I feel like I have been carrying the weight of this Mask alone, for far too long. I am “FINALLY FREE” to be “TRUE” to myself. My tears will slowly dry up.
My sincere heart will be seen and loved by all who see the true me… this feels like the start of a brand-new chapter in my life. It would be nice to be able to write about happy thoughts, after all my sadness in my life. “Grief transforming into hope,” “Pain evolving into Purpose” and “Sorrow blossoming into Joy!”
Then I was thinking: “What would be the title of my next book?” The one filled with happy thoughts and healing. Happiness prevails.
I always say: Build a bridge and get over it! These are strong words that I have been carrying with me throughout my sorrows. I acknowledge that.
I have endured immense loss, losing six beloved family members across 27 years, each death cutting deep into several aspects of my life and heart. Many times, I wonder why I am the last one standing. I remembered what someone told me once: “You are stronger than you know, and your family’s love lives on through you.”
So here it goes. I am going to tell you the story of how I will remove my mask that is holding me down. “Unseen Tears, beneath the Mask.”

In 1997, I met Ruth at Greenacres Pharmacy, where we both worked. What began as a workplace connection quickly grew into a friendship that would span years and leave an indelible mark on my heart. Even then, I was struck by Ruth’s quiet strength, her resilience, and the way she carried herself with dignity despite the hardships she had endured.
Over time, I came to learn pieces of her story, how she had been taken from her mother’s care at a tender age, how she had grown up within the cold walls of Hillside Home for Children, and how she survived not only the cruelty of institutions but also the unkindness of people who should have protected her. Ruth’s story has always inspired me, not because it is one of sorrow, but because it is one of endurance, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of a woman who refused to let hardship define her.
This book is not a biography, but a novel inspired by Ruth’s life, a reimagining of her journey that honors the truth of her experiences while shaping them into a story of hope, survival, and inspiration. Names and details have been fictionalized, but at its core, this book carries the truth of Ruth’s courage and the legacy she has passed on to her children, her grandchildren, and to all who will come after them.
I chose to author this novel not only as an act of friendship but also as an act of remembrance—a testament to Ruth’s indomitable spirit and the profound impact she has had on those around her. Ruth deserves to be remembered not merely for the pain she endured, but for the incredible resilience she displayed in the face of adversity.
Her journey was not defined by the hardships and injustices that marked her early years, but by her remarkable ability to rise above them with grace and dignity. Where there was once emptiness, Ruth created love; where loss threatened to overwhelm, she built a foundation of hope and compassion for herself and those she loved.
She transformed the fragments of a broken childhood into the steppingstones of a purposeful and inspiring life, offering kindness and encouragement c others even when her own spirit was evaluated.
It is my deepest wish that through these pages, Ruth’s story, a story born of struggle but blossoming into hope—will inspire countless others who find themselves walking through grief, loss, or hardship.
I hope that readers who have faced their own trials will see in Ruth’s journey a reflection of their own strength and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, it is possible to rise, to build, and to find meaning. Ruth’s courage is not just a part of her legacy; it is a beacon for all who seek the courage to persevere.
Her heart was broken by the circumstances thrust upon her, yet her spirit was unshaken. No matter how heavy the burdens were, she refused to let them define her worth or dictate her future. In every act of kindness, every moment of hope she created, Ruth exemplified the truth that the human spirit can endure, heal, and love again.

There are so many thoughts that brought me to this day. We sometimes think. “Why God, are all these things happening to me? Why have I already lost the family I grew up with? My mom, dad, three sisters, and my brother... I am only 46 years old?” And then, that’s when you have to THINK AGAIN. Stand back and look at what God has blessed you with already in your life!

Depression is something that no one wants to live with. It makes you think about things you should not be thinking about. One can become sick from all the thoughts of grief. Thoughts of drinking sleeping pills and sleeping forever, or perhaps jumping off a bridge… That is something that went through my mind a lot. Sometimes it takes a while to get over things but when you put it in God’s hands, He can help you deal with it. Praying frequently and speaking to God all the time makes an amazing difference. In my many years on earth, I have learned that when the Lord calls us home, we go.

“In the quiet of a suburban neighborhood, Sabrina White thought her life was perfect. But behind the smile, behind the loving family, darkness was creeping in.” “Her husband, Mark White… a man with charm, a man with a secret. A secret so dark, it would unravel everything she held dear.” “A robbery... a terrifying ordeal that would leave Sabrina shaken, but unaware that the worst was yet to come.” “An innocent loan meeting. But when the bank demands that Sabrina sign her house over to Mark, the trap is set. The foundation of betrayal begins to form.” “The danger escalates. A hijacker. A car. A fight for survival.” “But Mark’s cold indifference shocks even the hardest hearts. “But Claire, Sabrina's sister will not rest. She will uncover the truth, no matter what the cost. Every clue brings her closer to the man who betrayed her sister.” “A trial. A confession. Justice that comes too late to save Sabrina, but not too late for the truth to be heard.” “Plotting the Murder of Sabrina… A story of betrayal, survival, and the unbreakable bond between sisters. In the end, justice will prevail.”

Grief is an inescapable part of human experience. At a point in our lives, each of us will face the profound sorrow that comes with losing a loved one.
Whether the loss is sudden or expected, grief leaves an indelible mark on our hearts, forever altering the landscape of our emotional world. “Navigating Through Grief” is a guide for you through this challenging journey.
“Rough Grief: Finding Light in the Darkness” seeks to provide guidance and support for individuals experiencing profound grief, offering comfort and insight during one of life's most challenging periods. The primary objective of this book is to provide a comprehensive guide for individuals managing grief. Grief is a complex experience that involves a variety of emotions and challenges.
This book aims to clarify the process of grief through a combination of personal stories, psychological insights, and practical advice. It seeks to offer guidance and support, indicating that despite the current intensity of pain, there are ways to find hope and purpose during challenging times.
Understanding the dimensions of grief is crucial for healing. This book explores the multifaceted nature of grief, examining how it impacts not only our emotions but also our physical health, relationships, and overall sense of identity and purpose.
With this understanding, readers will be adequately equipped to manage their grief processes, acknowledge the normalcy of their emotions, and anticipate the potential for eventual recovery.
Navigating Through Grief highlights the various emotional responses that go with grief. From shock and denial to anger, depression, and eventual acceptance, this book traces the arc of common emotional reactions and offers strategies for coping with each phase.