Unconditional: A Loving Tribute

I have always had a love and talent for writing. I’ve written quite a bit over the years, but am happy to say that I am finally working towards publishing my first children’s book!

A little back story to the inspiration behind my first book:

Within about five years, I lost two people who played instrumental roles in my life from the moment I was born (really before that, even). In 2018, I lost my uncle and in 2023, I lost my dad. Both were younger than they should have been when they passed. Each loss was a punch to the gut, and left my life with voids no one and nothing could fill.

Though both my uncle and my father had their lives cut short, the impact they left on myself, brother, cousins and people in their communities is profound. They had funeral services PACKED with people who spoke highly of them- I was told each time how (whether my uncle or my father) good of friends they were to those around them, how they loved their children and how significant a loss this was to so many.

My uncle and dad were great at being just that- uncles and dads. My Uncle Dan and my dad showed their children, nieces and nephews nothing but unconditional love. There was no sacrifice too great for them to make, nothing they wouldn’t do to make the children in their family happy. While we’re terribly unlucky to have lost two pillars of our family, amazing fathers and uncles who stepped in for fatherly duties whenever necessary, we are so fortunate to have experienced love so great as we did. True, unconditional love.

In honoring both my dad and my uncle, I am hoping to publish my children’s book, which would also pay homage to my son. My son and my dad had a few short days on this earth together. I want to make sure my son always knows that his grandfather, Bello, and great Uncle Dan love him, regardless of where they may be physically. They will always be a part of his life and who he is. This story is just one small way to connect them.

Unconditional: A Never Ending Love is a story about a little boy Sonny. One day, he receives a visit from a cardinal and a blue jay- Bello and Daniel- who come to teach Sonny what unconditional love is, how it transcends time, place and physicality. This sweet story not only teaches children what unconditional love is, but can help children cope with grief, should they experience the tragedy of losing a loved one at a young age.

I can’t wait to bring this story to life and flip through the pages with my son. I hope he’ll love reading about the wonderful adventure he takes with his grandfather and great uncle, who leave him with the message that they’ll always be there, guiding him with their love throughout his life.

Publishing a book has quite a few expenses with it, with start up fees for everything, illustrations, ISBN numbers... running upwards of a few thousand dollars. If you could please support and help me honor my father and uncle’s memory by bringing my book to fruition, you can:

- Leave donations here:

- Share the link to this article and spread the word! *every read helps me earn commissions and any sharing helps

- Sign up for Vocal (where this article is written) and leave a comment with your favorite memory or my dad or uncle (or both!) *comments help increase article visibility

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