If you stopped by the journal on Friday, you probably saw my latest fine art self portrait piece and you may have watched the video that accompanied it in which I dedicated the art piece to my dear friend and author, Gloria. I just finished reading her book. It is amazing, honest, and brought me to tears more than once. Of course, I wanted to share it with you today.

I don’t know if you’ll remember but I met Gloria a couple years ago when I was asked to come into their home and document a special day for them. Silas wasn’t able to go to their homecoming dance, but his friends from DCS were going to stop by and visit with him, get dance pictures with him, and still share in this high school even with their friend. I got to spend a lot of time chatting with Gloria that evening, getting to know her better – learning about Silas. And I got to watch this amazing young man, see the way he interacted with his friends and the love they had for him. I followed Silas’s journey closely after that. After one evening – I already knew I loved this family.

When Gloria’s book came out, I was surprised and honored to receive a copy in the mail. I wasn’t expecting to receive it as a gift – in fact, I planned on purchasing a copy. But I felt incredibly humbled to receive a copy with a little note inscribed inside from Gloria. I set it on my night stand with the intention of reading it during slow season… but I just kept putting it off. I wasn’t emotional ready to read the words I knew would be written there. But I finally got the courage and the peace of heart to start reading… and in a matter of 24 hours – I had finished the entire book.

For those who don’t know – I Cry in the Shower is the story of sixteen-year-old Silas Martin, who was plagued by brain tumors, visual impairment, seizure disorders, and other disabilities since he was six months old. It’s told from his mom and caregiver’s perspective in a journal entry format. She shares her faith in God through this journey, stories of Silas as he was growing up as a child, and the blessing that Silas was to all who met him… a truly unique young man.

I think the reason Gloria’s book is so brilliant is because of her honesty and frankness. She shows through her writings that precarious balancing act in which we often find ourselves in the midst of our struggles. She shares the joy of remission and the fear of relapse. She shares the ups and downs of diagnosis and treatment. The pain of being a mother watching your child live with cancer… seeing their independence slower pulled away from them. But also the many things she can learn from him in these difficult moments. She speaks about hope but also knowing what lies ahead.

As someone who has seen loved ones slip away in the midst of this terrible disease – I could relate to so many of her thoughts, feelings, and prayers. I lived through her pain and her tears with her as I read her book… And as someone who struggles in my own ways, I can relate to the hardships of life hindering my spiritual growth but also helping me to grow deeper in my relationship with God.

I highly, highly, highly recommend this book. Whether you have lost a loved one to cancer or know someone who has. Or if you just want to gain empathy towards those who traverse this difficult road – Gloria will help you on your way. She tells her story beautifully and she shares her amazing son, Silas, with you. He truly was one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever met, and my left is better for having met him and his family.