Allison and Kate (her daughters) were 7 and 4 (when their brother passed away), and I wanted them to always feel they remembered their brother, even if they had to read to be reminded.

It was such a personal journey for me, and I needed to do it by myself. I wouldn't even read anything written by anyone else for fear I would internalize someone else's thoughts. I wanted every word to represent my feelings, emotions and experiences.

I wasn't sure how or where my story would end. Once I knew we were granted the awesome blessing of another baby, her arrival became the natural ending to my story. I liked the idea of ending the book with a new beginning.

To those who read my book, I hope to share the power of hope and compassion and the tremendous strength and peace that can be found in faith.

I know there’s something troubling you. I’m not going to ask what it is, if you don’t want to tell me. But remember that I’m your mother. Nothing you say could ever shock me or make me love you less.

The problem with looking back too often is that it increases the likelihood of tripping over things that lay in your path just ahead.