This month, my book, The Trauma-Informed Pediatric Practice: A Resilience-Based Roadmap to Early Relational Health, was released from The American Academy of Pediatrics. The entire process has been surreal and, until I held the book in my hands, I still had not realized the impact it would have on me. One day in June, my book arrived, packaged, and delivered by the AAP. I carefully opened the package, pulled out the book, and immediately felt tears welling up. Not sobbing tears, but tears of recognition and awe. Followed by…pure joy! I was ecstatic. There’s a book. With MY name – Dr. Amy King. From the AAP!! Woot! Other than finishing my dissertation, this is the most work I’ve put into writing in a long time. The entire process took almost two years and, thanks to my co-author, RJ Gillespie, and our editor, Chris Wiberg, it’s been an incredible experience.

All that said, nothing could have prepared me for June 7, when my friends surprised me with a book launch party. I was under the impression that my husband was taking my mom and me to dinner since she was visiting from out of town. When I arrived for what I thought was a bit of wine tasting prior to dinner, I was met with some of my favorite friends, colleagues, and mentors, as well as my kids. Usually not at a loss for words, I was completely taken aback. Tears sprang to my eyes as this village of love and support cheered in surprise. Everyone was wearing pink (my favorite color and Dr. Amy branded color) and ready to wrap me in love and blessings. Total amazement! 

For the next two hours, I felt celebrated. I was incredibly honored and touched. As I finally got my feet under me, I looked at this crowd of colleagues, friends, mentors, and family and genuinely proclaimed, “I don’t feel like writing this book was any more important than the work all of you do every day.” After all, I looked in the eyes of teachers, psychologists, doctors, first responders, consultants, public servants, and family. My daughter leaned over to me and said, “But it’s ok for us to celebrate you, mom.” And so, it was – a genuine celebration! 

We reveled, loved, laughed, shared stories, and everyone signed a huge poster of cheers and congratulations. I cannot think of a time in my life where I felt so seen and rejoiced in. It was humbling, a bit overwhelming, and I felt so incredibly loved and honored. Most touching was that my husband, along with Alena from my team & a few professional friends, made a night to honor me without any knowing or planning on my part. I will never forget that evening – breathtaking views, sunshine, surrounded by beautiful friends, in a vineyard. 

My co-author and I set out to write this book to transform medicine and early relational health. It truly is our life’s work and passion that more professionals know how to respond to trauma in professional spaces and create resilience through relational health. If you haven’t yet purchased the book, I would be honored if you did so. A close friend of mine recently bought two – one for herself, and one for her pediatrician. 

Friends, never doubt that you can change the world through small steps. 

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are often the only ones that ever do.”  ~ Steve Jobs.

Here’s to taking small steps to change the world!