Twigs of a Family Tree is the true story of a family, one not by blood but in spirit. You will find a story eight generations long, as the middle four united from across the globe to tell it. The story starts in the days of Baha'u'llah, and carries you to the edge of tomorrow. It speaks to everyone who yearns to hold meaningful conversations--with others or within one's self--about our society's biggest "forbidden" topics: politics, race, religion, and sex. It speaks of struggle and growth, craving and recovery, chasms and bridges, crisis and victory, love and faith. It speaks our truth. Cultural anthropologist Jean Mavrelis says of Twigs of a Family Tree, "For those who see the unity of humankind, much is required in breaking out of old paradigms. These are stories of exceptional people who transcended their early programming, and moved to a community of wholeness and acceptance of the complexity of 'humans being' ... one that provides a spiritual framework of meaning, belonging, and higher power. Well done!" Twigs of a Family Tree took thirteen years to write. It was worth every moment. The only sad note is that one family member did not live to see her completed work in print. Happily, she lives on through her words, her unique story. Six "angels" helped this book come to be: + First, the collector who asked for one story, and the thespian who inspired the addition of others. + Next, the acquisitions editor who requested at least double the length. + Then, the friend who quoted a line that unveiled why this book demanded to be written. + And finally, the twelve-stepper who received help to survive, and the survivor who provided that help, whose mutual experiences triggered the revelation that completed this book. Twigs of a Family Tree has been hailed as groundbreaking. Writer Lynnea Yancy calls it "part teaching story, part history, part love story, and part adventure ... told with skill, kindliness, and a wisdom born of experience. A mighty fine job." And author Dale Lehman declares, "These uplifting stories of faith found and unity forged offer hope to our fragmented world." The members of this family-in-spirit believe that we are all part, both genetically and spiritually, of one worldwide human family. If you believe that too, then reading Twigs of a Family Tree is a trip to your family reunion. One you will enjoy.