Many things inspired me to write Melvine's Living Poems. They are a collection of my experiences, joyful reminders, and thoughtful concerns. As a parent and retired educator, I have experienced many feelings that have been shared and explained between parents, children, and teachers. As a mother and caregiver of two, I continued to find feelings very much related to our unique encounters and discoveries. In raising my children and understanding their potential along with some inner suppressed abilities, I have noticed that they often require some extra encouragement to develop from better, to good, to excellent. I have realized how significant support can be in developing creativity and leading one in the direction of inner discovery and growth. I was motivated to encourage others in my life after returning to college at an older age and receiving two education degrees and teaching for 25 years. This journey has led to realizing my gift of creativity with the hopes of bringing confidence to others to recognize their creative gifts within and to help them flourish and share.