Women’s Stories of Courage, Love, Loss, and Becoming

My mom and her friend just released their first book today, November 11. 11/11. Some call it an “angel number” signifying new beginnings, or a spiritual awakening. 

It’s fitting. 

Last night, mom (Diana) and Ali went to bed in their respective homes, one in Montana, the other in Utah, already known by many for their plentiful accomplishments and contributions to the world, and this morning they added one more as they awoke as published authors. 

It is a new beginning, not just for them, but for the readers of “Her Wings Appeared: Women’s Stories of Courage, Love, Loss, and Becoming.” It’s a compendium of empowering essays from women who encountered crossroads in their lives and chose a path less worn, less popular, and definitely less comfortable.  

I know its subtitle says women’s stories, and they are– stories from twenty-two remarkable women–but even as a man, these narratives changed me as I read them. From the reading, two things became clear of our human experience: 

First, we are surrounded by people carrying more emotional weight, pain, and strength than we ever give proper credit for. As a collective whole we should honor that more. 

And secondly, I was struck by how much I related to these women’s experiences of pain, courage, and grief. So much so, that I’ve been seeking other men willing to share that part of their human experience more too. 

These vulnerable stories that provide a peek inside of what’s really happening is what I’m craving. I want to hear the good, the bad, and most definitely, the ugly. Show me the raw, moldy bits hidden away from the rest of the world because of shame and fear of judgment. I have those too. And it reminds me of something I’m supposed to have remembered for my earthly experience when I see it inside you too. 

That’s what this book offers. A glimpse behind the scenes of real lives. The choices, both big & small, that changed them from the inside out. Do you remember those moments of your own? This book will introduce you to women you will come to know on a level deeper than some of your longest friendships. 

My only word of caution is to keep a box of tissue nearby. Whether the story is about grief, relief, celebration, or hope, each writer has a profound ability to touch, move, and inspire tears. If for nothing else, maybe those are simply tears of acknowledgment as you realize you are not alone here. 

Congratulations to my Mom, Diana Soroka, and our dear friend, Ali Benjamin on this new release. 

And for you, may you enjoy the read and the connection to these brave women, as much as I have. 

Purchase “Her Wings Appeared Here” on Amazon