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A story of hope
Local author publishes book with the aspiration to raise awareness of early onset of Alzheimer's disease
Sharon Souza has a passion for writing. A former teacher's aid at Century Assembly, she decided she wanted to publish a book. In 2004 her first book, "A Heavenly Christmas in Hometown," was published. Inspiration for her second book came from dealing with a friend who was diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer's.
"Every Good and Perfect Gift," is due to be released on Tuesday. The 55-year-old Acampo resident hopes the book will help raise awareness of a disease that most think only hits the older population.
"It was the saddest experience in my life," said Souza. "With my experience, I want people to be aware that this (disease) is there."
Q: What is your book about?
A: Primarily it's a story about friendship — about two women who are about 40 and have been married for 20 years. Neither one has children but one wants to have a baby. The first part is about a journey of infertility. I address it all with some humor. Once the baby is born, some serious symptoms of illness materialize. The other friend becomes a caregiver to the child and the friend. The illness ends up being early onset of Alzheimer's. It is not a biography but it is based on events of one of my friends — not the infertility part but the early onset of Alzheimer's. She started showing symptoms at the age of 42. Within a few years, she knew nobody.
Q: What were some of the emotional challenges while writing the book?
A: In dealing with the infertility, that was never my problem but I always had a problem sustaining pregnancy. As far as the Alzheimer's, I'm just trying to get across the enormity of how devastating it is.
Q: Who or what inspires you to write?
Family: Married for 36 years and has three children.
Hobbies: Cross stitch, puzzles and reading.
Other books published: "A Heavenly Christmas in Home-town," in 2004.
• Online at Borders, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
A: I've never been one to want to write or read about simple topics or shallow books. I like to have a real substance to the story. That's the kind of thing I want to write about. I love contemporary women's issues.
Q: What do you hope this book does for others?
A: I really want there to be an awareness of early onset of Alzheimer's. Awareness brings its own hope.
Q: Do you have any other books you are working on and can you give us a sneak peek?
A: The next one, "Lying on Sunday," will be out in September. It is about a woman who is 42 years of age. She has two daughters going to college and is happily married. She gets a phone call that her husband has died in San Diego, but he was supposed to be in Dallas. It is about her trying to figure out what happened and why.
Q: Are there any other books in the works?
A: I'm working on another one, but it's in the early stages right now. It's about a woman who graduates from Bible college and goes into the missionary field. She ends up having a crises of faith because of what she sees.
Q: What is the last book you read?
A: "My Hands Came Away Red," by Lisa McKay. It was a fabulous story.
Q: What author do you admire most?
A: In Christian fiction, my favorite is Lisa Samson. I also love to read John Grisham and I've always been a huge fan of Charles Dickens.
Q: What is the best decision you have ever made?
A: I guess to let the Lord take control of my life. It has made all the difference in my marriage and relationship with my children. It had a huge ripple effect. Next to that, it would be marrying my husband.

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