About Five Paths Publishing
I began a journey to find my true purpose several years ago. It was during this time that Trey—a sweet, loving, adventurous six-year-old boy—lost his life in a tragic accident. This loss had a tremendous impact on my life. As I continued to search my heart and soul for what would energize me, make my heart skip a beat, and fill the space inside me, I heard five words: “You should write a book.” This was all I needed to head down a path that has led me beyond my wildest dreams. Those words came from Trey’s mom, Mindy McCleery, and that book—A Friendship Forever—was published in November 2017. It’s a book about loss, and really about living.
I launched Five Paths Publishing at the same time, out of the understanding that life may send you down a path you didn’t choose—one littered with boulders, craters, stumps, and mud. My purpose became clear: to guide others as they walk, skip, or run down their own path, and to bring comfort and resources to those stuck in the mud, at the bottom of a crater, or at the base of a boulder.
Keep in mind that your path is exactly where you should be. May you open your eyes to see and explore every inch of it. May your path cross with other people’s paths, and may they walk alongside you. May your path lead you beyond your wildest dreams!
Jeannine Bernardi
About the Author
Jeannine Bernardi loved to write stories and plays from an early age while growing up in upstate New York, and her passion for poetry continued into college.
After moving to Colorado as a traveling nurse, she met her wonderful husband and together they are raising three amazing children who continue to teach her life’s true lessons. Writing this book has been a journey that has helped her process the tragedy of loss, by understanding how imperative it is to live, and she hopes this story will help others do the same. This is Jeannine’s first picture book.
Rob Hay
About the Illustrator
Rob Hay began illustrating when he was a young boy, shortly after discovering his first MAD Magazine (he wanted to be Mort Drucker!). All these years later he finds himself in the art classroom, teaching students the tricks he has picked up along the way. Illustrating is Rob’s passion and he is honored to illustrate this book for a great author and friend, whose words showed him how important it is to express your love and compassion to those who surround you every single day. Rob lives in Colorado with his beautiful wife and three wonderful kids, who motivate him and encourage creativity.