Why I Must Go offers parents a gentle way to talk about a family member’s military service and the reasons behind their time spent away from home. When did you realize there was a need for a book like this for young children?

My husband deployed twice in two years when my children were very young. My daughter started asking why her daddy had to leave for work when other daddies came home. I didn’t have a good enough answer that explained the magnitude of service and courage of military members. There was one defining moment on the day my husband deployed for the second time. We were at a friend’s house, and their dad got home from work. The kids all started yelling Daddy! and running to meet him at the door. My eldest got caught up in the moment and joined in, only for her face to fall when she realized her daddy wasn’t going to be home for a long time. I saw that there was a need for a way to explain to children that loved ones leave for the military because of love for them. They love their kids and family so much, they deploy to protect them.

How do you ensure the tone stays comforting without minimizing the reality of separation?

The reality of separation is very much present in the book, but I tried to pair different examples of the separation with reasons behind it. I focused on the freedoms and the safety that the children can enjoy because of the service of members in the military.

The story emphasizes routines and small moments of joy. Why was that important to include?

Life doesn’t and shouldn’t stop when family members deploy. It is so easy to fall into the trap of “Wait until Daddy gets home.” I wanted to show that fun and exciting things can still happen even though their loved ones may not be there to experience it with them.

What is one thing you hope families take away from Why I Must Go?

I want families, and especially children, to be proud of their loved ones for their service. To see the positive in their absence.

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