Maybe it’s a writer thing. Maybe it’s just intuition. But the first time Juliette Terzieff sent me a message on Twitter, I knew we were going to be friends.
It’s only been a few short weeks that we’ve been communicating regularly, but in that time we’ve come to learn a lot about each other, become critiquing buds, and support for each other when the writing gets tough. I’m writing a book about trying to not be fat after having a kid. Heady stuff, sometimes, but still…there are worse things than having to shop at Lane Bryant. Like losing a son.
Memories are precious to any parent. But when those memories are all that is left, I can’t even imagine their worth.
Haris was just 18 months old when he died.
I’m not here to depress you on Valentine’s Day. I’m here to help spread the word about a mother’s love for her child and her quest to help other parents living through similar experiences gain the knowledge and support she looked for on the bookshelves and was unable to find.
That’s appropriate for today, I think.
Juliette has shared news with the world during times of war with an impressive list of publications to her credit. But the story that really matters is the one she is currently writing. The working title is Born into Battle: Surviving and Thriving Amidst a Child’s Complex Medical Situation, a tribute to the son she lost after a precious little time. A memoir chronicling her experience as the mother of a special needs child, and a guide for other parents finding themselves fighting the same battle.
“Reaching out to engage other parents through a Twitter chat is an extension of that desire to give parents, caregivers and supporters of ill or special needs children a place where they know they are not alone,” says Juliette. “A place where they can discuss everything from specific treatment options to emotional setbacks to the many victories that occur along the way – or discuss nothing at all and just be. Nobody understands the awe and awful that accompanies caring for a sick child better than others in a similar position.”
Follow Juliette and Specteams on Twitter. Join the chat at 8E/7C/5PST on Wednesdays. Find love, support, and understanding…just there for the taking.
Thank you so much for sharing her story on here. I’m so sorry. It makes me love the both of you that much more.
So deeply sorry for Juliette’s loss. For some things, there are no words.
H.C., Jeanne, thanks ladies. Juliette and I spent half the night working on this. It was tough to write; can’t imagine what it is to live. I’ve never met her, but her strength amazes me.
I am so very impressed. And heartbroken. And galvanized and saddened and grateful that this story is being written.
Mercedes, thank you for commenting and for your support of Juliette’s story. I plan to follow her road to publication very closely and hope to one day tweet and blog about a book deal. Her story is one that will touch many.