I’m The Same - Available Now

In a rare moment, I struggled to find the words to how I wanted to write this post. Today is a day, that loomed large for almost 3 years of working on this novel. While it Is supposed to be a day of joy and accomplishment for the work that I have completed, instead I feared it. I spent nights sleepless, and I worried about how people would see this story. Why? This story came very close to home, as I told the story of my own identity.

Twenty-eight years ago I was born to a White father and a Hispanic mother (to whom I have dedicated this book) Being Bi-racial is no easy feat, it comes with hurdles that most of the time must be overcome alone. I share in that struggle with Kodak, not feeling like I belonged or that I had a community to support me. Instead, I spent most of my life alone on an island. That's because I wasn't enough for either community. For years I pushed myself to be enough, but it wasn't until I realized that I would never be enough that I truly understood that the only person I needed to be enough for, was myself.

As the novel came together, I wondered why I wrote it? Why did I tell this story? Was it to finally say it? No, I wrote it for a reader like me all those years ago. Searching for a place to be safe, to feel like they belonged. A place for them to feel every emotion that coursed through their veins. So that they can see, that it will be ok, that they are enough.

I'm The Same is my rage, sadness, and loneliness, but it is also my courage, resilience, and soul. I pray that it will find its way to those who need it so that they can know that they have a place in this world.

There are too many people to thank, for being on this journey of a story. Some accepted me with open arms when I moved halfway across the country, some support structures that I have leaned on, and many are just really wonderful people to be around and have ensured that I celebrate this day.

Happy Birthday Kodak.

I’m The Same is available wherever books are sold.