A Big Reveal

This past week, I arrived home weary and sore but joyous from my 100 km walk with fellow pilgrims along the “French route” of the El Camino in Spain. Once I’ve had time to digest the magnitude of the journey—and rid myself of lingering jet lag—I promise to share some special moments that unfolded. 

But until then, I want to reveal a few significant happenings in my writing world. 

This week, I will receive the ARCs (advance reader copies) of my forthcoming memoir, Twice the Family. I can’t wait to hold those books—fresh off the press so to speak—in my hands and share that unique moment with you here and on social media.

Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Sisterhood is the coming-of-age tale and much-anticipated prequel to my award-winning debut memoir, Twice a Daughter.

Speaking of which…

This past summer I began collaborations with acclaimed screenwriter, Alan Roth, to adapt the events of Twice a Daughter into a TV Pilot. I’m holding my breath and crossing my fingers, as the process of pitching and marketing the project to the cinema world begins. 

On another front…

An essay I crafted last year for my monthly column at The Beacher Newspapers received gratifying accolades. This past spring, the Woman’s Press Club of Indiana awarded “When a Tree Grows” first place in its annual communications contest in the Columns: General category. Early this summer, my winning entry was then sent on to the national contest run by the National Federation of Press Women where it also won first place. 

As you will see in the shared excerpt below, “When a Tree Grows” is a heart-warming tale about my grandson Jack and his trip to our family tree farm. I’m thrilled to announce that the story is being adapted into a children’s book. I can’t wait to share how that process proceeds as well. So much to be grateful for.

I hope you enjoy the read.

When a Tree Grows

As the spectacular season of autumn descends, I offer a few thoughts about the magical nature of trees, and a few stories about a few stunning oaks around which my family has crafted significant memories. Perhaps you have a favorite tree or two that define your family history, too?

Nearly a decade ago when my family decided to live full time in Northwest Indiana, it became evident our beach cottage would not fit our changing needs. There were many things I knew I’d miss about the place – the cozy family room, huge wrap-around deck, deep sandy foredune – but the massive old oak anchoring the long, meandering path to the beach topped the list. 

For me, the majestic oak was not just a guidepost for the seasons, it was a benchmark for the many years of beachfront memories our family banked. Moving away made me feel like I was leaving behind a member of our family. But as luck would have it, the property to which we relocated contains an equally impressive mature oak to which I have transferred my emotions and attention.

My father-in-law, Louie, also had a love affair with trees. He studied horticulture in college, ran a greenhouse for a bit, then bought a small farm in Michigan, which he named Weatherwood Farm. Louie’s dream was to purchase enough acreage to plant trees. Not just any kind of tree, though. Walnut trees. Walnut trees are unique. They take a lifetime to reach maturity, so their valued products, nuts and hardwood, only benefit future generations. 

My father-in-law’s vision never came to fruition. He died from a cardiac event in his early 60s, one year after his first grandchild was born.

Fast forward 30 years. 

After my husband and I became full-time Indiana residents, Steve purchased acreage in LaPorte County and set about realizing his father’s unfulfilled dream. Steve teamed up with our son, Louie’s only grandson, and they hired an arborist who advised them to add a few deciduous and coniferous varieties to the mix. There were no arguments when it came to naming the property. It became Weatherwood Walnut Farm. 

Three years ago, before my husband succumbed to cancer, the fields were sown with acres and acres of tiny saplings. After they were planted, Steve made a special request to each of our four children: “I want each of my grandchildren to pick a tree and claim it as their own. Each time they visit, snap a photo of them with their tree. It’ll be fun to compare their progress.” 

This past August, my daughter and two preschool-aged grandsons boarded an overnight Amtrak from New Jersey to visit me in Michigan City. One of our planned adventures was a trip to Weatherwood Walnut Farm, where the boys would fulfill Steve’s wish. 

On the day of the outing, 4-year-old Jack jumped from my car, and I raced after him up the incline to the farm’s unofficial entrance.

Jack scanned the field and then, wide-eyed, turned to me. “Where’s my tree, Lulu?” 

I pointed at the scores of rows loaded with saplings. The walnuts and pines were still shorter than Jack, but other species like sycamore towered over my head.

“You need to pick one, Jack,” I said smiling.

The summer growth of wildflowers made slogging through the field slow and difficult. Undeterred, Jack took off and made a beeline to a tree with little brush surrounding it. At roughly 4 feet tall, Jack’s selection had crowded out the competition. It stood straight and proud, solitary like a sentinel. When I reached Jack’s side and took in the tree’s distinctive pointed leaves, my face beamed.

“I found my tree, Lulu. This is it. Take my picture.”

“It’s a beauty, Jack. You picked one of my favorites, an oak tree.”

After the photos, I snagged Jack’s hand and drew him in close to his tree. I wanted us to study his choice, to chat about why he chose this tree, and to share with him about my love affair with oaks. But before I could speak, I spotted something that took my breath away. 

“Oh, wow, Jack! Your tree has its first bird’s nest. Look here.”

As the entire family ventured over to ogle the stunning surprise in Jack’s oak, we zeroed in on the nest. A handful of featherless, newly hatched baby birds were chirping for their next meal. Mindful of the mother bird who was probably circling overhead, we all took a quick peek and stepped away.

As we climbed into the car to head back to my house, my grandson marveled at his decision. 

“I can’t believe my tree had a nest and baby birds. It’s my favorite tree forever,” Jack crowed.

With tears in my eyes, I said, “You know the big tree in front of my lake house is an oak tree. I’ll show you when we get home. It’s exactly what your tree will look like when it grows up.”

As I drove along absorbing Jack’s excitement, I was awed by the full circle moment. A little boy made an exciting discovery on a tree farm his great-grandfather envisioned, one his grandfather planted to ensure the dream was realized. The idea of Weatherwood Walnut Farm may have begun with Louie, but his progeny is experiencing the magic of a dream coming true. As for me, Jack’s selection was a bonding moment for us. Without any forethought, my fondness for oaks has been passed on to the next generation, an outcome I find deeply satisfying.

Whether it is an oak, an elm or pine tree you prefer, trees are breathtaking creations. They provide pleasure, privacy and nurture the world around them. Their steady presence influences where and how we live and play, as well as the memories we make and hold dear. When a tree grows, something magical happens. The world is made instantly better, and astounding things become possible. 

Follow Me Here

In October (18-20th), Julie will attend Florida WritersCon in Orlando, FL with colleagues from the Florida Writers Association (FWA).

In November (14-17th), Julie will attend Story Studio’s four day writing retreat with instructors Rebecca Makkai and Vu Tran at the Guesthouse Hotel in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. The theme for the retreat is “5,000-Word Weekend.” 

On February 4, 2025, Julie’s new memoir, Twice the Family: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood hits the bookshelves. It’s the long-awaited prequel to her award-winning debut, Twice a Daughter.

Follow Julie by visiting her website, subscribe to her bimonthly newsletters, and listen to previous podcast recordings where she discusses topics like adoption, identity, and belonging.

I’m Still Reading

The Art of Power by Nancy Pelosi*

An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin*

*Both authors I had the privilege of seeing in person at the University Club of Chicago in conversation with their respective moderators: David Axelrod and David Brooks

Top of My TBR (to-be-read) List

The Trespasser by Tana French

The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

Twins (And What They Tell Us About Who We Are) by Lawrence Wright

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