Snow Angel Wishes

Learn how Emma, with the help of her mother, used snow angles wishes to help her through this difficult time.

From the Author:

My book is a valuable resource for initiating conversations about emotions and coping mechanisms among young military children. Narrated from a 3-year-old's perspective, it aims to resonate with young military families and the institutions that support them. It provides coping mechanisms for dealing with sadness, grief, and loss, starting with the importance of listening and validating feelings. The book's value extends to military bases and public schools near military installations, making it a powerful tool for the entire military community.

I was inspired to write this book after witnessing my granddaughter experience physical symptoms directly related to her dad's lengthy deployment overseas. While she was able to verbalize her feelings of sadness and connect them with her tummy aches, I realized there was a need to prompt conversations among the youngest of military children. Somatic symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches are common in children who cannot recognize, name, or express emotions. Military deployments heighten stress levels; every family member needs to be heard. I wrote this book to help initiate conversations.

My book, uniquely narrated from the perspective of a 3-year-old, is a valuable resource for young military families. The story and engaging illustrations are designed to captivate toddlers and resonate with their parents, teachers, caregivers, and grandparents. It is a powerful tool for initiating conversations about emotions and coping mechanisms. This book is not just a story but a guide for understanding and managing the emotional challenges of military life. It is a valuable resource for daycare and pre-schools on military bases and public elementary schools near military installations.

My book is a beacon of hope for young military families, offering practical coping mechanisms for dealing with sadness, grief, and loss. It serves as a guide for understanding and managing the emotional challenges of military life, starting with the importance of listening and validating feelings. The book continues to support military families at every stage of their journey, offering strategies such as making snow angels, sharing wishes, and keeping secrets as ways for the youngest members of these families to cope.

In the military, "Six" refers to the direction on an analog clock about the direction of travel. Twelve o'clock means forward, three o'clock means on your right, nine o'clock means left, and six o'clock means rear. The life experience that gives me insight into this subject is my joy-filled 20 years of having the back, or "six," of an extraordinary military family.