The Sheltering Tree - Book
The Story Behind the Book
Every tree has a story written in its rings—years of growth, seasons of storm, and the steady resilience that comes from standing tall. The Sheltering Tree was born from our own 'unplanned season' of growth: the life-changing transition into kinship care.
When I first stepped into the role of a kinship caregiver, I searched for resources that I discovered were scarce. I found myself navigating a complex forest of legal systems, shifting family dynamics, and a child's big feelings, all while trying to provide a stable sanctuary in our home.
I wrote this book to be something we needed in those early, overwhelming days: a way to open the door to questions that would lead to conversation - the conversations that would lead to healing - but it evolved into a celebration of the love and incredible resilience that defines our family.
Today, The Sheltering Tree is more than just a children's story; it is the foundation of my mission. It serves as a reminder that while the questions of kinship care are real, so is the strength we find when we grow together. My journey from author to mentor was driven by a single realization: