This is a memoir about hope - hope in others, hope in systems, and hope for the future.

I've never quite known where to begin when someone asks me what I've been up to. I've never quite known how to explain what our daily life is like. I wanted to write how it is in order to give others a greater understanding of disability and caring. And to be totally honest, I wanted to write something that would make people consider being Louis's friend.

So here is me introducing you: Louis, this is your story. Readers, this is my son.

Alison White first studies drama at Dartington College of Arts, but soon found that poetry offered her a more natural form of creative expression. Alison draws her inspiration from the people, places and everyday experiences that surround here. She currently lives by the sea in Bacton, Norfolk,

Forewords by Kathy French and Kevin Miles Respectively Sexual Health Advisor, Royal College of Nursing; Nurse Specialist, Margaret Pyke Centre, London, Hon. Lecturer in Sexual Health, University College London This book is an essential resource for use in day to day practice. It is user-friendly and ideal as a quick reference guide, bringing together all the basic information required for a practitioner working in sexual and reproductive health. A helpful formulary and glossary of terms is included along with web links and suggestions for further reading. 'This timely publication will go a long way in helping the many professionals in the field to deliver care as part of a team. Essential reading for pre- and post-registration students in sexual health.' Kate French, in her Foreword 'This book paves the way forward in terms of providing the first truly integrated educational resource for nurses. Such a significant contribution to the evolving specialty of integrated contraceptive and sexual healthcare will also enhance career pathways and opportunities for nurses. It also highlights the growing need for training and education programmes to be developed with the concept of integrated care in mind. [The] book will be welcome, not only to nurses currently providing integrated models of contraceptive and sexual healthcare, but also to a much wider range of healthcare workers who provide care in either of the contraception or GUM specialities, as well as educationalists who will provide programmes of training to these practitioners.' Kevin Miles, in his Foreword