After years of frustrating infertility and near-adoption disappointments, CJ and Pat Carman finally bring home their baby girl, Nicole. As Nicole grows, so do the signs that she does not identify with her female gender assigned at birth. And even though Nicole began to express herself in mostly "masculine" ways, her inner angst grew. Finally realizing she is transgender, Cole began a journey of life changing self-discovery. No longer identifying with the gender assigned at birth, Cole began to take steps to actualize his true male gender. Even with all the signs, it is still a shock to CJ and Pat when they realize what is going on with their daughter. The ensuing transition that results is not only their child's, but also their own way of thinking. As Nicole becomes Cole, CJ and Pat learn the true meaning of unconditional love and that families can take many different shapes and forms. Love, Hope & Acceptance is a story about acceptance in the face of things hard to understand. It is a story that seeks to educate, inspire, and offer hope. Follow along as Cole discovers his true essence and to how he finds the strength to stand in that truth. CJ also wants to appeal to parents to love their children no matter what. CJ Carman received her master's degree in speech communication from Cal State, East Bay and taught communication courses at the community college level for ten years before becoming a stay-at-home mother. After her son, Cole, left for college, CJ became a volunteer at a wildlife organization. CJ lives in California with her husband, Pat. This is CJ's first book.