An Anniversary Toast

Today is May 14th, the first anniversary of the launch of My Real Mother. So I thought a toast would be perfect, but first, I want to tell you why your support this past year has meant so much to me.

You see, I had always wanted to write a book. Though it was more than that, I always wanted to tell this particular story. Having dyslexia, though, I doubted myself. I was no scholar, even so, I had a story. Would anyone even find my story intriguing? I had written nothing in my entire life. Did I even have any talent? These are just a few things my alter ego whispered in my ear.

Let’s face it—we all have had challenges in our lives, but I believe how you perceive things determines how you proceed through life. Yes, my mother left me and my sister when we were very young children. That’s terrible, you say. I disagree. Again, it’s all in your perception. I call my story “a beautiful story without happy endings.”

The story I have always wanted to tell is from my mother’s perspective. I thought a deep dive, looking into “what happened” through her eyes, would certainly help me understand what had led up to the day she had driven away. Telling the story was certainly cathartic; writing it was healing. But it’s much more than that. Through writing it, I have learned who I am, what I am capable of, and what I want to be—an author.

I attribute these revelations to those of you who read my book and took the time to reach out to me. Your words, whether written in reviews, text messages, or given over the phone, have encouraged me, and I am forever grateful! Thank you!!

Well, now I am crying. Okay, let’s get to that toast, shall we? Oh, wait. Before we do that, I am sure you would like an update on my second book. I am happy to say that My Other Mother is coming along beautifully! I know you are all waiting for her debut, and I appreciate your patience. Daily, I am encouraged by the saying, “All good things come in time,” because a year has passed and I had hoped to have the sequel in your hands. So, if you'll allow me, I ask that you embrace the saying, “Good things come to those who wait,” and continue to be patient with me. Please!!

The time has come. Please raise your glass with me as I toast all of you. Because of you, I am happy to say it’s been an amazing first year!

Humbly Yours,

Tina N. Katamay