I began writing my book in August 2021, intending to share the story of the man I had been with for 21 years and six months. However, as I started writing, I realized that I couldn’t just tell his story without telling my own—where I came from, the challenges I faced, and the journey that shaped me. Life has taken me through many hardships, but in the midst of it all, there were also beautiful moments, especially the time I spent with Charlic Beal. I knew I couldn’t leave him out, so I began sharing his part in my story as well.

As I was writing, my daughter became critically ill after giving birth. The doctors were deeply concerned as she struggled through labor, and they had to perform an emergency C-section to save both her and the baby. Even after the birth, her blood pressure wouldn’t stabilize, and I was overwhelmed with fear, thinking I might lose her. My entire focus was on her health, so much so that I wasn’t even thinking about the rest of my children. Then, tragedy struck again. After my daughter was released from the hospital, my oldest son suddenly passed away. I was shattered—completely broken. Grief consumed me, and I lost my ability to hear, eat, and even walk properly. My world fell apart, and I had to put my book aside because my mind wasn’t ready to write.

For an entire year, I struggled. But deep inside, I held on to my faith. Lying in a hospital bed, I had a conversation with God. I prayed, saying:

“Lord, if You give me one more chance to get out of this bed and regain my strength, I promise I will finish this book. Not only will I finish it, but I will make sure it reaches people all over the world. I want my story to be heard. I want to be a voice for those who have been through similar struggles. If You give me the strength, I will not let You down again.”

And so, I picked up my pen once more.

Beyond writing, I have always loved simple joys in life. I enjoy visiting the casino, traveling, and sitting by my fireplace, watching the flames—it’s mesmerizing to me. I love music, watching TV, and most importantly, spending time with my children and grandchildren. They mean the world to me, and I cherish every moment with them. My journey has been filled with pain, love, loss, and resilience. But through it all, I have found my purpose—to share my story and be a voice for those who need to hear it.