"Because Grandma Went to Heaven" is written in the voice of a child who has lost his/her best friend, and the ways that Mom and Dad help the child cope. It is a compilation of many "Grandmas"-both of mine, myself and several siblings and cousins. Although the topic is sad, it is my hope that anyone who reads this will be comforted, especially if they are grieving. I encourage parents and loved ones to share this book with anyone who has lost a grandmother.

When I wrote "Because Grandma Went to Heaven" I was grieving the loss of my beloved mother-the original Grandma in our family. This book had been swirling around in my brain for a while, and in one of those wide awake at 3am nights, the script finally came together. My mother was a wonderful woman-not famous (she never had any desire to be!)-but everyone that knew her loved her. Some of the stories are hers. Some are my Grandmothers-some are me. It is my hope that this book will be a comfort to anyone who has recently lost their best friend. I also hope that when I am gone, my grandchildren will find comfort. I hope that this book will encourage you to share your best memories with family, friends, and others experiencing heartbreak.

I wrote this book about a year after the death of my mother. I don't know why it took me so long-the story was there-it just needed to come out, I guess. It was during a 3am couldn't sleep night when the script just came to me. There's a sort of closure for me in this book, I believe. I am Nana to 6 wonderful, amazing grands. My 3 daughters have blessed me with 4 grandsons and 2 granddaughters-ranging in age from 9-1 year at the time of publication. They are my world. My mother was more than just my mother. Besides being "Grandma", she was my champion, my drinking buddy, my best friend. When she passed away, she left a hole in me that will never, ever, fill. I miss her more than I ever thought possible. But this book is not just about my mother. It's about both of my grandmother's-the original Nana, and Ma. It's a compilation of stories about me and my relationship with my grands, and the relationships with some of my aunts, some of my sisters with me and their grands. It's my first children's book-hopefully won't be my last.