About the Book
Book: She Is My Child
Author: Tammy Coulter
Genre: Memoir
Release date: June 7, 2022
In 2007, fourteen-month-old Ava was diagnosed with Morquio Syndrome, a rare, progressive, genetic disorder for which there was no treatment. The jarring news left her mother Tammy reeling and wondering what the future held for her daughter. As the days following the diagnosis blurred together, Tammy saw two paths before her—fall apart or fall into the arms of the Lord. For a time, she did both, struggling with her emotions one moment, feeling God’s peace the next, all while continuing to care for her young family. Slowly, through near-constant prayer and Bible study, her burgeoning faith grew stronger than her fear and distress, leading her to a path she hadn’t seen—one that would test her even more and offer help for Ava. In She is My Child, Tammy Coulter shares her spiritual journey, alongside Ava’s physical one, from diagnosis to surgeries to a long-anticipated Morquio clinical trial that had them flying to Chicago every week for more than two years. She reveals the most difficult moments and the greatest victories, as well as the humorous situations she and her daughter so often encountered, while highlighting God’s provision and what He taught her along the way.
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Tammy Coulter graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville with a communication arts degree and a certificate in technical communication. She was a technical editor until the birth of her son, when she became a stay-at-home mom. After the birth of her daughter, her role expanded to include researcher, student of the Psalms, and full-time prayer warrior. In addition to writing, she enjoys quilting, reading cozy mysteries, and studying Bible prophecy and current events. Tammy lives in Madison, Alabama, with her husband, two children, and their Jack Russell terrier.
More from Tammy
When my daughter Ava was diagnosed with Morquio Syndrome, I was crushed and very frightened. Morquio is a progressive disorder and there was no treatment for it. How was my mother’s heart supposed to handle that? I’ll tell you how. By immersing myself in God’s Word. Only then did I begin to calm down and grow stronger in my faith, leaning on Him in ways I never had before. As I look back, I am still amazed at everything we went through and how God was present in all of it.
When we embarked on this trial, everything was new. The name of her disorder was new, seemingly constant doctor visits were new, and then, after four years of prayer for a treatment, a clinical trial for a new drug to treat Morquio was new. And so was the location. Chicago. That meant getting on a plane every week, also new, and flying there from Alabama, just me and my daughter who had just started kindergarten. It surely felt like God was doing a lot in such a short time. And He was. He took all the newness and turned it into both a testament to His provision and lasting memories for both of us. Not all of those memories are pleasant (the cab incident for one, though we joke about it now), but they remain as evidence of God taking care of us, bringing a sweetness to each remembrance. But, oh, so many of them are, and while we were going through something quite serious, the Lord, in His goodness, allowed us adventures, fun, laughter, and new friendships. Best of all, I had the most wonderful traveling companion who, at her tender age, taught me a thing or two along the way!
Just the other day, at a routine checkup, a specialist Ava sees said, “You just never cease to amaze me at how well you do.” I added that comment to so many other comments and experiences that have paved the path of my learning to turn to God first instead of immediately jumping into the quicksand of fear that will quickly suck me in if I let it. “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
Ava is now sixteen and the shy little girl I so worried over years ago currently wants to be a theater teacher.
I wrote this memoir to share how God provided for our family during a stressful period in our lives. It may make you cry some. I hope it makes you laugh a lot (let me tell you, Ava is a hoot). But the thing that would bring me the greatest joy is someone being encouraged in their own circumstances and life trials.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Interview with Tammy
How did writing this book grow you spiritually?
In the book, I discuss how I grew spiritually through the experiences of learning my daughter’s diagnosis, going through surgeries with her, and then traveling with her for the clinical trial every week. Those were all times that I leaned heavily on the Lord. As I wrote the book, I was able to go back to those moments in a very real way, remembering how I felt in each of them. I cried again. I laughed again. I thanked God again. And I remembered how He was there in everything. Writing the book reinvigorated the faith that was built during our journey, and sharing the book with others gives me a renewed desire to proclaim the Lord and His goodness.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I am very much a homebody. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, quilting (both piecing and applique), punch needle, and walking with my dog. I also love talking with my mom everyday and listening to my favorite online pastors who discuss Bible prophecy and current events.
Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
I like to binge watch true crime shows, such as Dateline or some shows on the Investigation Discovery network.
When did you start writing?
I have enjoyed writing stories since I was in elementary school. I remember in the third grade being required to write a story with our spelling words for that week. We then had to read our stories before the class. When the other students laughed at things I meant to be funny and clapped afterward, I wanted to write more. I always dreamed of one day publishing a book. While a memoir, especially on this subject, was never on my radar, I am thankful for the opportunity to share our story and hopefully encourage others. I hope to continue with more books, most likely fiction, but I can’t rule out another nonfiction book.
What is the most difficult part about writing for you?
For me, one of the most difficult parts about writing is rewriting. I may have a paragraph or section that I have completed and really like. I’ll think it flows nicely and comes across well, but if I need to edit around that, it can sometimes create a need to change what is in that part, as well. I hate having to rework those sections but may need to do it for a better overall reading experience.
Thank you, Tammy, for letting us get to know you better!
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 8
Texas Book-aholic, January 9
Artistic Nobody, January 10 (Author Interview)
Lots of Helpers, January 11
Cover Lover Book Review, January 12
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 13 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, January 14
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 15
Beauty in the Binding, January 16 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 16
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 18
Guild Master, January 19 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, January 19
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 20
A Baker’s Perspective , January 21 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Tammy is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/23643/she-is-my-child-celebration-tour-giveaway