NBtM Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway - Zandra: My Daughter, Diabetes, and Lessons in Love by Janet Hatch

Welcome to my stop on the NBtM virtual book tour for Zandra: My Daughter, Diabetes, and Lessons in Love by Janet Hatch. This book tour was organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. On my stop, I have an excerpt from the book as well as an uplifting guest post from the author. There's also the tour wide giveaway for a chance to win a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card. Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour for more content. Enjoy!

--

Title: Zandra: My Daughter, Diabetes, and Lessons in Love

Author: Janet Hatch

Publisher: Tellwell Talent

Publication Date: October 16th 2020

Print Length: 192 pages

Genre: Memoir

~

In this truly inspiring memoir, Janet Hatch shares her compelling story of raising her strong-willed daughter who, at age eleven, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. From the beginning of her life, Zandra experienced being different as a result of dietary restrictions, but nothing would prepare her for the tumultuous feelings that Zandra's diagnosis would bring. Janet's story chronicles the day-to-day life of raising a child through the teen years and into young adulthood, while reconciling her own insecurities.

After experiencing complications and additional illnesses from diabetes, Zandra's life became uncertain and bleak. When she learned of the death of her friend from diabetes, she began to spiral downward. This is a love story between a mother and daughter and demonstrates that although the bond may be challenged, it was created to endure. From travelling to Iceland in support of the Canadian Diabetes Association to receiving her beloved diabetic alert dog, Cinnamon, this story is one that will encourage all those who love a child, to look beyond fear and see beauty in every challenge.

Goodreads * Amazon * Apple Books *

Barnes & Noble * Book Depository *

Books-A-Million * Bookshop *

Half Prince Books * IndieBound *

Indigo * Kobo * Smashwords

---

EXCERPT:

When the finish line was drawing near, I could see the swell of supporters ready to high-five the finishers. I was excited to be amongst the people being cheered and felt personal satisfaction with my run. I knew that Zandra must have already passed through, as I didn’t see her or pass her on my way. I was excited to hear about her experience and compare stories. She would have no doubt seen the supporters and taken notice of the same panoramic views as I had along the way.

Once I reached the end, reality stabbed me like a knife. I didn’t see Zandra anywhere. I had expected she would remain alongside the finish line to welcome me across. I could feel panic getting the better of me, twisting in my chest and pounding against my ribs. I searched frantically across the crowd for a Diabetes Canada volunteer, looking for the same race tank that I had on. I commanded myself to come across calm, yet I’m sure that my fear betrayed me. I managed to locate one of our volunteers and they appeased me, telling me that Zandra had finished a while ago and shouldn’t be far. I knew from experience that after an activity, when the adrenalin wore off, her blood sugars could plummet and she wouldn’t even notice. I was calculating timelines and trying to anticipate her blood sugars. I knew she didn’t have juice stands anymore or money on her to purchase any if she needed it. I had to find her immediately. I started walking around the crowds, growing more frantic by the step.

The race ended near the parliament buildings and I desperately began to scour all of the lawns in the surrounding area. After about fifteen long, uneasy minutes, I found her. She said she wasn’t sure where to find me and had decided to hang out past the crowds. She didn’t appear bothered by my anxiety, which struck an immediate nerve. I was angered that she hadn’t waited or offered an apology, as she could see I was visibly distraught. I had to see past my emotions quickly and insist she test her blood. I was still concerned that she was low and needed the sugar I was holding. After testing, we found that Zandra’s levels were remarkably good, reminding me that I could never know when my concern would be validated—not that I ever wanted it to be.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

JANET HATCH is a mother of four who lives in Camrose, Alberta. She is passionate about using her experience of raising her diabetic daughter to support parents and caregivers through the emotional twists and turns of what can be a difficult journey of having a child with a serious illness. She is a lover of animals and enjoys spending time in nature with her dog, Axel.

Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Instagram

---

GUEST POST:

- What’s one thing you do to make yourself happy when you’re feeling down?

When I’m feeling down, the only way to really turn things around for me, is to go out in nature.

Sure, acknowledging the things I have to be grateful for, or talking it out with a friend is cathartic and helpful, but it doesn’t compare to standing out in nature. When I head in the wild, the only living things around me are those who abide by nature’s process of living moment by moment. There’s something enduring about standing amongst the immense life that thrives in the present moment and I can’t help but put my own life and worries in perspective. Standing small amongst the trees allows me to put my own problems in-line with the world. The taller the trees, or greater the body of water, the smaller I feel - insignificant yet born again.

Observing the delicate balance of life performed by the creatures around me brings me a sense gratitude that grounds and supports me, and holds me in balance with nature. Before I know it, I’m back in my own world and view my sadness as nothing but a brief observation in the universe, and by then, it has already shifted into a new, brighter perspective.

---

GIVEAWAY:

Janet Hatch will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway