Book

My book is now available for purchase. Included here is the introduction.

Inspiration comes in waves. Sometimes it can come from moments of joy. For me, some of my greatest moments of inspiration come from moments of sadness. Tonight is one of those moments.

Over the years, I have been told many times that I should write a book. The reason for this is because I have inspired many and they feel my story would inspire many others and give them hope. The inspiration I have brought to those who know me come from places of sadness as well. This inspiration comes from the many struggles and adversities I have overcome in my life: how I grew up in a very dysfunctional family, lived on the streets, was placed in foster care, survived a very abusive marriage, battled Lupus, survived a stroke, raised two children on my own and even so I had moments of rage, I never let it get me down. I have always kept an upbeat attitude. I have done some pretty awesome things with my life that some only dream about. I have lived my life with the motto there is always someone who is worse off than I. And if I can show even just one person they can go through shit and still go on to do great things no matter what odds are stacked against them, then my life meant something.

So I decided years ago I would write a book. I have started and stopped more times than I can count because I never knew what I was going to write. What I did know was that it would be a series of short stories. I have notepad upon notepad, word file upon word file of these short stories but nothing I thought book or publication worthy.

Then tonight it happened. I had one of the hardest conversations ever with my oldest that brought me to tears for hours. As a result, I know what I am going to write. This book will be primarily for my children. Because I have Lupus, I will be lucky to see 60 unless there are some drastic changes to the treatment of Lupus. I want my children to have something, that heaven forbid I die sooner rather than later, they can remember me by. I want them to have something permanent which shows them who their mother was (the good and the bad, the happy and the sad) and how much she loved them. Something they can carry with them forever and ever and remember always always. And maybe just maybe in the process I will be able to touch others.

Inside these pages you will find writings from many sources. Some from my various blogs, some from poetry that I have never published and some stories that I will create as I go through this process. If you are reading this book, I want to thank you in advance for taking this journey with my children and me.

Julia “Jules” Sherred
September 12, 2009
Duncan, BC