Publication date: TBA
This story begins very simply–in a quiet hospital room as a mother looks down at her newborn son. This should be the happiest moment in the young mother’s life, and yet, she is devastated. Young Sadie is only sixteen years old and while she wants to be in her son’s life, she knows that the best thing she can do for him is to let him go. She is torn between her decision and the love she feels for her baby, but in the end, she says goodbye.
Just as Hayden graduates from high school, he discovers the truth about his adoption on the eve of learning he is to become a father, placing him directly in the shoes of his birthmother. Armed with only a letter from her, he embarks on a journey to find Sadie and the answers to the questions he so desperately needs.
From beginning to end, you are drawn to the reunion of mother and child. The events that take place keep you turning pages.
Just how do you find your mother? Should you attempt to seek out your child? What are the consequences for either endeavor?
Do you really want to know?
For Baby Boy Lucas:
wherever you are…whoever you are…
I love you.
Preface
This book holds a very special place in my heart, as I hope it will with all of you. As some of you know, I placed a baby boy for adoption when I was seventeen years old. While this book is by no means an autobiographical account of those events, it would be impossible to separate my emotions and experiences with the creation of this story. Sadie’s story is intertwined with my own.
That being said, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the people in my life who helped me through this very painful part of my history. Using their names in this novel is the best and only way I can think of to express my gratitude. However, I realize that words cannot express how much I appreciate and love each one of them–but it’s the best way that I know how to articulate it.
It is a special group of people who can lift up a young women in the worst time of her life and carry her through it.
You made me stronger…
You gave me hope…
You helped me carry on…
Mom, I know you never really understood me and we rarely saw eye to eye on anything–such is the relationships of mothers and daughters. I love you. Thank you for giving me an example of strength and courage to follow throughout all of my life.
Darlene—my other mother—you are the kindest, most genuine person I know. Thank you for holding my hand, wiping my tears, and most of all, for loving me even when I was unlovable.
Tricia, you stood by me in that hospital room as I brought my son into this world. No matter what happens in either of our lives, you will always have a special place in mine.
Kelly, biology may not have made us sisters but life did. I choose for you to be a part of my family and I don’t know how I would have ever made it through my childhood without you by my side. Miles may separate us and years may go by without us seeing each other but you always will be my very best friend. I love you.
Wendy, if I had known how much your friendship was going to mean to me, I probably would have never left Choteau. I hope it will continue to grow and I always want you to be a part of my life.
Jane, if there were a picture next to the definition of friend in the dictionary, yours would be there. You were the only person who came to my house after I came home from the hospital. You sat next to me the day after while I cried myself to sleep. You didn’t judge and you didn’t try to fix it…you simply held my hand. It gave me comfort to know you were there and that meant more to me than you will ever know.
Luke, you are one of my heroes. You are an excellent father, you are an incredible friend, and you bravely serve our country every day. Your wife and children are very blessed to have you in their lives, as am I.
And to Ricky, what is there to say? You loved a pregnant, lost, and confused girl in spite of everything. Life may not always turn out the way we plan…but I consider myself lucky to have had you in my life, even if it was only for a little while.
