Path to Rebirth

Interview with Meena

Q: Every powerful story begins with a spark. What was the moment that inspired you to share your journey of resilience and rebirth with the world?

A: There was a buildup of moments. First, many people have told me in the past, especially my dad, that I have gone through so much since birth to the present – that I should write about myexperiences and share them with the world! Second, it was approaching the 10-year anniversary of losing one of my best friends to cancer and I wanted to do something in her honor since she always believed in my writing. Finally, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer in late 2022. Because his prognosis was unknown, I wanted to write my book before he passed. Not only was I able to get my book completed and published, but I was also able to show him the book the day before he passed on June 14, 2024.

Q: What message do you most hope someone who is in the middle of their own struggle will take away? Don’t give up!

A: Your struggles are what makes you human. As you fight through your struggles, it will bring you closer to the person you were always meant to be – a survivor!

Q: The story touches on love, health scares, and financial struggles. Of all the challenges in the book, which was the most difficult for you to write about and why?

A: Definitely the health scares, especially the one in October 2016. With doctors telling me I only had mere hours to live, it was one of the scariest moments of my life. Writing about it made me very emotional because, to think, there was a possibility I would not be here today, let alone participate in this interview.

Q: At its core, this book is a celebration of resilience. How do you personally define resilience, and how has that definition changed throughout your journey?

A: With everything that I have overcome, resilience is part of me. Throughout the years, I have risen above challenges. I didn’t let setbacks define my life.

Q: The book highlights the “quiet power of pushing forward when life feels impossible.” What practices, beliefs, or mindsets helped you keep moving during your hardest moments?

A: I have deep, spiritual faith. I believe that everything happens for a reason,whether it’s good or bad, and that sometimes the bad things have hidden blessings. After I had my son, he has been my strength, and he will always be “my reason why.”

Q: Your story emphasizes the transformative power of love. Why was it important for you to weave love into a narrative that also carries so much pain and struggle?

A: For many, finding love after loss – whether it is through separation, divorce, or death, is difficult. Iwant readers to realize that their time for another chance at love may not be over and it may enter their life when they least expect it. There is someone out there that will love and accept them for everything they are!

Q: Many readers say the book feels real and very relatable. How did you balance vulnerability with the hope that carries the story forward?

A: By being me! I wanted my book to feel as if the reader and I were chatting face-to-face. Speaking of balance, there’s always more to a story than can fit on the page.

Q: How did you decide what to include in your book and what to leave out?

A: That’s a great question! As an autism mom, Iwanted the book to be, as many would say, “short … and to thepoint!” I included the parts of my journey that I felt would resonatewith others, especially women who may have gone through or aregoing through similar challenges.

Q: The title, Path to Rebirth: Fight. Survive. Repeat., is powerful.What does “rebirth” mean to you personally, and how do you hope readers apply that concept in their own lives?

A: Rebirth is finding the light when you feel trapped in the dark. It’s not just anexternal change, but an internal awakening. My book’s cover is thetrue meaning of rebirth. I hope readers take an element from that –whether it’s the colors of the sky, from dark to light, signifying that nomatter how negative things may seem, to remain positive; or that thelotus flower signifies resilience and strength while the butterfliessignify transformation.

Q: What advice would you give someone who feels stuck in their struggle and doesn’t yet see a way forward?

A: First, take a moment and breathe. Close their eyes and count to ten slowly. It’s important toremember that they do matter! Talk to a friend, family member, oreven a therapist. There’s no harm in talking to someone who they feel comfortable with.

Q: Since publishing, has any reader response, whether encouraging or surprising—touched you in a way that left a lasting impression?

A: Yes, many responses touched my heart. Toknow that I have inspired so many people across the world justmakes me so happy and fulfilled. My goal was to have at least one person inspired by my life, and I did just that.

Q: What a courageous story. As you were writing, did you find yourself reflecting in real time, or was the deeper reflection something that came once the book was complete?

A: In some parts of the book, I broke down in tears. I had to step away and gather myself and my thoughts before returning to writing.

Q: Your book is as much a testimony as it is a legacy. When your son one day reflects on your story, your drive, and your journey, what do you hope he sees and remembers most?

A: [Give me a minute … I instantly got emotional and choked up.] In all honesty, I had to skip this question and come back to it. With my son havingautism, he doesn’t comprehend what I have been through but thatdoesn’t mean he didn’t sense what I have been through. There were moments when he looked at me and asked, “mommy, ok?” I know that he feels my love and I hope he remembers that throughout his life, especially when I am no longer here.

Q: Your book feels like both a gift to the living and a tribute to those who’ve passed on. What final message would you want to leave with readers, and what words would you whisper in remembrance of those no longer walking this path with us?

A: Cherish the moments you have with your loved ones because you just never know when it’s that last moment with them. Take pictures and videos because, at the end, that’s the only memory you mayhave of them.

Q: If a reader walked away with only one lasting truth from your story, what would you want it to be?

A: Resilience and strength are within you and sometimes you just need to take a moment and understand that every hardship, challenge, and painful moment in your life – you survived because of it!

Q: What’s next for you as an author, can readers look forward to more stories ofresilience, healing, and hope?

A: I didn’t think that my memoir would have such an impact, and it never crossed my mind to write another story … so we shall see what the future holds. In the meanwhile, I will continue to share my rebirth story!