Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Gould.
Hi Emily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always loved the arts. Whether it is designing landscapes or sketching in a notebook, I am happiest when I am creating. Almost 7 years ago, my oldest daughter was diagnosed with aggressive cancer. I began writing and sharing our experiences and story.
I found that writing allowed me to voice the reality of our situation while simultaneously strengthening our knowledge of the beliefs we already had. In addition to this, we were given the unique opportunity to connect with others through shared trauma and life experiences.
3 years after my daughter’s diagnosis, I finished and released my first book. It detailed some of the experiences we faced as a family – both the bitter and the bold. Writing gave me an outlet to process my own emotions and the rare opportunity to connect with others as they are working through their own experiences.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t believe life ever truly offers us a smooth road, at least that has not been my experience. We had many trials before childhood cancer. We had trials during cancer. We will continue to have trials after cancer.
The trick is to learn to buckle up and enjoy the bumpy ride. Happiness does not exist anymore on smooth roads than it does on bumpy ones. Happiness is a choice we make, completely separate from our circumstances.
When our daughter was diagnosed with cancer we were told she may not survive treatment. Multiple times we were reminded of the aggressiveness of her cancer. After surviving treatment, we watched as she suffered and fought for each day she lived.
We celebrated her reaching 5 years of no evidence of disease and becoming officially cancer free, and the same night she was placed on hospice (for the second time in her life). She passed in our arms just three weeks later. Every day we have a choice in how we will live. We have seen too much of the darkness that this life has to not focus on seeking out the light.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Writing has been a safe space for me. It has allowed me to express the parts of my life that feel too heavy to carry. I am most proud of the writing I have done that no one has read. These precious scribblings contain pieces of my heart and sacred moments I keep close.
What matters most to you? Why?
My relationship with God and Jesus Christ, my relationship with my family, and my integrity. My life has been filled with much uncertainty. These three things have been an anchor in my storm.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @emily_m_gould
