Mara Windstar exploded into my life. In April of 1999, she attended our NAMI-Oregon State Conference (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). Mara wrote a letter telling how this conference impacted her life. The letter expressed her sense of isolation and at times, feeling like an alien. She also wrote so clearly of how she felt included, welcomed and loved at the Conference. It was one of the most powerful, poignant articulate and passionate letters I have ever read.

This book contains Mara's life journey. Written with the same power, passion and honesty, Mara shares the full range of her life: the joys, the sorrows, the disappointments, the despair, the separation, the unity, the self-doubt, the love, the triumphs and the sanctity of life.

What shines through the entire work is Mara's love of God, His creation and His people. These poems take us from the solitary voice of a robin's song in spring to the raging thunder of full blown psychosis. This book is filled with courage, joy, sadness, isolation, inclusion, pain, despair, wonder, humor, healing, hope, gratitude, thankfulness and most importantly, Love.

If you read this with an open mind and open heart you will never be the same. Mara has changed my life. I hope she will change yours too!