Destined to become a treasured heirloom for the many families who will cherish its messages, You Are Loved is devoted to the legacy of love and service of Rev. Alison Etter, and to her vital roles as a mother, spouse, friend to many, community leader, and champion of a better world. With remarkable simplicity, Prof. Tom Urbaniak has laid out a prescription for making the world a better place. In simple sentences—freighted with meaning—he conveys the multiple avenues by which his late wife, Alison, conveyed her wealth of love to the world. Addressed to their son, Oliver, who had turned two years of age just before the untimely death of his "Mamusia" on Valentine's Day, Tom's words about Alison's active and activist love are both a balm and an inspiration, for readers of ALL ages. The power of love, and its everlasting quality, emanate from You Are Loved.

The simple, thoughtful words are shared in the four languages in which Alison Etter communicated: English, French, Gaelic, and Polish.

The 34 inspired, colourful digital paintings by Tammy Krasniqi have captured the beauty of Alison's person and soul, and the many ways to share love—as an overwhelming force for good.

From the vibrant representation of cheerful Oliver on the front cover to Alison's dream of swimming with whales, open You Are Loved anywhere to be moved by a strong, compassionate woman, a person of national influence in her denomination, who was present in our Cape Breton-Unama'ki communities for too short a time. All royalties from book sales will be donated to The Rev. Alison Etter Memorial Fund at the Atlantic School of Theology, which will support people of any faith tradition who carry on Alison's work and values.

Tom Urbaniak PhD, is a respected author on public policy and grassroots action. Professor of political science, director of the Tompkins Institute and university parliamentarian at Cape Breton University in Sydney, Nova Scotia, he has chaired several local and national non-profit organizations, including the National Trust for Canada and Faith & the Common Good (national inter-faith network). A leader in the Polish community in Atlantic Canada, Tom works effectively with diverse communities. He has served as an official Canadian election observer in Ukraine and is a recipient of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal for his volunteer service to his community, his province and to Canada. His Breton Books include Dignity, Develoment, Democracy and In the Public Square.

Tom Urbaniak's profile page