One of my principles as a parent, as an employee or even just as an individual, is to always (or as much as I can) do what I say I am going to do. It could be delivering on a promise that I've made to my daughters, setting clear boundaries for the kind of behaviour that I expect from them (like being respectful and compassionate) or setting myself up to meet deadlines in the workplace. Regardless of the situation, doing what I say I am going to do has been a big part of fostering strong relationships and giving myself the sense of accomplishment that I need to continue persevering at whatever it is that I want to or have to do.

In this case, a few years ago I decided that I wanted to write exactly the kind of book that I couldn't find when I needed it the most. The kind of book that could have been a reference point for me in coming to terms with my baby having suffered a stroke and provided some insight into how someone else had dealt with the long process of rehabilitation that follows. 

Writing about that period of my life was not easy. In a way, it was like reliving the most difficult part of my life all over again, but worse. When I was living it, I tried to stay numb to my feelings and in writing it, I was being completely honest with myself. However, as I continued writing and looked at the experience with the perspective that comes with time, I also saw what beauty there was in all of the tiny triumphs that were ours to celebrate and what strength I ultimately found through it all.

I said that I would make my book available by July 2013. It hasn't been easy, but with one day left in July, I am happy to say that the very book that I wish someone had written for me to read, is now available through Amazon.ca for whoever might like to read it.