My Inspiration for Writing I Am a Beautiful Flower

My lovely daughter Banvoa inspired me to write the book as well as my friends. My dear friends thought that other mothers would enjoy having the Flowering Party and Promise Ring Gathering with their daughters. My daughter's confidence led to her inspiring me to write the book. I think having the parties changed her. Banvoa was so prepared to help me write the book that she researched some of the herbs for the chapter: Herbal Support for the Reproductive and Immune Systems. Her helping me made it very clear that the parties were a success. She was more mature.

I appreciated her growth and development. Banvoa had a different approach towards boys. She merely reflected on boys as friends and not as a mate. Which I as a mother who wanted her daughter to focus on abstinence was happy to see. She had plenty of time for boys in her life. I wanted Banvoa to focus on the sacredness of her body. I believe that abstinence helps young girls realize this more. This is why we had the Promise Ring Gathering a year after her cycle. As girls develop, some think about having boyfriends, which is what the promise ring symbolizes. I'm so happy that Banvoa was open to receiving a promise ring that focused on the sacredness of her body. As a mother I was relieved that Banvoa focused with me on the sacredness of her body.

I wasn't ready to prepare Banvoa for pregnancy. I felt it was too soon. At her confidence level, she was probably better prepared than me. I had to remember that I was preparing Banvoa for pregnancy since age five, when she asked, "Where do babies come from?" And watching the "NOVA: The Miracle of Life" video with her. Then later at 10, when I explained the differences between being a married mother and a single mother in America. Although I know I wasn't putting pressure on Banvoa to be abstinent, I was happy she chose it. Her inspiring me to write the book helped me realize that Banvoa received so many gems from the parties. This is why in the dedication of the book I refer to young girls as lotuses. "Lotuses are symbols of purity, divine birth and beauty, an exquisite flower." It is indeed true that Banvoa is a beautiful flower. Every chapter in the book has young girls in mind. The book is a keepsake treasure that girls can refer to and get their questions answered. It is one-stop shopping. I am proud of the book and most proud that Banvoa inspired me to write it.

One thing I need to make very clear is that the book is for fathers and sons because they need the information as well. Fathers and sons must understand the female reproductive system — as girls start their flowering, they will be the ones who carry life. Fathers and sons will find a plethora of information from the book.

Lastly, I must say thank you to Banvoa for this wonderful undertaking. I Am a Beautiful Flower: What Every Flowering Girl Should Know is having a powerful impact on families around the world. I am grateful for Banvoa's inspiration. As for my friends, they are mothers. From life experience, they know what is good for their daughters. They fell in love with the Flowering Party and Promise Ring Gathering. They knew that mothers everywhere could benefit from the parties. The parties changed the way they mothered their daughters. From their inspiration they knew, from their knowledge as mothers, I needed to write the book. For some of the most inspirational people in my life, the book has nothing but gems to offer families who are looking to celebrate their daughter as she starts her flowering. The best is yet to come.