What Do I Give You My Child?

What do we give our children?

Advice? Encouragement? A steady hand?
Freedom to wobble? A soft place to land?
A giant hug?

What Do I Give You My Child? is a lyrical journey through the stages of childhood to adulthood, reminding us that every stumble and fumble can become a stepping stone-and that even the messiest moments can be magical.

Inspired by Deborah’s three sons, each poem captures a snapshot in time. The collection offers the kind of wisdom that might come from stepping on LEGO block in the dark. It celebrates the imperfections, the hilarious happenings, and the miracles that help shape a grown-up.

As a tribute to her children-wrapped in sticky fingers, sprinkled with questionable decisions, and infused with parental improv (but baked with best efforts!)-this book blends their stories into one symbolic journey. It represents not only their shared path but also simmers into the mix, their chosen life partners. And the crown of the cupcake-the final swirl of a life lovingly stirred, are the grandchildren, those who are already baked to perfection, and those whose dough is yet to be mixed.