A Child born with albinism hears her mother lovingly speak the words, “Mirror, mirror reflecting from the wall, I am seeing the fairest child of all. Smiling warmly like the rays of the sun, you bring much happiness to everyone.” The child falls asleep feeling a true sense of security. She dreams of magnificent pale creatures like herself and contentedly sees herself playing amongst her fair-haired friends. The reader feels her child-like innocence as she is later approached by a bully. She appears fearful but not defeated. There is no tolerance for this inappropriate behavior as “The creatures form a circle to protect these fair children from any disrespect.” She awakens and shares her dream with her mother and is compassionately reminded of her unique beauty. “Be proud of who you are, let your love shine and hold your head up high fair child of mine.” This book was inspired by the author’s personal experiences and her strong desire to write a book for children with albinism and their families, as well as for all children. My Fair Child gently speaks to our hearts as it is reminiscent of a child’s innocence and the infinite beauty of human diversity.
Maureen Ryan earned a BA from Rutgers University, Douglass College and a MBA from The University of Tampa. After a successful career in business and the birth of her children Erin and Patrick, she began developing and performing educational musical programs, for which she has won numerous awards. She served on the Board of Directors for the United States Association of Blind Athletes and was a member of three USA Paralympic Teams. She resides in Flemington, New Jersey with her family. Maureen would like My Fair Child to play its own part in celebrating the beauty of human diversity.