The Power of the Human Spirit…
“THE POWER OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT: Loving Tiara is a memoir written by the mother of a young girl afflicted with a condition known as Tuberous Sclerosis. If it were a novel, it would no doubt be classified as a Tragedy. Since the events and characters are true, the memoir illuminates the endurance and strength of the human spirit that lies within everyone. The thoughtful reader will find that this book, though written in simple, straightforward prose, evokes larger existential issues.
The author is a middle-class woman, living in the relative affluence of coastal Orange County in California during the 1990s. When her second daughter evidences strange behavior as an infant, she and her husband have their lives turned inside out when young Tiara is diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder known as Tuberous Sclerosis. Tiara’s condition falls within the worst area of the syndrome’s spectrum. The prognosis is grim say the doctors; multiple tumors will develop throughout her body and brain causing severe behavioral anomalies, learning disorders, autism, epilepsy and seizures of every description. The condition is incurable and only marginally treatable, as the Goffs soon discover.
The events that unfold afterward are truly remarkable. The tale of young Tiara’s life and her mother’s inexhaustible love is nothing short of riveting.
Ms. Goff’s style of writing is easy to read and uncomplicated. At first, it almost seems too light to carry such a serious tale but as the book unfolds, this style becomes a strength. It allows the powerful storyline and characters to take center stage where they shine brilliantly. The most compelling of these characters turn out to be Goff herself as she takes the reader along with herself and Tiara on their impossible search for hope. Finally, she invites us to share her deepest thoughts and emotions through simple honesty and everyday language. One is left in wonder at the power of the human spirit. This is a gem of a book whose facets will shine in your mind long after the final page is read.” Mike, Author
Must Read!!!
“MUST Read!! Tiffani’s beautiful raw authentic words spoke to my heart!! I was born with severe asthma- they thought I had Cystic Fibrosis for the first 21 years of my life every new doctor my parents took me they would always test me for it. My mom, as Tiffani did wouldn’t sleep the first 6 years of my life. They were constantly taking me to doctors, Specialists, ERs, and living in hospitals. I lived in an Oxygen tent during one stay. I’ve had too many close calls to count. My mom was the one taking me to the hospital and staying with me. My mom handled that part with such strength. She let me do anything I would want to me. She fought for me to go to 6th-grade camp. She was always fighting for the best care for me. I’m Tiffani’s age and I’m not supposed to be here but thanks to my mom I graduated from college and have earned 2 masters degrees and have done everything I have done thanks to mom. Roles have reversed my mom passed away and now I’m the sole caregiver of my 88-year-old father. Caregiving is the toughest job out there and Tiffani so eloquently put into words what it is like to love someone so deeply that you would do anything for them. Please read this book it will help to know that you are not alone”
Julie
Visionary and eye-opening
“This book was visionary and eye-opening. From Tiffani Goff’s point of view as a mother, she shares her reality of raising three children while managing Tiara’s various health issues. The way she writes makes the reader feel as if she herself is telling you all of this in a conversation. She is real and open and that makes her story even more meaningful. Loving Tiara changed my worldview and hearing about every part of Goff’s life, the sacrifices she had to make, and the obstacles she faced continue to inspire me every day. The story of a mother refusing to give up on her child, regardless of the odds, is deeply moving and shows what it means to be a dedicated mother. Reading about how Goff balanced taking care of Tiara’s needs, being a mother to three, and a wife has made her an inspiration to me. I read through the book in 5 hours because it was so compelling and kept me captivated both in the way it was written and in what Goff had to say. Her story can inspire everyone and touch a piece of anyone’s heart. I am beyond satisfied with my purchase and I would absolutely recommend Loving Tiara to anyone.” Kimia, 16
A Personal message received from a reader…
I just finished your book. It’s the first book I have finished in a while. I would get in bed early at night, get cozy & pull out Loving Tiara. I felt every tear, fear, control, anger, doctoring, exhaustion, and the list goes on… because I did that for my husband who died 5 months ago from Parkinson’s and dementia. He was diagnosed at a young age, so I went to the ends of the earth, several times, in search of keeping his life intact. In so doing, I lost myself and the ability to relax or care for me but I didn’t care, as long as I was helping my husband. Our kids were very young when he was diagnosed making the daily work harder. As I read Loving Tiara (and I followed your blogs for years) I felt a healing come over me which kept me wanting to read the book every night. As I sit here tonight finishing the book, I am drawn to the last page where Tiara told you to finish the book because it would help so many people. So here I stand worlds apart from your life but feel so close because of Loving Tiara. I’m sad I won’t have the book to read tomorrow, but I’ll be waiting for your next book; no doubt a nudge from Tiara to keep writing. God Bless. “Terry
