This is the final post in the series.

My mother has five children. She has always considered me her turtle. And I am–sometimes to my own frustration. But being a turtle works, too, because little by little, bead by bead, you are moving forward. All that matters is that you are moving forward—if only at a snail’s pace. Life is not a series of races to the finish line. I try to keep this in mind, but of course as a human I’ve often spent a lot of time frustrated that I wasn’t further along. The older I become I’ve made an effort to embrace my “turtle-hood” while also pushing myself to dive in.
What I want to say here is that even turtles make it to their destinations. For me, it was only by the love and grace of God. I’ve written a collection of poetry entitled MEND. These poems tell the story of women who were experimented on by Dr. James Marion Sims of Mt. Meigs, AL. Sims is known as the father of gynecology. It is heavy subject matter to be sure, but I was taken with this story. You can read more about MEND and my process of writing it here.
I made a choice to embrace and study what I was most passionate about. Every day I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and the wonderful people I’ve met along the way.
I am pleased to say that last Thursday I signed a contract for MEND with University Press of Kentucky, as my book was accepted for publication in their New Poetry and Prose Series! My first full collection of poetry will be released in the fall of 2018!
To everyone reading this, your encouragement and acknowledgment have meant the world and made the difference. It has moved me forward and I thank you.