About this ebook
She was inspired to write this book after her father survived a 100-foot hang gliding fall in 1984 and while she served as his primary caregiver until he died in 2021 at the age of 90. How does one go from being an aerospace engineer to the limited physical mobility of a nine-month year baby without falling into a deep depression? Sometimes it takes a lifestyle change. She credits the gentle philosophy they enjoyed together for his uplifted mood while recovering.
We live in a world that glorifies and glamorizes whoever has the most money and whoever shines the most brightly. However, is being a top dog synonymous with happiness? The evidence suggests no. If so, the richest among us would be immune to humiliation, grief, depression, and anxiousness. These emotions are significant parts of the human condition regardless of age, economic status, religion, or background. Sometimes, the higher we climb that corporate ladder, the more we fear the potential fall. When we are on the bottom rung, we can appreciate the ground below, which houses our roots.
Moreover, when forced to see from the ground up (or the back alley), we are led to a transformational and fulfilling life. This evolution has led me back to my ethnic roots to recoup all it provides. This little keepsake book points out the value of life's simplest things. When life does not go as planned, and we're hit with surprises, the solutions can be found in nature and ourselves. Use this little book when you've hit a troubling spot or are curious to see from a backward –yet, oh, so progressive perspective.
About the author
Among a collection of numerous written works focusing on Eastern Philosophy and meditation, Janine Vance authored "The Search for Mother Missing: A Peek Inside International Adoption" and "Twins Found in a Box: Adapting to Adoption." Vance has been interviewed from Seattle to Seoul and featured in newspapers, magazines, on television and radio since 2003, including BBC, Delphi International, Huffington Post, Dong-A Ilbo, Chosun, Brainz Magazine, Northwest Asian Weekly, and The Northwest Afternoon Show.
Janine has also written several books and feature-length screenplays, exploring the intersection between child trafficking and overseas adoption, the impact of adoption on adoptees and their families, and the larger cultural, social, and political issues surrounding the industry. Janine's books have been awarded first place in Adventure and gold and silver in the categories of Gov/Politics, Social Issues, and Non-Fiction Anthology.
In addition to being an author, Vance is an advocate for inherent human rights. She co-founded Adoption Truth and Transparency Worldwide Information Network in 2011 with her twin, which aims to provide a place for overseas, transracial, domestic, and late-discovery adoptees, families separated by adoption, and parents of loss to discuss adoption-related issues. Janine directed the pioneering Adoption Trafficking Awareness Symposium for Against Child Trafficking in 2022.
Janine has also spoken at various events and conferences about her adoption experience and has been involved with several adoptee-led organizations to raise awareness about the issues faced by families separated by adoption. To learn about her personally, visit Janinevance.com. Visit adoptionhistory.org to see Vance's latest projects.
