About the Author

Mary Linda (ML) Sather is the mother of a member of the Air National Guard, a grandmother, and a great grandmother. As a parent and as a long-time educator, she has witnessed the many stressful effects separation can have on families.

When her son called during his second deployment in Iraq to tell her that his youngest daughter, Shea Leigh, had sent her beloved teddy bear to him to keep him company, Mary Linda was deeply touched. She knew that she wanted to turn that experience into a story with a reassuring, happy ending that could be shared with other military families.

Mary Linda lives with her husband, Jim, and their cat Keeda in Duluth, Minnesota, home of the Minnesota Air National Guard's distinguished 148th Fighter Wing. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, yoga, traveling, and hiking.

Mary Linda has previously published travel articles in the Michigan AAA and Boating magazines. This is her first children's book.