Bravery; Our Journey of faith, Hope & love

One of the best feelings in the world is to give back....take an experience full of heartache and devastation, and turn it into apurpose to help others. This has become mymain desireand whyI wrote, Bravery; Our Journey of Faith, Hope & Love.

Up until 1998, I lived life in a naïve bubble. I never knew what great adversity felt like, or the depth of devastation that can occur. I always felt very grateful, but a little oblivious as to how life can turn on the drop of a dime. However, everything about my life changed after my son Avery was born with a critical heart defect, and not expected to survive. In the midst of his determined and courageous battle to live, my dad and mentor suddenly dies at home from a massive heart attack. Shortly thereafter, my three year old daughter, Jesse, is diagnosed with autism. I felt like I was swept up by a tornado and landed on another planet. At times it was all too consuming, and when I began to feel I lost my way, I am comforted by signs from my grandma in Heaven. Growing up as a child on her farm I would always find four leaf clovers, and although I was not outside of the hospital much, I kept finding them everywhere. There was no doubt; they were from Grandma, and the beginning of many miracles we find in Bravery. I didn’t realize it then, but all this was to become the catalyst to propel my life’s purpose. However, at the time I was just trying to stay sane and pray like the dickens that I would get to take my baby home. I remember thinking, “I don’t care what kind of shape he is in, I just want to bring him home.

After many months in ICU and multiple heart surgeries, Avery miraculously survived. Bringing him home was the most grateful experienceI have ever felt. I made a promise to always remain humble and gracious for the opportunity to raise my family with the highest appreciation. Seventeen years later,I have honoured this promise and will continue the rest of my life.

It has become my passion to help people understand how it is possible to live a wonderful life, even if it hasn’t gone as we expected or planned. Bravery raises people’s emotions to a broader understanding. We discover that although sometimes we don’t get a choice with what life sends our way, it is always our choice how we proceed. I am the last person I thought to ever write a book, but, I knew I had to take this experience and turn it into a purpose. Through my example, I wish to uplift andinspire everyone around the world!.

Another powerful message I love to speak to people, especially students, is about limitations. Not under any circumstance must we ever give up on our dreams, no matter what anyone says. We are the only onesto know our own capabilities, and no one has the right to belittle our aspirations! I almost didn’t write Bravery because mynarrow mindedEnglish Professor thought I was a waste of desk space. Often in our youth, we are insecure and impressionable and made tobelieve what professionals say. Well, I am so happy I pushed through those fearful insecurities to emerge the mindsettounderstand I could do anything I set my mind to! One of the best feelings I have found in this world is to help someone believe in themselves again. The sparkle returns in their eye and their smile becomes authentic. It’s magical to me.

Bravery is a true story all about love, compassion, and conquering life’s challenging obstacles with faith and perseverance.I would be so honoured if you can help Bravery reach its potential to be a conduit for positive change and discovery!

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you!

Kim Gemmell