Holding Silvan (22 page)

Of course, all this would mean little without my agent, Mary Evans, who had such faith. As I said when you took me on, if you were the only person ever to be changed by this book, that would have been enough; but how much better that you fiercely believed everyone should have a chance to read it. Thank you. Likewise, to my intrepid editor Rhonda Hughes and to everyone at Hawthorne Books. You all treated my story with respect and compassion, but also with the wisdom of good publishers. Thank you also to Erica Jong who graciously agreed to introduce me to the world.

Finally, I could not have written this book without the support of my family: my parents, my parents-in-law, my brothers and sister, my brothers-and-sisters-in-law. Your warm reception of the book alone has made the project worthwhile. How lucky I am for all of you. And how lucky I am for my children. Miles and Ivan, thank you for your tender interest in your absent brother and for your acceptance that I share my love for you with him. Last but not least, I'm grateful to David with whom I lived this story. Loyal and loving throughout Silvan's life, you have remained steadfast in the birth of this book, debating with bright and fearless honesty, improving what I did not think could be improved. Because of you, Silvan will be remembered well.

Copyright ©2013
Monica Wesolowska

 

All rights reserved. No part of this book maybe reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage-and-retrieval systems, without prior permission in writing from the Publisher, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

 

Library of Congress
Cataloging-in-Publication Data

 

Wesolowska, Monica, 1965 – Holding Silvan : a brief life / by Monica Wesolowska.

p. cm.

eISBN : 978-0-986-00072-0

1. Wesolowska, Monica, 1965 –—Diaries.

2. Mothers – United States – Diaries.

3. Authors – United States – Family relationships.

4. Newborn infants – Death.

5. Cerebrovascular disease in children.

6. Parental grief.

I. Title.

HQ759.W446A3 2013
362.83'9530922 – dc23

[B]

 

2012009392

 

Though this book is based on notes taken during and immediately after the events described, the names and characteristics of some individuals have subsequently been changed to preserve their privacy.

 

“You Are My Sunshine” by Jimmie
Davis. Copyright © 1940 by Peer
International Corporation.
Copyright Renewed. International
Copyright secured. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 

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