About the Book " Through The Eyes of a Child," is a fictional side to the true story of the Cherokee Indians plight, being removed from their homeland in which they existed for centuries. The Cherokee Nation was forced from their homelands and this story tells how a small loving family dealt with the tragedy they would succumb to on this perilous journey. They travel through hazardous conditions. Through all the hardships of family loss, a young child, Little Bird grows from the wisdom taught from her grandmother and mother whose lives become joined with their Great Spirit. Little Bird becomes an icon of strength for her people. Filled with great wisdom and the knowledge of storytelling Little Bird gives the Cherokee Nation a perseverance of faith, and the ideal to never to give up. I have had many friends and family members who have constantly encouraged me to tell this story. The plight of this brave Cherokee Nation will always be remembered. In creating the character of Little Bird and her family I feel that I have given reality to this Trail of Tears that it deserves. I viewed myself as a member of the Cherokee People and wondered what it must have been like traveling so far each day, seeing hunger, disease, treacherous abuse, rape of women and children, these elements attacking this mighty people and watching so many people die before your eyes.

My poetry can best be described as a personal journey lived through depression. From childhood through adulthood I have existed with depression. I have always enjoyed reading and so with reading, the idea of writing poetry came to mind. Being able to express my emotions has played a big part on my road to recovery. Seeing people like myself has helped me give more understanding of how depression affects the mind. Through my poetry I have been able to talk of these emotions through faith in others who have helped me and through my faith in God who has never left me. I try to end my poetry not in negativity but with a purposeful emotion that will give the reader hope, a hope that he or she will someday reach, that pinnacle in their lives that will help them to see beyond that hopelessness of depression. Diane Hicks White 2007

About the Book " Through The Eyes of a Child," is a fictional side to the true story of the Cherokee Indians plight, being removed from their homeland in which they existed for centuries. The Cherokee Nation was forced from their homelands and this story tells how a small loving family dealt with the tragedy they would succumb to on this perilous journey. They travel through hazardous conditions. Through all the hardships of family loss, a young child, Little Bird grows from the wisdom taught from her grandmother and mother whose lives become joined with their Great Spirit. Little Bird becomes an icon of strength for her people. Filled with great wisdom and the knowledge of storytelling Little Bird gives the Cherokee Nation a perseverance of faith, and the ideal to never to give up. I have had many friends and family members who have constantly encouraged me to tell this story. The plight of this brave Cherokee Nation will always be remembered. In creating the character of Little Bird and her family I feel that I have given reality to this Trail of Tears that it deserves. I viewed myself as a member of the Cherokee People and wondered what it must have been like traveling so far each day, seeing hunger, disease, treacherous abuse, rape of women and children, these elements attacking this mighty people and watching so many people die before your eyes.

My poetry can best be described as a personal journey lived through depression. From childhood through adulthood I have existed with depression. I have always enjoyed reading and so with reading, the idea of writing poetry came to mind. Being able to express my emotions has played a big part on my road to recovery. Seeing people like myself has helped me give more understanding of how depression affects the mind. Through my poetry I have been able to talk of these emotions through faith in others who have helped me and through my faith in God who has never left me. I try to end my poetry not in negativity but with a purposeful emotion that will give the reader hope, a hope that he or she will someday reach, that pinnacle in their lives that will help them to see beyond that hopelessness of depression. Diane Hicks White 2007