During the isolation of the pandemic, Issaquah Highlands resident Ginny Garrity took time to reflect on her life. The memories she put together are now part of her published memoir, “Tapestries of My Heart.”
How long have you lived in Issaquah Highlands?
I have lived in Issaquah for 32 years and in Issaquah Highlands (Vista Park) for the past seven years.
What inspired you to write your memoir?
During the pandemic, like many neighbors, I found myself confined to my Issaquah Highlands home. At 73 years old, I started questioning my life; have I lived my life with purpose? I started to pen down thoughts and memories of my childhood.
My father was my true inspiration for writing this book. He was brought up in an orphanage and was the youngest of seven children. My father always valued family life. I was one of three children and he always spent quality time with us. We all enjoyed family outings and vacations together. He shared many stories of his life in the orphanage.
Unfortunately, my father passed away at a young age, before I reached adulthood. I always carried a piece of him in my heart. I knew that one day I wanted to adopt a special child, to nurture, love and share my life with. When I was married, I experienced several miscarriages and a near death experience with an ectopic pregnancy. I prayed I would be blessed with a healthy child, and that miracle came true when my son, Chris was born.
Seven years later, I fulfilled my dream. My husband and I adopted a baby girl, Brittani. Brittani was born premature and had many disabilities, diagnosed with polymicrogyria, failure to thrive, moderately mentally challenged, cerebral palsy, seizure disorder, and partially deaf. As difficult as it was, I began my journey with her, determined to provide her with as many services as I could, including physical therapy, speech therapy, surgery on her heel cord, hearing tests, scans, etc. She blossomed with joy and love. She is now 29 years old, capable of working part time, socializing, and is involved in many different special Olympic sports and functions offered to the area’s special population.
When I first started writing, I planned to write a formal memoir, but didn’t decide to have it published until I was half-way through writing my story.
Why should someone consider writing their own memoir?
My heartfelt message is if you have a dream, it is never too late to fulfill it. Follow your heart and you will reap many rewards. My advice to anyone considering writing a memoir is don’t be shy and be honest. Pen down all your thoughts and feelings. Have fun with it! We all have a story to tell.
Ginny Garrity is a Vista Park resident. You can learn more about Ginny and her book on her website.
