Interrupted Dreams, Unshakable Purpose

A caregiver’s guide to finding yourself again—without abandoning the people you love.

Inside this book, you’ll find:

Honest reflections on the emotional weight of caregiving
Encouragement to dream again without guilt
Practical steps to reclaim pockets of time for yourself
Reflection prompts to help you uncover what lights you up
A reminder that your purpose doesn’t disappear when circumstances change

This is more than a memoir. It’s a companion for every caregiver who has whispered, “What about me?”

Part story, part companion—this book meets you where you are and walks with you, one honest step at a time.

The shift from getting through the day to growing a life again
Five-minute prompts you can do anywhere (no fancy tools)
The “Pockets of Time” method for busy seasons
How to create without the pressure to “hustle harder”
Real caregiver stories that feel like a friend on the couch
A repeatable rhythm for faith, family, and creative work

Why I Wrote This Book

I wrote this book after years of wrestling with the tension between caring for my son, supporting aging parents, and trying to hold onto my own dreams. For the longest time, I believed that being a caregiver meant putting every part of myself on a shelf. My passions, my creativity, my hopes for the future—they all sat untouched while life demanded everything from me.

But I learned the hard way that it doesn’t have to be that way.

No matter how much we give, we can’t lose the person God created us to be. Caregiving may shape our days, but it shouldn’t silence our purpose. And the thought of another caregiver giving up their dreams simply because they’ve been handed a full plate breaks my heart.

Interrupted Dreams, Unshakable Purpose was born from that place—from my journey of pulling those dreams back off the shelf and finding myself again. I wrote it so other caregivers can see that there is a way forward… that their identity still matters… and that their passions still deserve space, even in the busiest and hardest seasons of life.

You need this IF…

1————–

You’ve been putting yourself last for so long that “self-care” feels impossible or unrealistic.

2 – – – – – – – –

You’re overwhelmed trying to balance caregiving, faith, family, and the tiny pieces of yourself you’re trying to hold onto.

3——–

You have dreams or passions you’ve shelved for years… and you’re not even sure how to begin again.

About The Author

Debra Forand is a writer, photographer, and special needs mom who knows firsthand what it means to juggle caregiving, family, and forgotten dreams. Her life has been shaped by resilience, faith, and the belief that even life’s interruptions can become part of a greater story.

As the mother of a child with Down syndrome and autism, Debra has learned to navigate the unique challenges of caregiving while slowly rediscovering her own passions along the way. Through her writing, she encourages caregivers to embrace creativity, hold on to their dreams, and find strength in the middle of life’s messiest seasons.

When she isn’t writing, Debra can be found behind her camera, capturing the beauty of Florida’s sunsets, rivers, and wildlife. She believes nature, coffee, and a little faith are some of life’s most powerful grounding forces.

Interrupted Dreams, Unshakable Purpose is her debut book—written to remind caregivers everywhere that their stories matter, and the dreams they’ve set aside are still worth holding onto.

"Faith steps in—not as a magic fix, but as the anchor in the storm."

Debra Forand

Author

Dreams Delayed Are Not Dreams Denied

Remember those dreams you had before caregiving became your world? Maybe they feel buried under years of appointments, therapy sessions, and sleepless nights, but they are still alive inside you—like seeds waiting patiently beneath the soil.

I had dreams of chasing storms, teaching children, and creating something meaningful. Life delayed those dreams, but it never took them away. And yours are there, too—waiting for you to give them space again.

Dreams don’t disappear just because they’ve been delayed. They shift, they wait, and they take new shapes that can grow right alongside caregiving.

—- Chapter 2: Mindset, Mirrors, and Messy Growth

FAQ

Is this book only for caregivers of children with disabilities?

No. While my experiences come from raising a son with Down syndrome and autism, this book speaks to any caregiver who has ever felt stretched thin, unseen, overwhelmed, or unsure of who they are outside of responsibility. The heart of the book—hope, identity, purpose, and gentle growth—applies to all caregivers.

I’m exhausted. Will I actually have time to read this?

Yes. This book was written for people who don’t have extra time.
The chapters are short, the tone is gentle, and the “Pockets of Time” prompts can be done in 2–5 minutes. You can read it in small moments without losing the message.

Is this a faith-based book?

Faith is woven into the pages, but it isn’t heavy-handed. It’s more like a steady anchor—a quiet presence of hope and strength. If you appreciate spiritually uplifting books, you’ll feel right at home here.

Do I need to be a creator to get something out of this?

Not at all. While this book does support those who want to create, it reaches far beyond that. It’s about rediscovering the parts of yourself that got buried under caregiving — your identity, your purpose, your passions — and taking small steps back toward YOU, no matter where you are in your journey.

Does this book give practical steps, or is it mostly storytelling?

It’s both. You’ll find relatable real-life caregiving moments, mindset shifts, and simple tools you can start using immediately—especially the “Pockets of Time” method designed for busy caregivers.

Is this book helpful even if I’m not a caregiver anymore, but caregiving shaped me?

Absolutely. Many readers are past the heaviest seasons, but caregiving left lasting changes—emotionally, spiritually, and personally. This book helps you reconnect with who you are now.

Ready to Rediscover Yourself?

Interrupted Dreams, Unshakable Purpose is more than a book — it’s a gentle guide back to the parts of you that still matter. It’s a reminder that even in the middle of caregiving, chaos, and exhaustion, your identity and purpose aren’t lost… they’re waiting.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, or unsure how to make space for yourself again, this is your invitation to begin. One small moment. One small chapter. One small step back toward YOU.

You don’t need a perfect plan.
You just need a starting place — and this book can be that beginning.

What Early Readers Are Saying

“This book made me feel seen in a way I didn’t realize I needed. I cried, I nodded, and I walked away feeling lighter.”

— Early Reader

“Debra’s honesty gave me permission to breathe again. Every caregiver needs these pages.”

— Caregiver, Early Feedback

“This is the book caregivers don’t know they need. I wish I had it years ago.”

— Early Feedback

Let’s Stay Connected

Caregiving can feel lonely, but you don’t have to walk this journey by yourself.
I share weekly encouragement, gentle reminders, creative inspiration, and real talk for caregivers on my Facebook page — a space created just for moms, caregivers, and women rebuilding themselves.

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