I decided to write this book when I could not find any books for my grandson that fit his situation: living with his grandma, who is single/divorced. But with the intent of reaching a somewhat broader audience of all kids living with their grandparents. And hopefully, any child would enjoy our story.

All characters and experiences in this book are from Phoenix’s real life. It was important for me to include the “it takes a village” message of raising a child(ren). Papa, Aunt Mary, and Uncle Richard are not just his relatives, they all contribute to his loving care. I also wanted the diverse characteristics of a REAL family portrayed in the book, including tattoos, piercings, long hair on men, beards, and avoid stereotypes like the gray-haired, toothless grandma stereotype. It’s just not me nor is it true for plenty of other grandparents.

In this book, I felt it important to strongly recognize all the grandmas out there who are doing it all. WE ARE ALL SUPERHEROES!! And most people no matter how close to the family they may be, knows what we are going through. They cannot

Why Phoenix is Lucky

understand the struggles we face, the financial, physical, and emotional drains, mourning the loss of what was supposed to be our golden years, lost friends, our time to travel and enjoy our empty nests, and being robbed of the "grandmother experience" of spoiling them and sending them home. On the other hand, they cannot comprehend the incredible rewards that make all this toil and strife worth it; how one little hug from that child can change your day from dark to light. And of course, this child is safe from whatever circumstance that brought them to you and they are loved unconditionally.

Ultimately, this book is for Phoenix. Now he has a book to which he can relate. It is all about him and the life my family and I have built for him.

In April 2023, I adopted Phoenix. Now he is lucky because his grandma is officially his mom too.