My memoir gives a glance into the many episodes of my early life. This story begins with my transition from the foster care system, to the home of my adoptive parents. This authentic account of my journey begins at the age of five, living in a difficult foster care situation, lacking adequate love and care at this most critical time of my young life.

My adoptive parents came to the rescue, to lift me from my current conditions and offered me a wonderful home, filled with unconditional love from the first day until the end of their lives. However, this union was not without a variety of experiences that were not always optimal, but always absolute.

 This book is entertaining, witty and it will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, with feelings of hope, sadness, encouragement, and, disappointment.  It is inevitable that reflections of your own life’s journey will surely flood your thoughts, because of what I share with you.  At the conclusion, you will agree that what we desire for our lives is deep within and when we achieve those goals however simple or grand they may be, we will emerge stronger, wiser and more optimistic because of the determination along the journey.

We often observe, experience, and discuss this journey called life. Most people are aware of how they came upon the road they travel. They know the other travelers well and have assurance that they will reach their destination, even if the location is unclear at the beginning. Now imagine a five year-old girl, finding herself on a road alone; walking alongside strangers daily and knowing little about the route and even less of the destination. Could she or would she change direction?

Eureka! The direction does change! A family of hope, care and love appears. She and the new family learn to adjust, coexist, and continue the journey as one. Unfortunately, along the way cracks and potholes of affliction, sadness, and disappointment become barriers in the road. Through it all, she remains vigilant, strong, and focused. She continues to seek the good, better and best along the difficult passage. Perseverance is the key to reach the goals that she is determined to achieve. She realizes that an open heart, helpful hands and an inquisitive mind were essential to finding the destination she aspired to reach, the interior of herself and the depth of the hearts of others. 

Rita Wray Miller, a humble soul, a free spirit adopted at the age of five and destined to make an impact on the lives of others. She discovered that she could weave a thread of understanding through her life’s journey in this very honest, entertaining and heartwarming story.

 She is a servant leader on many levels, who has spent her life honoring, serving and working to improve the lives of others. She comes to write this memoir by rewinding her time spent in foster care and recalling some of the most vivid moments of being an adoptee. She is now able to bring her witty and vivid memories to life right before your eyes, in hopes that her reality will awaken your imagination and give hope and inspiration.

Determined Destination was written to lower the temperature of our ‘what ifs’ ‘whys’, and ‘why not’s and to raise the bar on the ‘I can, I will and I have’. We must come to know that all that we desire to be lies within us!  

Rita is married to Gerald Miller and they reside in Richmond, VA. She enjoys gardening, traveling and family time.