The Lost and Found (ePub)

THE LOST AND FOUND is my debut novel. It's about an unlikely friendship between a broken-hearted young woman and a 12-year old alter, the last to be integrated into a 58-year old woman who suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

Lilly is a 12 year old alter, the last to be integrated by Diana, a 58 year woman who has suffered such tragedy that when she witnessed her daughter's murder, she "broke" into other personalities, each with a purpose of living for Diana, until she felt safe enough to return to the life that she fled. Jade, the other main character, through unusual circumstance, comes to stay with Diana and her "family". Lilly and Jade instantly bond, through a collection of adventures, secrets, lessons, games and opportunities that give the reader an insight to both the highs and lows and raw emotion that come from loss, as well as the whimsical relief from the pain that comes from it.

Diana's home is a communal ranch called The Lost and Found. Because Diana was a foster mother to so many before her break, a group of her past foster kids, along with friends and family, rallied by creating a safe home for Diana to return to when she was ready to reclaim her life.

This eclectic ensemble group of characters all have stories of their own that ingratiate both Jade and the reader, as well as explain the dynamics of how the Ranch came to be. Many of the characters and interactions are comical, inspiring, whimsical and life-affirming, but in somewhat non-conventional ways. Jade validates Lilly, unlike anyone else was to able and Lilly gave Jade a sense of purpose and belonging by letting into her world.

Lilly connects with the broken-hearted young lady that immediately accepts her as she is and Jade is fascinated with this vibrant and innocent 12-year-old soul born of the tragic and painful parts of her own 58 years. Jade's arrival seems to prompt Lilly's recognition of her own mortality and purpose, triggering Jade to examine her own, as well. It is their growing bond and loyalty to each other that guides them both to the healing that they need to become whole again. Jade tells you her story by sharing everyone else's, all while forging a mutually nurturing relationship with Lilly, which, in the end, brings them both unexpected gifts.