"2016 was a hard year for me. While I was blessed with the birth of my son, most of the year, I was either depressed, or in denial that I had postpartum depression.
At the end of the year, I made a promise to myself, to my son, and to my family that I will choose joy in all things.
It wasn’t easy to live joyfully all year.
It wasn’t easy to admit that I have good days and bad days.
It wasn’t easy to look through pictures and wonder where was I or who was in that moment? The anxious mother, the numb caretaker or the flake who wanted out.
It’s not easy to admit those things but I am thankful for those lessons.
It’s easy to commit to give a daily thanks to God, to the Universe, to my family that we are better today than yesterday.
I am thankful for the missteps, the tears and darkness because of those things, I found grace. 2017 has been a practice of gratitude and in that, I found joy. I am also thankful of the lifeline that my family and my faith were last year. It has made me more appreciative and truly grateful for family time.
My latest release, Storm of Hope: God, Preeclampsia, Depression and me," is a memoir written during my pregnancy and postpartum depression. I am grateful that I get to share my story with other mamas who have been where I was, are going through what I went through and those mamas who have helped pull me out of my postpartum forest. Grateful always, for my motherhood tribe. You saw me and recognized that I was not okay. Thank you."
Storm of Hope:
God, Preeclampsia, Depression and me is
a memoir told in journal entries and poetry from a mom who was diagnosed with
preeclampsia. The diagnosis with her second pregnancy propelled the author into
a “postpartum forest where the trees of doubt, sorrow, anger and rage loomed
all around me.” What becomes to the author and her second baby gives way to
hope and a way out of the darkness..
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BUY LINKS:
Bio:
Leila Tualla is a Filipino-American memoirist, poet, and Christian author. Leila’s books include a YA Christian contemporary romance called, Love, Defined and a memoir/poetry collection called Storm of Hope: God, Preeclampsia, Depression and me. Her poetry is featured in two mental health anthologies, Letters of May and We are Not Alone: stories of mental health awareness. Leila is a contributing blogger for Daughters of the Deep, a faith based ministry and Echoes of the Struggle, a blog that aims to discuss political, racial, and personal views from today’s changing and volatile climate. She is currently working on a poetry collection based on Asian American stereotypes, titled the Token Asian writes. Leila lives in Houston, Texas with her first generation Mexican American husband and two miracle “Mexipino” babies.
Maybe your book will reach out and touch so many of us who have suffered and suffered silently.
ReplyDeleteWishing you success and lots of sales.
Thank you. And thank you for sharing.
DeleteLeila, You have created a lifeline for other women, and who can hope to do anything better? I hope your words reach all who need them! Wonderful post.
ReplyDeleteThank you! That's always the hope right?! Hope it finds mamas at the time they need it the most.
DeleteBest of luck with your book and promotion of it. Depression is, indeed, a condition that plagues many people in many situations. I'm sure your book will bring hope and understanding to others. Take care and Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
DeleteThank you for sharing your story, Leila. Your strength and hope shines through in the darkness. May your story bring light to others. Wishing you all the best, not only with your book, but in your life. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words and encouragement, Mary! Happy Holidays to you and your family.
DeleteIt's so important to share stories like these so others know they are not alone.
ReplyDeleteMost definitely! Thank you for reading.
DeleteAll the bes in finding joy.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you had a difficult year. My daughter gave birth to identical twins in April after struggling with a challenging pregnancy...preeclampsia, gestational diabetes,and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. Not easy, but like you, she's taking things one day at a time. All the best with your new child and this coming year. Thanks for sharing such a personal journey.
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness! I'm sorry to hear that. I hope she is getting better day by day. If you're interested, please drop me an email *tuallaleila@gmail.com* and an address where I can send her a copy of my book. I try to send preeclampsia survivor copies, as my book is dedicated to the preeclampsia survivor group I'm in and that group was and is still my support system. Please let her know that she's not alone and there are women out here who know of her story and know what she's going through. Hugs to you and your daughter.
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