Unexpected Gifts

Unexpected Gifts

Stories of Change

Compiled by Hannah Huber

Cover Design by Cigdem Guven

Editor: Kristin Anderson

Translator: Fatima Fazli-Vermeulen

Proofreader: Anna Trapmore

Released: Fall 2025

Text: English

Unexpected Gifts is a collection of inspiring short stories and essays by writers who encountered a situation or person that set their life on a different path or sparked change. 

When we reach midlife(!), we enter a time in which we often find ourselves at a crossroads with our careers and how we want to spend our time. Our children, if we have children, are becoming more independent, thus giving us more time. On the other hand, our parents, if they’re still alive, are aging, and all sorts of accompanying complications arise. We realize that time is ticking faster than ever before. 

This sense of urgency forces us to examine our own values and make big, risky even, but necessary changes. Often there’s a trigger, a moment, a person we encounter, or an experience that brings on these changes. For some of us, midlife is a time for reflection, realizing the important role people play(ed) in our lives and hoping we can play a similar role for others. These are the unexpected gifts. 

Inspired by stories of midlife people in her direct environment, Hannah Huber has bundled these short stories and essays into a special collection, creating an inspirational resource and gift for generations to come! Each story is accompanied by a portrait illustration that leaves enough to the readers imagination, while also capturing the essence of the person behind each unexpected gift.