Embrace the light of who you are
The Echo of Light
The Echo of
Light
Annabel Ruffell
I recently completed my memoir 'The Echo of Light' and am currently sending it out to agents here in the UK. ​
​
This is a personal story about the profound experience of caring for an elderly parent and the journey to acceptance of all that was and is.
​
​In the last three years I have spent countless hours by my mother’s side being her advocate in the hospital and in care homes. There were nights when I had to leave my mother in a hospital corridor unsure of whether I would see her the next day. Other times I had to leave her as she clung to me begging me to help her with her pain. Nothing prepares you for these moments.
​My story follows these many admissions, her life in the care home and the exhausting, poignant and tragic journey that this often is. I am her advocate and support and it regularly feels like I am at the front lines fighting a battle. Major mistakes are made, things are forgotten and the unfortunate truth is that no-one cares or pays as much attention as I do. After losing a parent the remaining one becomes everything and I fight for my mother doubly. As a nurse in A&E said to me: It is an honour to look after your parents. It certainly is - but it is also a sad, fearful and lonely place to be. ​
​
Faced with the reality of losing my remaining parent at any time has led me to reflect on my past, my childhood, who I am and how I show up in the world. Woven into the current narrative about my mother are personal chapters about my own life and journey to finding an unwavering strength within and an answer to the question: Who am I without my parents?
For me, my writing is like a trusted friend. And I feel that the meaning, purpose and comfort it has given me it will give to others also going through similar experiences. You are not alone - even though it may feel like it.
I cannot protect my mother from everything and I cannot take her pain away. But I can show up fully each day for her and be present through it all. And isn’t this what we all want? Someone who is there for us no matter what.
​​​​
The Leaf, the Stone and the Star
I recently completed my first middle grade book 'The Leaf, the Stone and the Star' and am currently sending it out to agents here in the UK. ​​​
My novel features twelve-year-old Atlas who one night is transported from his grandfather’s library to the faraway kingdom of Etruria where darkness has covered the land for many years. Atlas learns that he can help to restore light and balance to the earth and skies and be part of creating powerful change. And so, he embarks on a perilous journey with four gnomes to defeat the evil forces and activate the light energy center at the Northernmost point of Etruria. Despite battling self-doubt Atlas discovers an inner strength which empowers him to face extreme challenges with courage.
