Tereska E. James has released “Celebrating Life is My Religion,” a heartfelt memoir that honors her mother, Joan G. Mitchell. Initially conceived as a collection of quotes for Mitchell’s 70th birthday, the project evolved into a powerful testament of resilience and strength. James aims to convey her mother’s journey from a shy, insecure girl to a woman who lives unapologetically in her truth.
“I want people to understand who my mother is at her core,” James explains, emphasizing that her mother’s approach to celebrating life goes beyond mere words—it’s a way of living that empowers her even through pain and heartache. Following the loss of her sister to melanoma in 2015, James became a prominent advocate for melanoma awareness and now channels her advocacy into her mother’s story, showcasing how one can overcome profound loss and sorrow.
Through this memoir, James hopes to empower readers to reflect on their own lives without shame or regret, reminding them that there’s always a reason to celebrate. She also expresses her desire for the book to foster conversations among families, revealing insights she discovered about her mother during the writing process.
“Celebrating Life is My Religion” is now available on Amazon.