MaryEllen Collins Simmons is my second cousin, with whom I was recently reunited after approximately 43 years.  We were penpals as children and had lost track of each other.  In the summer of 1998, MaryEllen and her mother contacted my mother after finding her address on the internet. Consequently, ME and I have become dedicated e-mail pals and great friends.  Paul and I were lucky enough to be able to fly to Arizona in January 2000 for a visit with MaryEllen and her family.

She is the mother of ten children, eight of whom are adopted; and she and her husband Duane have been foster parents to 125 children through the years.  Her wit and sense of humor have gotten her through many experiences that would have been traumatic to most of us.  You can read about her adventures in this easy to read book, which will make you cry and then make you laugh.  Read about her childhood and you'll understand why she's the loving and giving person she is today.

To order the book, just click here: Kelly Publications, or e-mail MaryEllen.