The Chosen One is a heart-warming account of one woman's determined search for her ethnic identity and her subsequent struggle to unite that distant world with the world she has always lived in. Strengthened by her faith in God and driven by a soulful desire to finally know the truth of her adoptive childhood, Maria Brodeur embarks upon a quest that will take her, physically and spiritually, deep into her past to uncover the secrets that have been buried there. Through the labyrinth of social agencies and the monoliths of military protocol, Maria hunts for the clues that will lead her to the man and woman responsible for giving her life. During her journey she discovers a family that she never knew existed, abundant love, and soul-name that had been chanting deep within her heart for years.

“Greetings, Maria Mourning Dove,

The spirit forces have told me of this name through my wife, Ah ’oa Teka, Owl Woman, whose ashes are buried at Indian Plaza...She took over from the Barred Owl, as my Spirit guide, since she crossed over seven years ago...

I hope this name suits your wishes, Mourning Dove...the dove is a gentle, but a no nonsense bird, who mates for a lifetime; pretty in a non-assuming way...your love for nature is proclaimed in this name...and the fi rst part can be profound...Mourning—a sadness for the evils that have fallen Mother Earth and her Innocent Children...spelled the other way, Morning—a bright sunny awakening in the hope, and belief, that these ills can, and will, some day be rectified.

It has been an honor to think on this for you. In the Seneca way I had asked for suggestions from friends, Raven, Wolf Spirit Woman, White Tail, and my spirit daughter, Donna Littlewind.

Donna and Reenie Whitetail had been in your presence, but not for long...I had been so for a little longer...but naming is difficult under such circumstances...so most of my inspiration was from the nether world and the Ancestors as I say...

Walk in Balance, Peace, Love and Understanding.

So ’wa Aho ’wa

Duke Night Owl.”

Maria Brodeur was born in Massachusetts and still calls the state her home. Having graduated from Our Lady of the Elms College in Chicopee with a bachelors degree in nursing, she is a successful registered nurse. She has authored "Mommy's Smile which earned the 2009 National Planetree Award and Emma. Maria resides in Pittsfield with her husband, Rob and their children and grandchildren.