Initially apprehensive about becoming a mother, Emma mapped out her life plans steered by fulfillment of a happy marriage and career. She thought she might one day feel ready and willing to add the role of mother to her life's responsibilities, but she had not quite figured out when that would occur. When Emma's biological clock smacked her upside the head and she suddenly craved motherhood over every other aspect of life, she was stunned to discover that she could not get pregnant. After a year of ovulation test kits and timed baby making under her belt, it was inevitable that other avenues needed exploration. After pursuing every option, including adoption, Emma learned that becoming a parent was not as simple a process as she had always envisioned.

This true, heartwarming story reveals that miracles occur in everyday life. Enjoyable and uplifting, "One Kid at a Time" will empower--and encourage--everyone who reads it.

Danny had no chance. His mother abandoned him. His father in prison didn't know him. His grandmother beat him so badly that the doctors couldn't count the bruises. He lived nonstop days of unending anxiety, loneliness and terror. Ordered into foster care, the system isolated, drugged and betrayed him.

Jake lived the good life. Warm friendships, plenty of money and freedom to do what he enjoyed. From the outside he had the perfect existence. But inside he longed for a child.

"Dekker's ability...is striking. It would be easy for a memoir dealing with this subject to veer into an angry, ranting outburst, but Dekker's restrained writing conveys the chaos with refined dignity. Dekker is refreshingly honest...Which makes the story all the more poignant and inspiring." - "Kirkus Reviews"

"Positive, inspiring, exemplary and deeply spiritual. "One Kid at a Time" is an instant classic. I loved it." --The Reverend Mel White, author of "Stranger at the Gate"

What Readers are Saying "An amazing captivating story. It gives grandparents raising kids the comfort of knowing, you are not alone." -Bill Trammell, a single grandfather from Wisconsin, raising his adopted grandson. "Karen is honest and vulnerable and takes even the worst of what happened and makes something beautiful out of it. A compelling story, from someone who's been there " -Laura Montane Bailey, LMFT, author of Courageous Love "Karen tells her story with integrity in a compelling style, leaving the reader wanting more. Through her challenges, she found the way to empowerment, giving the reader a gift." -Lynne R. Gassel, author of Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path that Led to Raising Our Child's Child "By sharing her moving, poignant journey of raising her three granddaughters, Karen reveals her challenges, commitment, and courage along with her desire to empower other grandparents." -Donne Davis, Founder GaGa Sisterhood, a social network for grandmas I Love You from the Edges is Karen's love story of raising her young granddaughters for several years, letting them capture her heart, her life, and her soul, and then having to give them back - resulting in a painful, yet spiritual journey of love, healing, and reunion. Along with her story, she includes suggestions on the "how's, what's and why's" one should consider when beginning the journey of raising someone else's child. Included is the health and wellness assessment program Karen designed specifically for grandparents and relatives raising children. Using her holistic approach, this assessment focuses on six aspects of wellness: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, mental/intellectual, and environmental. Whether you are a grandparent, great-something, aunt, uncle, or any relative raising someone else's child, this book is for you.