Colette

Colette, my mom’s firstborn, came into the world on February 12, 1956, bringing with her a light that touched everyone who knew her. Born with cerebral palsy and a cognitive disability, Colette faced challenges that shaped her life and our family’s journey. Despite these difficulties, my mom adored her, pouring love and care into every moment they shared. Everyone who met Colette remembers her as a beautiful child, her spirit shining through in ways that words can’t fully capture.

As Colette grew older, her needs became more complex, and Mom faced the heartbreaking reality that she could no longer care for her at home. The decision to have Colette institutionalized was one of the hardest Mom ever made, filled with love, pain, and sacrifice. It was a chapter that tested our family’s strength, and the details of this emotional journey are shared in my book, where I explore what Mom and our family went through during this time.

Colette’s story is one of beauty and resilience, a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. Her life left an indelible mark on our family, and through the book, I hope to honor her memory and the love that surrounded her.