It's Okay, I'm Watching (Dear Grief)

Growing up in Scott Park, Florida, ten-year-old LaTrell Wiggins lives a normal life. She has it all—two loving parents Luis and Paulina, her humorous younger brother Daryl, and ride-or-die childhood friends, Chandler and Shajuan. But this all changes when cancer takes LaTrell's mother. The Wiggins are left to pick up the pieces and figure things out emotionally. If this isn't enough, puberty introduces itself to LaTrell, causing her to reluctantly accept that her body is changing. During this adjustment period the Wiggins quickly learn that communicating is key. Can Luis handle the pressure of raising LaTrell and Daryl alone? Will LaTrell be expected to fulfill her mother’s shoes? It’s Okay, I’m Watching is a story of love, loss, and expected discovery of the strengths in each of us and our loved ones, whether they are with us or not.

Chenee' Gilbert, Ed.D. has been an educator for twenty years and is currently an Assistant Professor at an online university. Dr. Gilbert is a former elementary teacher for the Atlanta Public School System. She released her first children's book, "Mama, Did You Mean to Leave So Soon," in 2008.