It is my pleasure to share my advance review for the latest release by Miriam Hurdle… a memoir The Winding Road: A Journey of Survival. On preorder for August 26th.
About the book
In the summer of 2008, Miriam Hurdle was diagnosed with melanoma-an aggressive and invasive cancer in her internal organs. The survival rate before 2008 was low. Besides risking harsh treatments for a slim chance of survival, Miriam had hoops to jump through. By the time she received treatment at the beginning of 2009, her cancer had progressed from stage II to stage IV. It was a rough and uphill winding road. But alongside her was support and encouragement. Accompanied by the love of her family and community, this is Miriam’s journey of faith and miracle. It is a heartwarming story of resilience, courage, and the will to live.
My review for the book 20th August 2022
This is a brutally honest journal that takes the author from her initial and unexpected diagnosis of a rare cancer, through the gruelling treatment plan and her survival against the odds.
Despite the difficult subject matter, there are many elements in this story that shine through, such as the strength of faith, support of not just extended family but from kind friends within the local church fellowship, and the extraordinary courage it required to keep going despite the trauma.
Not all challenges were medical by nature, as there were hoops to jump through with regards to work, finance and obtaining the necessary approvals from health insurers. This can only have added a layer of stress totally unwelcome on top of the need to be positive about the prognosis.
Family and so many people came together to support, provide transport, meals and after treatment comfort in the form of emails and online messaging. This was a community at its best, and as important as the chemotherapy and surgery were in achieving the final outcome.
Family is key, and the love of her husband and her daughter with her growing family, are clearly a wonderful incentive for Miriam Hurdle to overcome not just the diagnosis and treatment, but the subsequent after effects that still have to be managed.
At the end of the book there are some wonderful photographs of the author and her family travelling around the world, celebrating life to its fullest. Perhaps with a new awareness of just how precious life is and should be celebrated every day.
At times this book lies heavy on the heart, but it is also an uplifting reminder of the human spirit. It is recommended reading for those who may be facing the challenges of cancer treatment to illustrate that there is hope, but also everyone who respects courage in the face of devastating adversity.
Head over to preorder the book for August 26th: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK
Also by Miriam Hurdle
Read the reviews and buy the books:Amazon US – And:Amazon UK – – Goodreads: Miriam Hurdle – Blog: The Showers of Blessings – Twitter: @mhurdle112
About Miriam Hurdle
Miriam Hurdle is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). She published four children’s books at twenty-six years old. Her poetry collection received the Solo “Medalist Winner” for the New Apple Summer eBook Award and achieved bestseller status on Amazon.
Miriam writes poetry, short stories, memoir, and children’s books. She earned a Doctor of Education from the University of La Verne in California. After two years of rehabilitation counseling, fifteen years of public-school teaching and ten years in school district administration, she retired and enjoys life with her husband in southern California, and the visits to her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters in Oregon. When not writing, she engages in blogging, gardening, photography, and traveling.
Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sallynbsp;
Wishing you continued good health Miriam.
Dealing with Cancer can be a constant battle.
So many aspects of learning to take on board: from fear; disbelief; anger; anxiety; denial and depression.
My husband is a survivor of cancer and his treatment was definitely a roller-coaster along the way. I could only share his journey by proxy and be there for when he needed.
Thank you Sally for sharing
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Such an important role to play Sue and going through it alone must make it so much more challenging..♥
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Sometimes the sufferer likes to tell you as little as possible as they think it might help.
You just have to be there for when they want to talk or nee support.
It can be a tricky role.
A councillor could help but sometimes this just makes it real and they would rather not talk about it.
however you cope it is always a challenge.
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There is a fine line between maintaining your former relationship and becoming a carer and tough to balance… as you say you have to follow their lead..♥
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Thank you for sharing your experience as a cancer caregiver, Sue. Cancer sure is a roller-coaster experience. I’m delighted to hear your husband is a survivor. What a relief! One member from my writing group from teared up critiquing my chapters because it reminded her of her late husband.
I have permanent superficial nerve damage from chemo and lymphedema from lymph node removal. But I’m grateful to be alive.
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Yes, I can understand that perhaps someones writing can feel raw and hit a nerve.
But, I’m glad to hear you wrote it not only for yourself but for others.
My husband had several courses of treatment and his veins definatley suffered.
His last course of chemo was tough, it didn’t make him loose his hair (I think that went anyway lol) but it did take him down into depression big time.
But he has been clear (apart from a bit of mouth cancer), touch wood it’s been 15 years.
but I’m sure you will understand, as a cancer survivor, he is always a bit anxious.
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I remember crying secretly at night but hiding my tears from my husband because I didn’t want him to worry. After I went through it, he told me he was sad and worried I would die. I sure understand that your husband talked about that as little as possible for many reason. Being there for him gave him strength and comfort to go through the dreadful ordeal. I appreciate what you’ve done for your husband as much as appreciate what my husband did for me.
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I can relate to what you said.
My husband was quite lucky as he had acolleague who had breast cancer about the same time and they could talk and help each other through.
His treatment took him to the bottom initially and the only way was up.
Her Cancer stated mild and took her down.
Both survivors.
He felt a bit like an imposter sometimes when others around died early including a couple of my colleagues.
But we have managed to talk about it and i can see his taking on the chores around the house were little distractions for him.
Our work with the Playbus also gave him the chance to do as much of as little as he liked to keep him going.
Again, glad to hear you could write it and express your feelings and experiences.
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Thank you for sharing your husband’s cancer experience, Sue. Yes, he was lucky to have someone to talk to during the treatment. It’s helpful to know someone not only knows but understands of what feels like.
I was anxious during the first 10 years. When I felt some discomfort, the idea of cancer coming back hit my nerve right away. People said it should be free after 5 years. I waited for 10 years before feeling relaxed and waited for another 3 years to write my story.
Thank you again for sharing your experience as a caregiver. I appreciate that. Wishing your husband good health and a happy life with you.
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Yes, my husbands cancer was like shrapnell, but it kept coming back.
He has been clear for a while now luckily.
I don’t think he will ever write his experiences but we did talk about it – which helped.
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A wonderful review, Sally, of a book I’ve preordered. Like the others here, I’m not only impressed with how Miriam fought what must have seemed devastating odds, but that coming through it and writing about her journey gives hope to others. ♥♥
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Thanks Alex and I agree courage is always inspiring and when done without fanfare but with simple grace it is humbling. ♥♥
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Thank you very much for your kind words, Alex. When I watch my granddaughters, I noticed that emotions are contagious. I think it’s the same to the adults. I know my experience sparked a hope among some of my friends. That encouraged me to share it with a larger community. Have a wonderful week! ❤ ❤
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Thank you for sharing this review. Miriam is inspiring.
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Thanks Denise and she certainly is.. hugsx
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Thank you very much, Denise. Sally’s review is fantastic. It warms my heart. Thank you for being a part of my launch tour. I’m very much looking for it. I’m coming home this evening from our vacation.
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Thank you for following my blog, Melanie. I visited your blog and followed you. I read about your cancer. My hair fell out in chunks also. You and I have a lot to share!
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Thank you Sally for highlighting Miriam Hurdle’s story of cancer and survival. I am always inspired by these journeys and I just followed Miriam to learn more. I look forward to reading it.
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Thank you very much Melanie and I am sure you will be as inspired as I was. And Miriam is a delight anyway to follow. x
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Miriam’s book sounds truly inspiring, and I hope it can reach and comfort many people going through similar situations. Good luck to her and thanks for sharing such a personal and difficult experience.
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Thanks Olga and I am sure it will inspire and also comfort those who have this before them. You have to keep fighting and have a reason to do so..♥
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Thank you very much, Olga. I gave a copy to my daughter. I know she’ll pass it on to my granddaughters. If my story could inspire and comfort one person, it’s worth my effort to write it.
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Excellent review of The Winding Road! Writing my review is on my list to do today.
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Wonderful thanks Liz and Miriam will be delighted..xx
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You’re welcome, Sally.
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Sally wrote an excellent review, Liz. It’s wonderful to hear you’re writing the review for The Winding Road. I’m looking forward to read it.
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I’ve done a first draft and I’m letting it rest for a day or two.
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Thank you, Liz. I know it’ll be good.😊 👍
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You’re welcome, Miriam.
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Thank you, Sally for writing such a deserved review for brave Miriam’s book; and all credit to Miriam for her attitude and courage. All success for her book. Stay well Miriam. Hugs to you both xx
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Wonderful thank you Joy ♥♥
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Sally’s review was fantastic, Joy! I didn’t think of being brave or courageous. I could say that I’m not easy to give up, so I tried my best to face the odds.
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There is no doubt about it Miriam..♥
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Hi Sally, What a fantastic review and an incredible story – this sounds so heart-wrenching. Miriam has been very courageous not only in her battle but also to write this book. We’re so lucky to have here. Toni x
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Thanks Toni… there are no medals given out for bravery such as this… and there should be..♥
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Thank you, Sally! ❤
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♥
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Sally did a fantastic review, Toni! I called Amazon last week and said they should add a sub-category of melanoma to the category of cancer. All they said was, there was no such sub-category.
Probably not too many melanoma patients survived. Thank you so much for your kind comment!
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Hi Miriam I’m sure they just didn’t want to have too many categories. Never mind, it’s good there’s a cancer category. Hugs to you, Toni x
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I think you’re right, Toni. They can’t have enough categories to cover everything.
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Miriam I just typed these three words into the Amazon search bar: memoir cancer melanoma. Your book came up straight away, which is great!
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Brilliant Toni that is good news..♥
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How wonderful! Now I know people can find my book. Thank you, Toni.
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♥♥
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I respect anyone willing to share their personal cancer story because it may aid someone else who is struggling.
I already preordered Miriam’s book a couple of weeks ago and look forward to reading it.
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Thanks Pete definitly a story of courage..xxx
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Thank you for your kind word, Pete. My sister-in-law had breast cancer. I got the feeling that she feels embarrassed to talk about that because she only whispered to me when I asked about the update. Some people are embarrassed to talk about depression. I think talking about it helps other people feel they aren’t alone. Thank you for looking forward to read my book, Pete.
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That’s why by discussing topics such as depression and mental health, we begin to look at those things, not as faults but as a part of the struggles that most humans go through.
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Depression is a complicated issue.
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This is a wonderful review, Sally. I definitely want to read Miriam’s story. I enjoy her blog and I know this book will touch me. Congratulations, Miriam.
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Thanks Carla… it does touch the heart. xx
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Thank you very much, Carla! I’m grateful that Sally did a glowing review of my story! Port Angeles was great. Our hiking was enjoyable. We went to the lavender farms in Sequim but the blooming was over. We’re now in Seattle.
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Reblogged this on The Showers of Blessings and commented:
I’m a guest at Sally Cronin’s Smorgasbord Magazine. Wow! What a great joy and wonderful surprise this morning to find the first review of my new book, The Winding Road. I appreciated Sally’s insightful and reflective review of my story and generously shared it on her blog. Please head over to read the post on her content-rich magazine.
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I know this will be a tough read, but I am looking forward to reading it. And I know how emotional it must have been to write for Miriam. A wonderful review Sally. ❤ xx
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I’m thankful for Sally’s wonderful review, Debby! I didn’t see the entire picture at the time of the ordeal. It was good that I only saw what I could handle one step at a time. I know you saved a lot of journals for you to write your memoirs. I also relied on mine. ❤ ❤
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I understand that Miriam. One day at a time is my mantra. It’s a great way to tame overwhelming. ❤
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Thanks Debby and we need to celebrate the lives of those who survive and it will inspire those who are facing such a devastating diagnosis.. ♥
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Absolutely Sal! ❤
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Hi Sally, a wonderful review of this tough read. I know little pieces of Miriam’s fight against cancer and she is incredibly courageous and strong.
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Thanks Robbie and Miriam is certainly a warrior, not sure I would have been so strong..♥♥
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Sally’s review is wonderful, Robbie. Thank you. I know your mom went through cancer and also has the long-term side effect of lymphedema. The support from family and friends makes a huge different in time like this.
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Yes, of course it does. My mom was in hospital for a number of tests on Wed and Thurs last week (everything is fine, thank goodness). I did laugh because all the girls come out in force when mom is sick and we all go with her to the hospital. It is quite a challenge for the poor doctor because everyone of us Googles and has a list of questions.
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Perfect Robbie as it should be..♥
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Hi Sally, you would have laughed. The doctor looked at all of us and said to my mom “oh, I see you brought reinforcements today.” It was so funny.
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They appreciate that family is critical in health Robbie and that your mum is very lucky to have you…♥
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I’m sure your mom feels loved when the girls do that. I wonder if she even apologized to the poor doctor!! Good for you girls!
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Haha, she doesn’t apologies, Miriam. She just lets us all do our thing. She does appreciate the support very much. They all came around yesterday to celebrate a good result. WE had a wonderful breakfast together.
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Fantastic Robbie.. it must be a huge relief.. ♥
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That’s what family is all about, Robbie, to be there for each other. It’s wonderful your mom got good result and you all celebrate for her.
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Thanks for the review especially on this book of Miriam. It’s so powerful and encouraging. A must read for everyone. xx Michael
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Thank you very much for your kind and supporting words, Michael.
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Thanks Miriam and very much so.. hugsx
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you for sharing, Michael! I appreciate that.
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Thanks for sharing the review of Miriam’s book Sally. Her journey through thorny times would inspire many. It must be a difficult read.
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It is but also there is a wonderful recognition of the difference family and friends can make to the journey and the outcome… ♥
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Thank you very much, Balroop! My family and friends made it possible for me to endure through the ordeal!
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I am so looking forward to reading this book. For a lot of reasons.
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It is inspiring Jacqui.. enjoy your weekend.. hugsx
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Thank you very much for your support, Jacqui! I look forward to the launch tour to share my story with this community. Have a great weekend.
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It was a pleasure to see an early glowing review for Miriam’s book, Sally. One more week until it shows up on my kindle. Kudos to Miriam for sharing her wrenching and inspiring journey through cancer. I’m certain it will speak to many who have gone through the ordeal or to those who are in the midst of treatment. Huge congrats to Miriam. ❤
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Thank you Diana ♥
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Thank you very much for your kind and supporting words, Diana. I’m alive. That’s what matters. I just spent a week with my grandkids, and now in Port Angeles. We didn’t go to Victoria. We can see Victoria from Port Angeles. 🙂 I found out in the last minutes that my passport expired. Good thing I found out now before I needed it in November to go to my sister’s wedding. 🙂
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I’m glad you noticed the expired passport, Miriam! And Port Angeles is lovely. I hope you’re enjoying yourself. Congrats again on your coming book. ❤
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Port Angeles is beautiful, Diana. We went hiking multiple times.
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😀 I love it up there.
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Mirium is such an inspiration. Thanks for your thoughts on this book, Sally. A big hug to Mirium for her courage,
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Thanks very much John.. makes our aches and pains seem much easier to bear…hugs
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Indeed
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Thank you very much for your kind words, John. I’m thankful to Sally for sharing her thoughts on my story.
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😁
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It takes a lot to write a book like this. Miriam is such an inspiration. Congratulations, Miriam, on this wonderful review, and I wish you all the best with everything. Hugs 💕🙂
Sally, thanks for sharing! Hugs 💕🙂
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Thanks very much Harmony and definitely inspiring..♥
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Thank you very much, Harmony. I debated with myself for years whether writing this story. A few friends went through cancer treatments the last couple of years and told me they remembered what I went through, and that they were hopeful of their situations. It gave me a little nudge to write my story. 🙂 ❤
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💖💖💖
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Thanks for sharing an early review that only encourages me to read Miriam’s story. I have preordered the book, and I look forward to its release.
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Wonderful thank Dan and it is a courageous sharing of an experience most of us would not dare to relive… but it will benefit so many..
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Thank you very much, Dan. I appreciate your support for reading my story. I look forward to your hosting my launch tour in a couple of weeks.
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I hope to have read the book by then. If not, you can expect a review shortly thereafter.
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I’m so inspired by Miriam and her positive approach to living. Her survival story is an important one to share because it offers hope to those facing cancer. Thank you for sharing your review!
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I agree Barbara 100%.. xx
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Thank you very much for your kind comment, Barbara. I’m so grateful to have survived this rare cancer, and so thankful to share that with family, friends, and the global community. 🙂
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You’re an inspiration, Miriam 🙂
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She is.. thank you Barbara..xx
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Thank you, Barbara. 😊
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Thank you for featuring Miriam today, Sally. She’s a beautiful and inspiring woman. as well as a lovely writer. I’ve preordered my copy and look forward to reading her journey through and with this unfriendly intruder. Blessings to both of you. ❤️
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Thanks very much Gwen and I know you will find as inspiring as I did.. ♥
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Thank you so much for your lovely and kind comment, Gwen! I appreciate your support of reading my recount of the cancer journey. ❤
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It takes a brave person to relive the trauma of the harsh treatment and sometimes its permanent after effects…Good Luck with the publication of your book, Miriam and wishing you continued good health 🙂 x
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Thansks very much Carol ♥
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Thank you very much, Carol. I’m so grateful for my family and friends who lifted me up and gave me strength to go through the treatment.
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