At 52 I became a published author on Thanksgiving Day 2005, with my children’s book titled “A Very Special Child.” AVSC explains adoption in a spiritual, loving way. Its ending “And who was that very special child? It was you!” stresses how adopted children are created from love.

In April of 2006, my son’s book “Christopher Bullfrog Catcher” was released. CBFC teaches a child how to write a story. In the introduction that Christopher and I wrote together, we describe a “map” that a child can use. Chris then goes on, using our map, and tells the story of Christopher, who lives on a lake and catches bullfrogs in order to check on their health and to help them if they are injured. The back cover stresses Chris’ learning differences and in his dedication “To all children born with cleft lip and palate and all children with learning differences,” he states “I had a lot of fun writing this book. I just used what I know and what I have done in my life. It was difficult sometimes because I can be distracted, but I focus and work through it. All kids should follow their dreams and don’t let others tell you that you can’t do it, even if you have learning differences. Focus, work hard, and say to yourself “There’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

Chris’ book is being used in the language department of some schools.

Finally, at age 54, in November of 2006, my novel, co-authored with my cousin and titled “Jesus Gandhi Oma Mae Adams” was released. JGOMA is a murder mystery in which United Minister and televangelist Oma Mae Adams, is gunned down in front of the television station where she tapes her popular ministry, leaving a stunned world asking two questions: “Who killed Oma Mae Adams…and why?”

I am now working on an autobiography which my publisher requested called “The Adoption of Christopher.” It is an emotional write, which often leaves me feeling drained, but it also engenders in me a feeling of accomplishment like no other work has.

As I trace the abandonment and pain of my childhood, the reader will be able to clearly see why a chose to walk the path of adoption, instead of giving birth.

I firmly believe that I have received the same child I was meant to receive whether I gave birth or adopted. The same soul, the same entity was meant to be mine from the beginning of time. Debra Shiveley Welch “A Very Special Child” and “The Adoption of Christopher.”