. For many of them, they have experienced physical, sexual and emotional abuse from their relationship choices, bullying, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide attempts, cutting, etc. Not things a Mom wants to watch her kids experience.

In 2016 I wrote my book about my story of dysfunction growing up. I wanted to be an example to my kids and for them to know they weren't alone in their struggle, even if the "issue" is different. I also wanted them to be unafraid of sharing their story, getting help and building a support team and tools. I had to get past my own fear in sharing MY story if I wanted to encourage them to embrace their own. It's amazing how little fear I had when my motivation was to help my children.

And, so, when I stopped working in non-profit and in foster care, my husband encouraged me to take time off and write my book. I wrote it in two months because I was grateful of the gift of time to write and I wanted to move forward in my story and in helping my kids with their stories.