By Deborah Mukeshimana

To me, an umbrella represents an incredible person, like my mother, who is always there to cover you whenever it is about to rain. At first, I assumed my mother was just doing her parental responsibilities, but many parents do not do what she did. She gave up all the pleasures her peers would call her to participate in for my and my siblings’ sake. She's a true heroine, and this has inspired me to not only express my gratitude to her via words, but also through action, such as writing a book that future generations will read. The book is called Umbrella of Problems.

Since my book is based on a true story, my own, at times I’ve found it to be extremely difficult to battle my emotions, which are total forces of nature. Still, much has been accomplished. When I write, it creates a secure space for me to open my heart. Through this journey, I’ve also learned that by dismantling an old umbrella that is beyond mending, you can recycle it. If the canvas is still in satisfactory condition, it can be repurposed, while the frame can typically be tossed in the compost bin and scooped back up later.

My book, I believe, will not only be a healing aid for me, but also for future generations. I hope it will help them understand that alternative paths out of rocky ways are always available and that no matter how difficult life becomes, no matter how severe the rain or hailstones, there is always an umbrella. After the storm of troubles has passed, the umbrella will land somewhere, and the healing rain, rain that will purify and prettify, will begin to flow.