Nicholas Portela

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Nicholas Portela A Story of Love,
Grief and Healing Some stories stay with you long after the last page. Always is one of them. At its core, it is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, healing is possible. It’s a story for children, families and anyone who has ever struggled to make sense of loss. Buy Now

About the Author

Nicholas Portela

Nicholas Portela  never planned on writing a children’s book, but some stories insist on being told.

By day, Nicholas serves with the New York City Fire Department, a career rooted in courage, service and resilience. Off duty, he’s a passionate moviegoer, a lifelong gamer, an anime fan and someone who has always found inspiration in stories of strength against the odds.

Always is his first book born from the desire to help families talk about grief, honor the love that never fades and remind children that it’s okay to feel, to cry, and to heal.

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Nicholas Portela

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About the Book

Always

Tomas believed he was the luckiest boy alive. With loving parents, joyful family traditions and dreams fueled by his father’s encouragement, his childhood felt secure and bright.

But everything changed the day his mother became ill. What follows is a tender, honest look at how a child confronts loss, wrestles with anger and loneliness, and eventually finds strength in the love that remains.

Through Tomas’s eyes, readers witness both the raw ache of grief and the quiet, steady power of healing. His story speaks to anyone, young or old who has ever lost someone they love.

Always is more than a children’s book. It’s a companion for families navigating grief, a tool for opening difficult conversations and above all, a testament to the enduring truth that while people may leave us, their love stays forever.

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What Readers Says About Book

“I wasn’t expecting a book like this to hit me so hard. The illustrations, the way Tomas’s voice comes through, the balance of sadness and love it all felt so true. It reminded me of losing my mom when I was little but it also reminded me how my dad held our family together.”
Leah R.
Leah R.
“Grief is hard to explain, especially to children. Nicholas Portela has created something really special here. Always doesn’t shy away from pain but it also doesn’t leave you stuck there. It shows kids and adults that it’s okay to cry, to feel angry and eventually heal.”
Anthony D.
Anthony D.
“I bought it for my nephew after we lost his grandmother, but I ended up crying through it myself. The story is gentle but honest. It doesn’t sugarcoat grief yet it still leaves you with hope. Tomas felt so real, like any child trying to make sense of something too big for words.”
Maria G.
Maria G.
“As a parent, I’ve struggled with how to talk to my kids about loss. This book gave me a way to open that conversation without it feeling forced or scary. My daughter asked questions, shared her feelings and even said, “That’s how I felt when Grandpa died.” I’ll always be grateful for that moment.”
James P.
James P.

Nicholas Portela

This heartfelt debut by Nicholas Portela follows a young boy whose life changes forever when he loses his mother. What unfolds is not just a story about grief, it’s about the strength of family, the courage it takes to face pain and the way love endures even after loss.

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  • 917-562-3235
  • nportela78@aol.com
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