A Children’s Book Is Born…

I’ve wanted to write a children’s book for as long as I can remember. I even have a partial draft of one scribbled out on a piece of yellow legal paper. It’s currently buried beneath books in the drawer of my bedside table.

I’ve considered writing a children’s book on adoption – but there are a lot of those.

The reason I have yet to write a children’s book is because there just hasn’t been an idea that’s captivated me –  until last week.

Jackson and I were driving home from speech therapy and the idea came out of nowhere. Writing a children’s book wasn’t even on my mind. But there it was and I knew I had to write it.

I had to write about a little boy on a journey to find his voice.

I had to write a children’s book about Childhood Apraxia of Speech for several reasons.

1. As a tool Jackson can use to share his story.

2. To raise awareness for the speech disorder.

3. To help give a voice to those still searching for theirs.

Within an hour pink sticky notes were all over my kitchen table and the idea for the book was born.

I put Jackson down for nap and cranked out a pretty decent first draft.

As I wrote the words I imagined sitting in Jackson’s pre-K classroom. I was reading the story so others could better understand my son.

I cried during the writing process.

Because our story is hard.

Because our story is beautiful.

Because I am inspired daily by the little boy who works so hard to speak.

As of today, I’ve finished writing the book. It’s been edited by several writer friends, as well as, my former newspaper editor.

I’ve received amazing feedback and have no doubt this is meant to be.

I have someone to illustrate the book. I have someone to lay it out and design it.

Everything is falling into place and I am giddy with excitement.

Once the illustrations and layout/design are complete, I will self-publish the book.

I am passionate about this project.

When Jackson was diagnosed with Apraxia God whispered something that snuffed out the fear.

He said, this is another part of your story. It’s another way for My glory to be proclaimed in your lives. 

Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:3)

And that’s my prayer for this book.

That He will get every ounce of glory.

That through our struggles you will see HIS sovereignty.

That through the silence you will hear HIS voice.