Family in its various forms inspired the creation of my premier novel. One of the key relationships is the one between my protagonist, Gracie, and her oldest cousin. More like sisters, the two bonded very early on. They spent years apart yet they share a connection that could very well help heal their entire family.
I’ve spent a great deal of time forming and developing the relationship between Gracie and her cousin, Rebecca. A caregiver at heart and an artist in spirit, Rebecca became a character I adored writing. Then, I realized that I mirrored Rebecca after me. A young lady full of music, yet doesn’t know how to best use it to its full potential. A kind spirit who cares more about the well-being of others that she puts her own dreams to the side. A woman with a maternal instinct, yet isn’t a mother.
I have no children of my own; however, children gravitate to me, and I them. I have an abundance of opinions as how to speak with them, nurture them, and guide them along their path. Unfortunately, I don’t always verbalize those beliefs since I am not a mother. I am proud to be an aunt. It is a role I embrace with an open mind and a purity of spirit. These beautiful, feisty, artistic, inquisitive children own a special place in my heart. It is with them in mind that I created the following poem:
Sunshine on a rainy day
Beauty in the midst of chaos
Warmth immersed within cold
Complete and utter joy
Their smiles melt the deepest wound
Their hugs warm the soul
Their laughter fills the spirit
Their cries pierce the heart
Hold them tight yet let them soar
Guide them at every step yet wave from a distance
Remind them they are loved yet encourage self-improvement
Love them with every beat of your heart yet let their beauty grow within you.
Whether the relationships are bound through family or friendship, my role as Aunt/Nanny Kelly remains one of the most valued of my life to date. This level of significance formed Gracie’s love of family, in all its compositions.
Kelly Deeny 
I cannot wait to catch up with Gracie and Rebecca.
Thanks, Doreen! I’m having so much fun writing them.