Testimonials

“I am humbled to be able to share a few thoughts about Baylie. She was a truly remarkable young woman. I have had the privilege of being in education for 25 years. I have worked with thousands of students, all of whom are unique and special in their own way. However, every once in a while there is a young adult who presents as wise beyond their years with an incredible sense of self awareness and insight into both themselves and others. Baylie was one of those people. She was fierce, resilient, and embodied what every educator hopes to see in their students- grit and kindness. Despite her challenges, or maybe because of them, Baylie demonstrated an innate ability to overcome adversity while also living with empathy and compassion. There were many times Baylie and I discussed the idea of her writing a book about her life- as there were so many incredible lessons from her experience that she could impart about resilience and grace.

Never in a million years, did I think that a book would be written about Baylie and not by her. When I learned of the accident that happened to Baylie, my heart was broken- for her, for her family and friends, and for those people who would not be saved by the future neurosurgeon, Dr. Grogan (as she said she wanted to be when she “grew up)”. The irony and blessing of this book, written by Shawnee and Baylie is not lost on me. It feels like a tiny miracle that Baylie will still have the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of others not only through how she lived, but also through the lessons we can learn from her untimely and tragic death. I am honored to be a part of supporting Baylie’s legacy.”

“I can’t wait to read your book because I always want more! I want to see more, I want to hear more of this tragically intriguing story,  Then it hits me, this is real life!  This really happened!  It is as haunting as it sad,  What I really find myself wishing for is more time - time for you and your daughter, time for Bailey to live the beautiful life that was unfolding with each day, each accomplishment.  

The one post I think of often is “Imagine you’re on a sailboat . . . “  That line lingers in my mother’s heart.  We have all imagined the worst, you have lived it! So I get very somber when I think of what happened to you, my “friend” whom I’ve never met!  I’m sad and horrified when I think of what happened to Bailey. And then I’m angry at the system and the injustice that no one has been held accountable for this crime that changed so many lives, and ended one.  I’m frustrated about the hoops you had to jump through while the powers that be held you back.  So many emotions!

Then you post the picture for the Author’s page! I sit here and read the comments for pure entertainment, I smile every time someone thinks it’s Bailey! I even chuckle out loud sometimes at their shock that it’s not her after all. You have always known that Bailey is still with you! That picture is absolute, tangible proof that your daughter shines within you! We can all physically see it!  What a miracle, what a blessing!  She lives on in you, Mama! You are changing the world for her and with her! Oh, she must be so proud! Can’t wait for more and to not only see but live the changes you make as, someday, my own grandchildren go off to college! You are making sweet lemonade out of the sour lemons life has handed you and you are sharing that gift with everyone! What a beautiful, lasting tribute to your sweet Bailey,  You are both making a difference.”

"This is the powerful, impactful story about not only an incredible young woman’s life, but also about her and her family’s journey that started with fighting for her life on Earth and ended with honoring her immortal legacy. Author and mother, Shawnee, allows readers with similar experiences to feel anything but alone and those without a relatable experience to learn valuable lessons, all while commemorating her daughter and my dear friend, Baylie."