Her life as a young child can be described as, one horror after another.  Her definition of family was redefined by her experiences.  She considers one certain foster family to be her parents and that would be Barb and Dave.  Jessica considers their children Tony and Alyssa her brother and sister. 

        They were a foster family that had the care of Jessica within their family for one blissful year.  They accepted her as their own until the foster care system decided to end her stay there.  The tragedy is that she doesn’t know their last name or, what city in Indiana that they lived in.  To top it off…the system will not allow her to try to trace them or contact them.   It would be an amazing miracle to find them after all of these years.  Her heart aches to reconnect with them and to tell them of their impact on her life.  They gave her gifts that they may not realize that they bestowed upon the young girl who had never known unselfish love and acceptance.   How different would her life have been had she been allowed to put down roots in this family and grown to flourish and flower?

      There has been a long history of betrayal in Jessica’s life…through foster care and in her personal romantic relationships.   It is hard to trust when a childhood is filled with betrayal and abuse; so that makes it especially evil to have others in your life, as an adult, treat you with violence, abuse, neglect or betrayal.   Jessica developed a life long love of reading, horses and empowerment.  These are tools she employed to survive the torture that she endured.

       She has learned how to survive and how to overcome.  As a mother of two boys she has passed on her commitment to living a life of purpose.   She has documented her journey in The Road To Me.   As she says, her life isn’t pretty…but, it is real.  I like the fact that Jessica has strengthened her relationship to God.   She is still here on Earth because God ordained it.  She has resolved that she was allowed to go through so many soul wrenching situations so that she could be a voice for children and for individuals who suffer and come through stronger, because she knows what they are going through.  She also knows that it shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be that way!

        Jessica has developed what she calls her Definitive Voice.  In fact, she uses her voice to call attention to organizations and non- profits that change peoples lives for good.   She is a strong voice for things such as Live Strong the organization that Lance Armstrong started to create an awareness about cancer and it’s touch on the lives that it affects.  She is a strong supporter of CASA , advocates for children in foster care…this is one of her biggest legacies…as a champion for children.  In fact, she also  a strong advocate for Children’s Rights.   Another recipient of her support is The Lampion Center in Evansville, IN . 

        The human spirit is an amazing thing.  It has an powerful ability to heal & survive when all odds seem stacked against it’s very existance.   All it needs is a kernel of real love, real affection, real hope, real peace to begin rebuilding what forces of destruction have tried to tear down.  Those very things that have come against it to destroy, only serve to strengthen the wings of that person’s soul.  To reclaim joy and direction; the human spirit needs a purpose in life to be effective in connecting to others to make the most out of the short time that the human spirit has here on earth.   I believe that Jessica Angelique has found the path that God would have her on and I believe that he will reward her efforts to be obedient to her calling.  

        Jessica’s book, The Road To Me can be purchased on http://www.amazon.com . 

       There are some behaviors that the young man, Dylan, does that confuse Mackenzie Mackabee.  He sits and swings alone for long periods of time.  He covers his eyes and his ears for no apparent reason.  He doesn’t seem to smile or talk back when any other students talk to him.  One day, the kids are playing soccer when out of the blue, the young man runs and takes the ball and continues running.  The kids are upset thinking that he is trying to stop their game.

       Mackenzie consults her teacher about her questions regarding young Dylan’s behavior.  The teacher is thrilled to have an opportunity to explain that Dylan has Autism and how that affects him.  She explains that she is sure that Dylan isn’t trying to stop their game or trying to be a bully. 

       You will have to read the wonderful story to see how the situation is resolved and how a little understanding can go a long way to helping others to include someone who is a bit different from themselves.  This is a wonderfully written book and the colorful pictures on the pages help to show how students can learn about one another and appreciate their differences.   The emotions of the characters are reflected in the artwork so that the reader can empathize with the characters in the story. 

        I think this is a wonderful story book for any classroom setting; but, especially any classroom that may include special needs students who may be struggling to feel acceptance from their peers.   The author of the story is Julie Coe and the illustrator is Sondra Brassel; the story was inspired by the children of Jennifer Maloni.  I like the fact that these women intend for this book to make a difference in how children see another child who is a bit different from themselves and appreciate and include them in their social lives!   There are even some great activities to promote positive interaction between children who are living with Autism or any other challenge that sets them apart from their peers and others who are in their daily lives.   After all, everyone deserves the opportunity to be accepted for who they are and to feel like they fit or belong with others in the peer group.  Pick up this book and let it be an inspiration to teachers, students and families everywhere!

        The book can be purchased at:  http://www.amazon.com

       Many people did stop and listen because Mattie’s personality and the way that he delivered that message of hope, love, and peace was such that he was very engaging.  I remember seeing him on talk shows and news programs and being very impressed by him.  He was a gifted writer and a deep thinker.  He knew, communicated and worked alongside of celebrities like Oprah, presidents like Jimmy Carter, media personalities like Chris Cuomo, or musicians like Christopher Cross, actors like Sean Austin from the Harry Potter movies, champions like firefighters and advocates, like Jerry Lewis, for those suffering with muscular dystrophy and everyday people; to share his message of peace and hope.  I am grateful for and respectful of his sacrifices while delivering the message he bore in his heart.  That is commitment.

        He suffered much in his physical affliction.  He suffered much emotionally at the loss of his siblings.  He was loved and guided by a mother named Jeni who not only raised her child to be so special but also recognized that he had something to accomplish in the short time that he was given to live here on Earth.  I think that she is pretty inspirational too.   She lost all four of her children to this disease and she lives with it herself.  She has not let it stop her from living her best life or from continuing to spread the message that God put on Mattie’s heart while he lived.  Surely God will bless her for continuing to be faithful in her love for him inspite of all of the challenges that her family has faced.

     Mattie Stepanek was a young man with an amazing personality and wisdom far beyond his 13 years.  He lived his best life to the fullest by fulfilling his purpose to the best of his ability.  I think you will be blessed by this behind the scene’s story of Mattie’s life and mission.  You will be blessed by reading any of Mattie’s writings, his series of books called Heartsongs.   I dare you to read them and not be changed in some positive kind of way!

     If you want to learn more or are interested in one of his books you can go to the site that was set up for Mattie before his death here:  http://www.mattieonline.com/ .

        Instead, Jason brings his own perspective about how living a life in pursuit of a close learning relationship with God, through his son Jesus, will allow all who accept him and strive to live by God’s principals to be admitted to heaven.  God says that no sin will enter into heaven; and trust me, no one is going to want to be left here on Earth once Jesus has come back for the saints; because, Satan will be unleashed to wreak havoc on those who have not commited their lives to God before hand.

         Jason felt God delivered the title of the book to him and that he planted the need to write this book because Armageddon is coming soon and God wishes that none miss their opportunity to avoid the trials and tribulations that are to come for those who are not ready when he returns for those who have prepared their hearts and minds, before that takes place.   It is going to be hell on earth after Jesus returns and takes his saints away.   The book of Revelations describes in great detail what will happen and how it will happen.  Jason’s book strives to point out the wisdom in heeding the warnings in the book of Revelations by learning the lessons that God wanted the churches and the individuals in the Bible to understand.  Grow and seek his guidance and approval in all things so that all who read it may draw closer to him and be saved!

        Jason does not claim to be a pastor or a theologian; but he writes the book with a sincere heart.  He felt compelled to write the book to share with as many people as possible.  He does a very fine job of breaking down some very difficult to understand Biblical text that many people avoid reading because they say they can’t understand it.  This book would be a great way to witness to those who are on the fence with making a commitment to God and the calling that he has on their lives to live according to his purpose.

        Thank you Jason for being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit by writing, In Case Of Armageddon, Break Glass.   The book was copyrighted in 2009 and it can be purchased on Amazon.com. 

While much has been made of  the roller coaster relationships that she had within her family with her father, her grandmother a famed “heroic figure” in her native country of Puerto Rico, her mother who committed suicide and her brother the drug addict; and, i can appreciate her emotional bondage within those relationships; it escapes me how she could then, choose to place a relationship with the man of her choice…a much older man…over the lives of the children that she helped to create.

Irene admitted that her desire to be a mother “allowed her” to forget to take her birth control pills…knowing that she would have some time alone with her secret knowledge of the child that grew within.  She did this knowing all along, that she would chose abortion because her man demanded it of her; to remain in the relationship with him-this in the ‘name” of his never-ending pursuit of the illusion he called “freedom”-meaning no children.  Part of this sad tales equation is that, in the beginning of their relationship, Irene was a mere 15 years old.  She was sent over here, from her own country, to attend college.  The professor would probably be brought up on charges today; for having a sexual relationship with a minor, if their relationship were to begin anew under those conditions.

The object of her desire wanted no children.  He demanded no child be born of him; she knew this.  Why didn’t he seek a physical, permanent solution to his own fertility, if it was so very important, to him to remain childless?  I suspect it had more to do with his need to control the women in his relationships.  He allegedly told Irene that his previous wives and relationships couldn’t be strong in their commitment to “freedom” and they chose to move into motherhood with partners other than him.  What this says about him and his requirements of a relationship is sad.

Sadder still, to me, is a woman who can carry 15 lives and abort them all.  Most of those 15 pregnancies were with the man her obsession.  There were other babies who had different fathers.  She can not place her reasons for aborting strictly on the relationship with the freedom seeking professor, in my opinion.  I do have to say that, Ms. Vilar went on to give birth to two living children, with a new husband.   I can’t imagine the emotional journey those children will experience, as they enter into adulthood and an age of understanding.  What kind of emotional damage will they have when they ponder why they got to live and their siblings did not? 

She talked about her mental breakdown, about her going hungry…she talked about her suffering friendships.  What she didn’t address is how she forgave herself; if in fact, she has been able to do so.  How has she handled the emotion of seeing other children who would have been the approximate ages of her unborn children?  She did address looking down at her infant in the crib and agonizing over having to die and leave her child one day.   But even in that observation, the concern is more for herself rather than any child that she gave life to.   I find this very troubling.  I hope that somehow she has allowed herself to learn how to “place the importance of the life, the emotion and the spiritual needs of the child” before her own.

While I would have more compassion for a woman who wrote this book as a means of therapy; for coming to understand herself and her choices and resolving how to live with those choices; i did not find that kind of completion in this book.  I borrowed this book from my local library because I would have had a hard time paying for a book that was born out of the prematurely ended lives upon which this book was written.  It would have felt like i was condoning the author for having written this book, about the deaths of her babies; by paying her money for living it and for writing about it.   I would have felt guilt by association.  Instead, I feel as if I was the lone visitor at the memorial for their lives, and it is just sad to me.

This book was copyrighted in 2009 and published by: http://www.otherpress.com.

       It seemed that no matter what Ruth’s mother, Miriam/Mim, attempted to do; she did it poorly when it was compared to the expectations of other women her age.  Miriam wanted and needed more out of life than to be “just” a wife and mother.  She wanted and needed to have a job or career where she felt like she was contributing to society as a person.  Not just becoming a servant to a husband or children. 

       Mim was brow beaten emotionally by trying to live up to her parents expectations for her life; what did they want or expect for her?  They wanted her to meet and marry a nice man who would support her.  She was told that she was not beautiful and therefore would have a hard time finding someone who would take her on.  She was educated and she was gifted but those were not qualities that were valued in large measure by her parents.  So she married and had a child and the marriage did not work.

      Mim married again and had another child…but again, trying to fit her soul into the expected norm of a homemaker was slowly killing her and making her emotionally ill.  Her attempts at entertaining or fulfilling the role of a Brownie leader for her daughter Ruth’s troop were disastrous.   Her mother could not cook…but would often mix up strange concoctions that actually could and did make people ill (including the wedding party for her son which she turned into a fundraiser).  

        Mim became a very unhappy woman because she was unfulfilled.  Was she always manic-depressive or was her illness brought on by her dissatisfaction with her lot in life as a married woman.  She began teaching her daughter to understand that she did not need to get married; that she not only was within her rights to get a job as an adult, but that it was the only way to fulfill her self worth.  She taught her daughter to be independent and somewhat defiant. 

        Which is why she had a hard time helping her daughter plan her wedding…she just didn’t believe in it or want it for her daughter; in fact, she actively tried to dissuade her from geting married.  When her daughter announced that she was going to write a book, her mother Mim was outraged that they had sent her away to study only to write a “cook book”. 

         Ruth swore she would never be like her mother who she found embarassing and bitter.  After her mother passed, Ruth went through her mother’s personal letters and documents.  She discovered a woman who was doing her best to teach her daughter to not follow the advice of others like she herself felt compelled to do.  She taught her to think and choose for herself.   Mim was a woman who was living her life through the expectations of her parents and others.  She did not even gain a moments joy in living until she grieved the loss of her husband and then discovered with him gone and her parents gone…she was “free” to choose to live the way she wished.

        In her heart, she felt she wasted her life by not doing what she wanted to do by becoming a physician.  That had been her dream; instead she went and got a degree in music and then got married because it was expected of her. 

         As an adult, Ruth came to realize through her mother’s writings; a woman who forfeited her life for others.  She had compassion on her mother who had a difficult and unhappy life.  She gained a new respect for who her mother was and appreciated her mothers subtle attempts to raise her to ask questions, to stand her ground and go her own way.

         This book is a good read for anyone who struggles living with a loved one who is trapped in the illness that is bi-polarism or what used to be called manic-depression.  It is good for mothers and daughters as they read and understand the need to openly communicate and accept the freedom of choices in how each other lives.  I recommend this book. 

           Not Becoming My Mother, was published in 2009 by Thorndike Press.  The author is Ruth Reichl and she is the editor in chief of Gourmet magazine.  She is also the published author of  Tender At The Bone & Comfort Me With Apples.

Jewel is her mother Angela’s joy, her savior, and her anchor.   She is also the ball and chain to Angela’s relationships.   Angela puts Jewel on the back burner until she needs her when her latest man walks out, beats her up, uses her or just plain and simple demands that she dump Jewel into the foster care system.

Jewel is used to saving Angela from her poor choices.  She has changed roles with her mother and becomes the responsible adult in the relationship.  Even in foster care, Jewel has to steady and calm her mother over the phone.

The downside is that Jewel’s emotional needs are always put aside; buried, disregarded and deminished.  Jewel has learned not to trust, not to expect too much…and, to be ready to move at a moments notice.  She is smart but uses confrontational interaction to keep others at a distance.  She yearns to be accepted, loved and nurtured…but is unable to accept that she is worth it.   She holds out hope that she and her mother will have the life that they dreamed of…the fantasy life.  However, she really doesn’t expect it to happen.

Like many State Kids, Jewel has never really fit in.  This last time though, she has found a teacher who supports her, who understands her and who believes in her.  She toys with the concept of having friends…even though she doesn’t expect much from them.   She makes some poor choices and endangers herself after finding her mother Od’d.   She is sexually assaulted.  She saves someone who thinks little of her and in doing so…she finds a grudging respect and opens the door to some adult acceptance.  Her mother has abandoned her and is lost to her forever.

Jewel is strong…too strong; she is vulnerable…too vulnerable.  Jewel is precious and she is worthless at the same time.  Does she find a way to find value in her own life before it is too late?  Does the system destroy her or help her to build upon a foundation that is cracked and crumbling?  Does anyone really reach out far enough to help her to save herself?   You’ll have to read The Throwaway Piece to know for sure.   I enjoyed reading it…because it is real.

Just for full disclosure; I did receive this book as a free review copy.  This in no way, affects my opinion of it.  It is worth reading.  If you would like to purchase this book you can go Amazon.com.  Otherwise, here is a link to the publisher’s website where you can purchase the book directly:  http://www.latinoteca.com/app-home/app-inprints/Pinata_Books .   This book was copyrighted in 2006 by Pinata Books an imprint of Arte Publico Press.

Enjoy getting to know Jewel so that you can have compassion in your heart for foster children everywhere!  Every life has value and meaning…look beyond behaviors and read and understand the heart.

      The book has great pictures and maps showing the way that the pioneers had to travel on their way out west to grab their own piece of land to start a new life.  The book explains about all of  the dangers that the travelors faced on their trip and talked about what the settlers would need to make the journey.  It is interesting to note that there were certain times of the year that the pioneers could travel because of the changing seasons and weather conditions.  Traveling by covered wagon was not as fast or as safe as traveling today. 

        Some interesting facts are that there was a mountain trail that was so narrow that they called it the Devil’s Backbone because both people and the wagons with the animals had to walk single file along it’s ridges.  Did you know that there are still to this day wagon tracks that can be seen on parts of the Oregon Trail?  This book is educational and fun to look at and imagine what it would be like to travel across the country in the same way that the pioneers did.

        Oregon Trail was written by Sarah Tieck and was copyrighted in 2008 by ABDO Publishing Company.  You can visit their website here:  http://www.abdopublishing.com

      Nancy Bourke, the author, tells of her inspiration for writing Dandelion Bubbles; it was a spring day at the park with her son who was three years old at the time.  Mother and son were blowing the white fluffy dandelion flowers into the wind when her son called them dandelion bubbles.  Those words inspired the title of the poem that she wrote the next day…it also became the title of the book.  The book became a family project as Nancy’s husband Kevin Bourke took some of the photos that were published in the finished book.   Speaking of the photos, the feel and ambience of the words is captured visually through the skilled photos between the covers of the book.

     The book, Dandelion Bubbles, reacquaints the reader with the feelings of their childhood when everything that they witnessed about the world around them filled them with excitement.  A child’s joy is contagious.  Adults need to merely listen to the words of a child to be inspired to find their own appreciation of the seasons and the environment.  The poems in this book, written for young readers ages birth to approximately seven years of age, will encourage your child to describe the world around them in ways that will fill you with amazement; and, remind you to enjoy the world around you.   I highly recommend this book for you to share with some special young reader who holds your heart in their hands.

       If you would like to purchase this book you can go to Nancy’s website here:  http://www.dandelionbubbles.com/home.html or you can purchase the book at: http://www.amazon.com .   This book was received by me from the author as a free review copy.