"Letting Go and New Beginnings: A Mother's Poetic Journey" is a compelling, personal story told through insightful, accessible poetry and evocative photographs in support of parents whose teens are leaving home. Intended to encourage family understanding, heal rifts, and ease the pain of separation, it gives voice to a swirling complexity of emotions. Sharing these sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet poems may help family relationships grow closer, deeper, and richer. You may also become more aware of how your parents felt in letting you go. International Book Award Finalist, (E-Book Autobiography/ Biography/ Memoir) Global E-Book Awards Honorable Mention, (Parenting/ Family Non-Fiction) "It's the story of loving and letting go, the bittersweet feeling all parents feel, all people feel when our cherished ones start to move on. I found the poems to be beautiful and timely-mirroring the transition I find myself in now-letting go, new beginnings. I also love how the imagery of the photographs expresses and compliments the intentions of the poems." -Karen Gottlieb ..".very reflective and takes some of us back on our own journey, yet inspirational for those about to embark on the journey. There was a section 'to my daughter' that I clipped for my daughter to read. I also found myself laughing out loud as I read some parts. Well done " -Lena Dobbs-Johnson "Margaret's poems are always personal, yet universal, in that any sensitive reader will be able to identify with the thoughts they embody ... lyrical ... concise and still as elaborate as prose .... This particular anthology focuses on letting go of your children 'when their hours are no longer woven into the fabric of your days.' She] not just gives voice to feelings that are often repressed, but sincerely seeks to heal. Above all this is a labor of love from a...loving mother, adorned with words from the heart and simple photographs that complement the words beautifully. I highly recommend this book... to all sensitive readers who are working on letting go in any way." -Pramod Uday A Poem From "Letting Go and New Beginnings" 2/24/08 After You Left Constantly I am watching out for you. Even when I am not watching, I am watching. I cannot say why this is true or when it began, it feels like forever my love. So do me a great favor and become...not less carefree nor less careless, nor even more careful, for being full of care is not it exactly. Be more aware of your choices, more in tune with your inner wisdom. For you are wise dear one. And if I am selfish and want you to stay with me when it is clearly time to go, forgive... and go. Call me when you arrive. I will be waiting. Margaret Dubay Mikus (c) 20