She follows her future husband, whom she met on an idyllic island in her native Croatia, to California, where new and exciting opportunities are now open to her and her sons. A chance for her to teach in another country is now also her cherished reality. Then, it all suddenly disintegrates before her eyes. Cracks begin to show in her marriage; before she realizes it, navigating life within a new country she barely knows becomes fraught with challenges. Even more, terrifying for her is the discovery that her sons could be deported at a moment's notice!As she pivots from the emotional rollercoaster of feeling lost and moves to feeling found and then hopeful, the author leads the reader through an emotional journey that encourages them to root for her and her young sons' welfare! Based on the real-life experiences of its author, Picking up the Pieces navigates the emotionally challenging and, at times, treacherous waters of human relationships. It gives the reader an internal glimpse of sometimes frightening, indifferent harbors of government bureaucracy and the controversial aspect of illegal immigration. Julija Suput delivers a voice of unison and support for immigrant families to the United States - especially related to those who are documented and those who are not. She delivers a unified voice to those who fear they may have no recourse but to remain silent.Picking Up the Pieces brings to light the love, dedication, and dreams of one dedicated mother for her family's safety, overriding her own health and personal safety!