On February 02, 2011 my world shattered when my son, Jason, was diagnosed with cancer. On August 30, 2011 he passed on out of my world.
Since those days I’ve learned to walk with grief, and write with grief at my shoulder. Writing happy endings for my characters when they’ve had a great loss gives me a happy ending too. The discovery grief and pleasure can coexist has opened up a world unimagined during my my sons illness.
Writing has given voice to my sons wish that I be happy. Finding a path to joy and to be happy and at the same time honour his other directive, that I write a book has turned out to be a cathartic challenge.
Beginning a daily habit of journal writing in 2013 helped to crack open an untapped vein of my imagination. I discovered the truth in the message – there is no way to Happiness, Happiness is the way. By opening up to the ways of happiness the writer in me emerged Just in time.
My first book, Finding Nine, by Suki Lang is a work of fiction – Its the story of a 16 year old who loses his mother to cancer. She leaves behind a series of eight letters for her son. Designed as a treasure hunt, the letters take John to a place left long ago, where he meets a family he knows nothing of. The object of the hunt seems to be to find a perfect spot to place his mother’s ashes. But John soon discovers the letters are his mother’s way of helping him move through his grief.
The journey he takes is about finding hope in the love of two people who welcome him with open arms. And John’s arrival is a gift never expected but long hoped for by the people his mother did not forget. Through the natural order of things a son is given the opportunity to fulfill a mother’s last wish and to discover her many secrets yet untold.
Happy reading!
Suki Lang 
Sometimes I think it is harder to lose a child when they are all grown up. My Vicky was 38 years old when she died. She was my best friend, my child, my baby, the mother of my grandsons. She was my life. I truly battle to come to terms with her death – for selfish reasons. I miss her so much. You are one brave mommy…I love the idea of the tree.
I think losing a child at any age is the worst ordeal anyone can endure. Nothing can compare. I am fortunately to have three healthy children, all with me. My mom lost my brother when he was seven weeks old, and she still grieves. That was 1962. I assume–if it is like me feeling the loss of my father–most days are good, but there are moments it is as fresh as it was the moment the heart stopped beating.
Celebrating their life, and they will always be with you.
I got your name thru your review posted on Tell Well publishing. I commend you on your courage and being open in sharing your pain in the world of literature. I’m a new author writing my memoir as I have so much I want and need to share to benefit women of all ages thru my mistakes and life journey. Suki I’m hoping you will share your experience with Tell Well having purchased the basic plan as being single, I’m far from rich and not in a position to make expensive mistakes self-publishing. There’s so so much to learn and I’m getting overwhelmed with how much I’ve already taken in. In hoping you don’t get offended or mind my turning to you about this as I feel we can perhaps connect in some ways. My book is about 3/4 of the way, and at this point question whether signing up with a publisher is too early or would be best, to ensure I’m kept on track. Also I love your website and again question whether you did this on your own or invested in getting help? Did you obtain a website before, during or after publishing? My research of websites of several authors votes your site as being amazing, given the content and overall look – well done. I’m somewhat lost as to how to proceed and your comments or early response is genuinely appreciated. Thank you – best wishes for continued success!