Tamara and her husband struggled for years to get pregnant. They went through numerous fertility treatments. Finally the blessed day came when they found out they were pregnant. They were overjoyed! They hastily planned and eagerly anticipated the birth of a healthy baby. But paradise came with a catch: the baby would be healthy, but was missing an arm.
Tamara was inspired to write this book because of the frustration she found in the lack of information provided for parents in her situation. She was unable to find books that addressed her particular questions and took the viewpoint of a parent. She couldn't find information on how to deal with the stares and uncomfortable situations that arose in response to her daughter's arm. She set out to change that. She wants to let parents know that they aren't alone and that help can be found. She presents children with limb differences or amputations as whole children and enables parents to acknowledge their anger and fear and move on to the reality of the situation-they have a child to love and protect.
Information is provided about institutions that are able to help both parents and children emotionally and physically. She has included quotes, proverbs, and the personal stories of others to inspire and give guidance as to how to deal with this lifelong situation.
About the Author
Tamara Reyes-Muralles was born in Vegreville, Alberta, Canada in 1967. Around the age of three, she moved to Edmonton, Alberta. When she was 14 years old, she moved back to rural Alberta and attended a small town’s junior and senior high school. A few months after her move, she developed juvenile diabetes. In 1985, she moved back to Edmonton, and two years later she obtained a Clerk-Typist certificate. She stayed in secretarial and administrative positions for ten years. She married in 1993, and in 1997, had a baby girl. After the birth of her child, Tamara decided to change careers because she was no longer happy and wanted a challenge. She wanted a career where she could use her strong organizational skills. She attended a technical institution and obtained a Programmer Analyst diploma. Since graduating, she discovered technical writing was a rewarding career.
