Acknowledgments

To my Readers

Thank you for being here, for supporting this journey, and for allowing Mia’s story to become a part of your heart. Your presence, your kindness, and your willingness to walk alongside us mean more than I could ever fully express. This path has been filled with learning, love, and moments that have reshaped us in the most beautiful ways — and knowing we are surrounded by people who care makes every step feel lighter and more meaningful.

Your encouragement has lifted us during vulnerable moments and celebrated with us during joyful ones. It has reminded me that we are not alone, that Mia’s light reaches far beyond our home, and that her story touches others in ways that continue to amaze me. I am deeply, deeply grateful to share this journey with you.

When your book arrives, it would bring me so much joy to be tagged or to receive a picture of it in your hands. Seeing Mia’s story find its way into your homes, your families, and your hearts would mean the world to me. It is a reminder that her voice, her magic, and her message are being carried forward — one reader, one family, one moment at a time.

Thank you, truly, for embracing this with us.

To my Editorial 

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Koehler Books for believing in this project and for helping bring Mia’s story to life in such a meaningful and thoughtful way. From the very beginning, your confidence in this book gave me the courage to trust the process, dream bigger, and imagine the impact Mia’s voice could have in the world.

My sincere thanks also go to the incredible team of editors, illustrators, designers, and the production manager — each of you poured your care, talent, and dedication into every stage of this journey. You shaped the heart of this book with your expertise, your creativity, and your attention to detail. Every page reflects the love and intention you brought to it, and I am deeply grateful for the way you honored Mia’s story.

And a special thank‑you to John, the President, for your leadership, guidance, and steady support throughout this entire process. Your belief in this project helped carry it forward with clarity and purpose, and your encouragement meant more than you know.

I am profoundly appreciative of each of you for the important role you played in bringing this book into the world — and for helping us meet every deadline with grace, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. This book exists because of your collective heart and hard work, and I will always be grateful for the team that helped make it a reality.

To our Family and Friends

Thank you — truly — for walking beside us on this beautiful, unexpected, and deeply meaningful journey with our Mia. From the very beginning, you have shown us what unconditional love really looks like. You have embraced her with open arms, open hearts, and an unwavering belief in her potential. That kind of love is rare, precious, and something I will never take for granted.

Your support has carried us through moments of uncertainty and lifted us during moments of joy. You’ve celebrated every milestone — even the ones that might seem small to others but mean the world to us. You’ve offered strength when we felt overwhelmed, patience when we needed time to process, and encouragement when doubt crept in. You’ve shown up — consistently, lovingly, wholeheartedly — in ways that have touched us more deeply than you may ever realize.

Our Mia is thriving because she is surrounded by people who see her for exactly who she is: a bright, capable, beautiful soul with so much to give. She is growing, learning, and shining because she is wrapped in the warmth, acceptance, and steady love of all of you. And for that, I am grateful beyond words.

Thank you for learning with us, for advocating with us, for loving without hesitation, and for reminding us every single day that we are not alone. This journey — with all its challenges, triumphs, and tender moments — is richer, softer, and more hopeful because of you.

A Very Special Message to Mia

My sweet, beautiful Mia,

Thank you for giving me the greatest gift I will ever receive — the gift of being your mom. From the moment you arrived, you changed the rhythm of my heart and the meaning of my days. You have shaped me, stretched me, and filled my life with a love deeper than anything I ever imagined. Being your protector, your voice when you need one, your biggest cheerleader, and your forever advocate is an honor I treasure with my whole heart.

You have taught me more than I ever knew I needed to learn. You’ve shown me how to slow down, how to breathe, how to notice the tiny miracles tucked inside ordinary days. You remind me to pause, to laugh, to celebrate the little victories, and to savor the beauty right in front of me. Because of you, I see the world with softer eyes, a fuller heart, and a deeper appreciation for what truly matters.

Your strength inspires me. Your determination amazes me. Your laughter softens even my hardest days. Your love transforms me in ways I will spend my whole life grateful for. Every smile, every milestone, every challenge you rise above reminds me just how extraordinary you are.

Thank you, my beautiful girl, for letting me love you, guide you, learn from you, and grow with you. Thank you for trusting me to be your safe place, your steady hand, and your loudest fan in every room you enter. Thank you for being exactly who you are — for your light, your courage, your magic, and your heart.

I am endlessly proud of you. Endlessly grateful for you. Endlessly blessed to be your mom. You are my joy, my teacher, my heart, and my greatest adventure.

With all my love, Mom