PREFACE.

     "Kaitlyn and Her Daddy Damon" is a true story about a 5-year-old girl who's dealing with the changes in regards to her daddy becoming paralyzed. This book is based on Kaitlyn's emotions, fears, questions, and adapting to the new.

     In addition, I wrote this book to tell my daughter's story. I used the first five pages to explain her learning about her dad's injury and the sadness, confusion, and fears she had. Next, I used the remaining pages for text and actual photos to show Kaitlyn's happiness as she adapted. I decided to use real pictures because the reader can feel more connected to the real daughter and daddy.

     To conclude, life is unpredictable and constantly changing. We all deal with fears, emotions, pain, and adapting. Therefore, I want this book to remind my daughter and any child who reads my book of their strength and to always look for the positives during life's changes.

Kaitlyn and Her Daddy Damon

    Kaitlyn was only 5- years old when she learned her daddy Damon was hurt and was scared she might lose him. All Kaitlyn wanted to do was see and hug her dad, but the hospital had a rule that anyone under 16 could not visit. It was hard for her to be patient during this time. Therefore, her mommy comforted Kaitlyn, and they prayed a lot.

    Luckily, her daddy became well enough to call and video chat with her. Kaitlyn was so happy and excited to see his face! However, the news of him becoming paralyzed made her confused and sad. Her daddy explained that he could not feel anything from the chest down and would be in a wheelchair because he could no longer walk.

    Kaitlyn's daddy also explained he had a trach tube in his neck to help him talk. He also had a tube called a catheter to help him pee. Her daddy said, "The trach tube will eventually be taken out, but the catheter will be permanent." The news was a lot for Kaitlyn, so her daddy and mommy answered her questions to help Kaitlyn understand. 

    A couple of months passed, and they moved Kaitlyn's daddy, Damon, to a nursing home. Kaitlyn's emotions were all over the place. She was excited and happy the nursing home allowed kids to visit, and she could not wait to hug and kiss her daddy, but she felt scared and nervous to go inside. As Kaitlyn and her mommy walked down the hall to her daddy's room, her mom asked if she was alright, hugged her, and told her it would be OK. 

    Kaitlyn walked into her daddy's room, and her face lit up when she saw him smiling at her. She quickly got onto his bed, and they were 'finally' able to hug and kiss each other. Kaitlyn and her daddy were so happy to see one another! They also enjoyed some Oreo Ice Cream Cake she and her mommy brought to celebrate his birthday.

    Later, Kaitlyn told her mom she was sad that her daddy could not walk anymore and asked what they would be able to do together. Kaitlyn's mommy said, "You can still enjoy the park together."

Kaitlyn agreed with her mommy and said, "Daddy and I can still snuggle too."