Q: First tell us something about yourself?
I’m a mother to an awesome 13 year old who was a preemie. I’m also mom to my beautiful 10 year old daughter who’s adopted from South Korea. I’m a single mom and a special education teacher. I love nature and being outdoors.
Q: How and when your journey started as a writer?
I wrote our book, Sammie the Salmon, when I realized I had to let go some and let my protected 26 week, 1 lb. 13 oz. sweetie became himself. I say “our book” because it’s a tribute to Sam and the fighter in him. He doesn’t remember that fight, but his family does.
Q: When did you write your first story? Is it published or not?
I was headed back to work as a special ed teacher, after staying home with our preemie for two years, when the words for the story flowed out of me.
The whole experience was rough. But, we have a beautiful son who we cherish everyday. For all he is.
Q: Why do you choose kids as your reader ? is there any specific reason?
Because Sam deserved a story️️, To see his smile and him being proud because of it…. beyond words. I made this into a book to give hope to all the families that are currently fighting for their little miracles.
Q: Tell us something more about your books?
My journey to pregnancy was a long and stressful path. I suffered multiple early miscarriages beginning at age 32. We went through all the evasive and painful fertility treatments available. After finally getting pregnant through IVF, I experienced HELLP Syndrome and was forced to have an emergency C-section at 26 weeks. He weighed 1 lb. 13 oz. Sam was in the NICU in Roanoke, VA for just over 3 months. Sam’s twin sister, Allison, became an angel 11 days after birth from NEC. Walking back into the hospital every day after was a struggle. I had just lost a baby, but still had one fighting for his life in the NICU. They moved Sam to a different room to try to make it easier. I remember closing my eyes when I walked past the room where I saw her breathe her last breath.
Sam turned 13 on June 14th and is doing amazingly well! He is currently battling juvenile arthritis, but he’s a tough little ray of light.
The NICU can be an extremely scary place and the uncertainty of having a child so vulnerable is something that a lot of parents struggle with.
Q: How did these stories and characters come to your mind?
Sammie the Salmon offers a ray of positive hope for other families that experience the NICU and premature birth. Good things can happen and our awesome Sam is proof of that!!
Q: Do you want to give any message for your readers?
My hope is to give encouragement to other families through our story of love. To be able to share our experience in a positive way is a blessing from God.
