A New Normal

Dec 14

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Mandy Dawson Farmer Author Interview

Soft Hugs for Mommy is a heartfelt exploration of living with fibromyalgia, wrapped in a narrative that combines raw vulnerability and an educational touch. This seems like a very personal story for you. How hard was it to put this story out in the world for people to read?

It is a story right from my own personal experience. I have desired for some time to share a story that would help others understand the plight of chronic pain. I have been blogging about fibromyalgia since 2015, so it wasn’t a real difficult write … other than writing it in a format for children’s understanding.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

The major idea is that someone with fibromyalgia needs soft hugs. First, literal soft and gentle hugs because even a hug can be painful. Second, the hugs can come in other formats, such as kindnesses done for them.

I also wanted to suggest ways that a family can help their parent with chronic pain and how the whole family must accept a new normal because of the illness.

For the patients themselves, I wanted to suggest that gratitude is a good step toward dealing with your pain. And a big thing is you can still be a great parent even with your pain.

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Melissa Pickens?

Well, let me say, first that I have absolutely no artistic talent. Melissa and I were already acquaintances through several avenues, including chronic illness. When I saw her handpainting work, I knew I must ask if she could illustrate the book.

It was a painstaking process because we both have our own pain issues. This caused a much longer process but well worth the wait. Melissa brought great ideas to the project, including the purple ribbon search. She even had suggestions on grammar and vocabulary!

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?

I hope this book will be a tool to open communication between parent and child when chronic illness (of any kind) arrives in their home. My goal is that I can help them find a new normal as a family with a new understanding of the disease.

Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon

A Much-Needed Resource for Families Dealing with Chronic Pain

Soft Hugs for Mommy tells the story of a loving family as they navigate the challenges of Mommy’s chronic pain condition. Filled with tender moments and loving gestures, it seeks to encourage understanding and unconditional love. The family helps Mommy with her invisible illness by offering gentle hugs, thoughtful acts of kindness, and comforting words. A talented author who draws from her personal experience with fibromyalgia shares this sweet story. Another chronic illness warrior skillfully illustrates the story with hand-painted pictures. Together, author and illustrator capture the emotions and experiences of each character with warmth and tenderness.

Soft Hugs for Mommy continues with a “Let’s Talk” section to open the conversation between parent and child. These questions, created with a child psychologist, offer a space for children to express their feelings about Mommy’s illness. This book facilitates discussing other related conditions (such as Lyme Disease, ME, CFS, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, chronic migraine, chronic pain, and others).
Finally, the book offers a subscription through e-mail as she shares soft hugs and new resources for chronic illness every month.

Posted on December 14, 2024, in Interviews and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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