Favorite Book - Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

I have a secret.

When I was 25 I was in a dark place. A downward spiral of emotions. My world as I knew it was entirely in question.

When I was 35 I almost died. A disease hellbent on ending me controlled my life.

But what nobody knows is what saved me.

In a departure from my usual way of expressing things, I really want to share why this literacy project means the world to me. By opening up about my own journey, I hope it gives you a clearer picture of how and why this idea took shape. The layers of its importance are intertwined, but what it fundamentally boils down to is the profound impact on mental health.

Growing up, reading for pleasure wasn't my forte; sports with friends took precedence. Even in college, reading was merely a requirement. Then came a pivotal moment – I, pregnant with my first child, Cole, faced uncertainties. At 16 weeks, the initial ultrasound unveiled two out of three major red flags pointing to a life altering genetic abnormality. The subsequent step involved an agonizing wait for weeks to secure an appointment at the high-risk office in Syracuse. Faced with daunting options and a painful amniocentesis, I underwent the procedure twice due to an initial mishap. The agonizing wait for results during those weeks was an unsettling experience for a first-time mother in her early twenties, with limited outlets to express the whirlwind of emotions.

In that challenging period, I found solace in prayer, entrusting my fears to a higher power. Simultaneously, seeking emotional support was a struggle, given the scarcity of resources for a young mother navigating uncharted territories. It was during this time that I turned to a book, an escape into the world of all silly things Twilight! 🤣 Bella and Edward really saved the day for me. While it may sound trivial, immersing myself in their narrative proved instrumental in processing the complex emotions entwined with that chapter of my life story.

Fast forward, Lyme disease entered my narrative, impacting various facets of my health, especially my memory. Learning that 8 out of 10 Alzheimer's patients have postmortem evidence of Lyme spirochettes intensified my commitment to reading. Now, I read for brain health, a journey intertwined with holistic healing. Overcoming these challenges has instilled in me a newfound appreciation for every phase, making me resilient and reinforcing my belief in a higher plan.

This is why the literacy program resonates so profoundly with me. I want to offer others an escape into adventures, a chance to discover themselves, and emerge stronger. I’m doing this for other mothers who may be suffering in silence. I’m doing this for children who need heroes. I’m doing this for senior citizens who seek friendship and adventure. I’m doing this because a book can save a life like it did mine. If you can, please consider donating – the link is provided below for you. Your support can create avenues for others to find solace and strength through the magic of storytelling.