About the Author:

Mary Elizabeth Kelly Austin was born in Jersey City. She spent her childhood and adult life living in New Jersey. In 2003, at the age of 45, she was diagnosed with a chronic auto-immune disease called Wegener’s Granulomatosis. The disease almost took her life, but she won the battle. Each day now with her family and friends is a cherished blessing. Inspired by her mother, she put into words her feelings, the laughter and tears of life, family, fun, her love of the ocean, God’s creation, and her strong beliefs. She hopes her poems bring you joy, laughter and inspiration…as much as she had in writing them.