This book represents six years in the life of one woman diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Her struggles against the possible effects of her tremor, her humanity in the face of a devastating diagnosis, and her sense of humour in the midst of it all will echo in the souls of middle aged readers everywhere. Each chapter reveals its own unique Reflections. Each one is touching and real. Those who sit down with this collection will laugh, cry, identify and question. This collection stands firm as a model to others. It shows how one person can achieve her goal, and share her philosophy, even in very challenging circumstances.

Mirrors of my Soul contains 129 pages with an introduction by the poet. There is one Signature poem, and each chapter is entitled Reflections. There are Reflections on the Soul, Reflections on Middle Age, Reflections on Animals, Reflections on Illness, Reflections on Reflections, Reflections on Revelations, Reflections on Nature, Reflections on Relationships, Reflections on Whimsy and Reflections on Life. Within each chapter lie different and unusual viewpoints. For example, in the Chapter entitled Reflections on page 23, Take Me as I Am speaks to women everywhere.

I keep my sweet secrets inside my heart

Until one unique mind sets itself apart.

Can she accept what's under the mask?

Her simple reply: "Did I even need to ask?"

In the sweet but powerful poem entitled The Elephant Danced, the power of optimism and delight in one's own capabilities is simply and delightfully expressed.

The ballet teacher who had been prejudiced against the elephant's size now sees the grace in his movements and the error of her ways. She makes amends.

"You'll be my star pupil; you're one of a kind."

And the elephant smiled , for she had been blind.

Ellen Alban's views are her own, unique, loving, and heartfelt. Readers will laugh and cry while enjoying this fine anthology.