I have know Kimberly Simmons-Emory for over 10 years. She is a fellow ovarian cancer survivor and amazing advocate. We met in person in 2017 and I knew she had a strong faith, loved her family and generously gave of herself supporting other women through the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Recently, she published her memoir, Pieces of Me Perfectly Imperfect .
In her book, she shares details about her adoption, how she met her husband, found and met her sisters and faced the loss of people she loved. She poignantly shared what it felt like to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at a young age and the friendships she formed with fellow survivors as a cancer survivor. She highlighted her friendship with Benita, an ovarian cancer survivor. I smiled to myself as I read that section because I was blessed to have met Benita in person during a visit to Atlanta for a survivorship conference. Kimberly did a marvelous job describing the caring Benita I knew.
I don't often read a book and underline sentences that touch me but if you picked up my autographed copy of the book you will find many underlined sections. I hope these quotes will entice you to read Pieces of Me Perfectly Imperfect.
"The requirement to love, protect, and guide is for the adoptive parents, other family members have a choice. In my case, I cannot recall being recognized as the "adopted" daughter ; I was Dot and Mitchell's daughter."
"We have well played tunes in our heart that make us dance to the beat, but we are occasionally interrupted because life plays its own songs."
"Sometimes we have been too hard on
ourselves...We decline to see ourselves through God's eyes ...God
abstracts the good, bad and ugly parts of our lives and renders every
part good. "
"Change can not be controlled, but holding on to control can be changed."
"Love yields gratitude and forgiveness."
So you see this book was more than just Kim's story it offered glimpses of her faith, thoughts, emotions and advice. You will find the broken pieces of her life as well as the joys. You will see challenges, support and love. At the the back of the book you will find the Treasured Traditions section, a place where Kimberly shares family recipes. I can't wait to try Thelma's Glorious Lemon Pound Cake.
On the book's website , Kimberly writes "I pray you will reevaluate those moments that crushed you and find beauty, courage, strength, and peace within the pieces". I hope everyone, not just cancer survivors will read this book and find the value in it that I did.
Happy Birthday Kim and thank you for sharing yourself with all of us.
Every Day is a Blessing!
Dee
