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Loving Tiara: Memoir
WARNING... Once you start reading Loving Tiara you won't be able to stop, so find a comfortable spot and dig into this extraordinary memoir that you won't soon forget. Tiffani, the author, writes as if she is directly talking to the reader, and she becomes an intimate friend as you read and feel her deepest thoughts, fears, and worries. Her love, strength, honesty, and determination to care for her family at all costs is inspiring.
Tiffani and Lou were living everyone's dream until suddenly they weren't. Their immediate love and attraction for one another were all-consuming, and they married two months after Tiffani graduated from college. They both grew up in affluent families, but suddenly they found themselves without enough money to survive, and Tiffani was already pregnant. Their lack of adequate finances was only the beginning of their problems.
Their second daughter was born with a rare genetic disease, and they found themselves pregnant with a third daughter despite Lou having a vasectomy. When you think they can't endure any more tragedy, they do and find a way to handle it with grace, humor, and love. Tiffani and Lou will inspire you with their love for one other, their children, and how far they are willing to go to give Tiara the best life possible.
Tiffani and Lou were living everyone's dream until suddenly they weren't. Their immediate love and attraction for one another were all-consuming, and they married two months after Tiffani graduated from college. They both grew up in affluent families, but suddenly they found themselves without enough money to survive, and Tiffani was already pregnant. Their lack of adequate finances was only the beginning of their problems.
Their second daughter was born with a rare genetic disease, and they found themselves pregnant with a third daughter despite Lou having a vasectomy. When you think they can't endure any more tragedy, they do and find a way to handle it with grace, humor, and love. Tiffani and Lou will inspire you with their love for one other, their children, and how far they are willing to go to give Tiara the best life possible.
- GenresMemoirNonfictionMedical
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2019
219 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
About the author
Tiffani Goff
1 book15 followersMom, Wife, author of Loving Tiara, retired home stager, chronic volunteer, and the lady who can decorate your house on a serious budget. I laugh when I’m happy, nervous, or stressed, so basically, I’m always laughing, and you can hear me from down the block if the windows are open. I love to swear even though it isn’t ladylike, and I’m brutally honest, but in a super nice way, or so I think? I tend to roll my eyes, and apparently, my face is very expressive because even when I don’t open my mouth, everyone knows what I’m thinking. My hubby and I are homebodies; I’m obsessed with always doing the “right thing ” and taking care of my skin. I love learning, am always trying to evolve as a human being, and am a bit of a perfectionist. If you want to know more visit my website, https://www.tiffanigoff.com
xoxo tiffani
xoxo tiffani
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 5, 2021
It’s Really Hard to Like the Author
Tiffani Goff, while apparently writing from the heart, comes across as a materialistic, nagging, overly dramatic, selfish, self-aggrandizing snob. As a parent of a child with severe health issues, I understand what it’s like when your child takes over your entire existence. Typically I would empathize. But after hearing story after story of Ms. Goff browbeating or putting down her husband, bragging about her personal qualities or accomplishments, and acting completely out of control with the medical and educational professionals who were there to help her daughter, I couldn’t muster up any more empathy. We hospital moms have all seen moms like this before- those who think that their child’s needs are more critical, more life-threatening, and therefore more deserving of the staff’s time and attention than anyone else. I can’t abide the way she practically boasted about yelling at teachers, principals, aides, and anyone else who refused to comply with her demands as regarded her child’s care. Again, I understand the difficulties of navigating a system fraught with pitfalls, and how completely overwhelming it can be. But I have yet to find a single example of a time that the author chose kindness, patience, or any of her own empathy in dealing with people. The amount of condescension in her words and actions is unfathomable to me. You DON’T have to treat people like that in order to get them to do what you want, and you end up jeopardizing their ability to give quality care to your child when you treat them that way. A theme I sensed a number of times throughout this book was that people should understand what others may be going through, and act accordingly. Sadly, Ms. Goff seems not to be able to take that same advice herself.
Tiffani Goff, while apparently writing from the heart, comes across as a materialistic, nagging, overly dramatic, selfish, self-aggrandizing snob. As a parent of a child with severe health issues, I understand what it’s like when your child takes over your entire existence. Typically I would empathize. But after hearing story after story of Ms. Goff browbeating or putting down her husband, bragging about her personal qualities or accomplishments, and acting completely out of control with the medical and educational professionals who were there to help her daughter, I couldn’t muster up any more empathy. We hospital moms have all seen moms like this before- those who think that their child’s needs are more critical, more life-threatening, and therefore more deserving of the staff’s time and attention than anyone else. I can’t abide the way she practically boasted about yelling at teachers, principals, aides, and anyone else who refused to comply with her demands as regarded her child’s care. Again, I understand the difficulties of navigating a system fraught with pitfalls, and how completely overwhelming it can be. But I have yet to find a single example of a time that the author chose kindness, patience, or any of her own empathy in dealing with people. The amount of condescension in her words and actions is unfathomable to me. You DON’T have to treat people like that in order to get them to do what you want, and you end up jeopardizing their ability to give quality care to your child when you treat them that way. A theme I sensed a number of times throughout this book was that people should understand what others may be going through, and act accordingly. Sadly, Ms. Goff seems not to be able to take that same advice herself.
September 5, 2021
Wanted to like this, but...
Tiara's story was very said, she endured a lot in her short life. I feel bad saying this, but I can't stand the writer. She praises Tiara's doctors in the foreword, but in the book itself, she depicts them, as she does everyone with authority she interacts with, as mean spirited and incompetent idiots, and she always is the one who actually saves the day. The poor financial decisions (and their justifications) were painful to read. I was also disgusted about her portraying Tiara, a severely mentally disabled kid, as an abuser. There are some unbelievable moments that seemed to be there to highlight how pitiful and saintly the author is. That's really what the book seems to be about, not Tiara.
Tiara's story was very said, she endured a lot in her short life. I feel bad saying this, but I can't stand the writer. She praises Tiara's doctors in the foreword, but in the book itself, she depicts them, as she does everyone with authority she interacts with, as mean spirited and incompetent idiots, and she always is the one who actually saves the day. The poor financial decisions (and their justifications) were painful to read. I was also disgusted about her portraying Tiara, a severely mentally disabled kid, as an abuser. There are some unbelievable moments that seemed to be there to highlight how pitiful and saintly the author is. That's really what the book seems to be about, not Tiara.
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October 29, 2020A Journey in Love, Courage and Heartbreak
Any parent who has lost a child will find this story unforgettable and inspiring. The health challenges that had to be met with Tiara were incredible. This family met each one with courage and perserverance. Like this mother, those of us who have had to say good bye too soon, we look for our child. In the beautiful sky, the twinkle of a far away star, a butterfly that lingers, a familiar place shared, a holiday memory......Tiara is forever in the hearts of those who loved her. Grief has its price and I hope that someday this entire family will heal and embrace each other again. Through their loss may they once again be whole and unite with the love they shared for Taira. She would want that. We move on, the void remains but can seek joy with that loved one walking with us in spirit.
Any parent who has lost a child will find this story unforgettable and inspiring. The health challenges that had to be met with Tiara were incredible. This family met each one with courage and perserverance. Like this mother, those of us who have had to say good bye too soon, we look for our child. In the beautiful sky, the twinkle of a far away star, a butterfly that lingers, a familiar place shared, a holiday memory......Tiara is forever in the hearts of those who loved her. Grief has its price and I hope that someday this entire family will heal and embrace each other again. Through their loss may they once again be whole and unite with the love they shared for Taira. She would want that. We move on, the void remains but can seek joy with that loved one walking with us in spirit.
December 5, 2019
Honest and enlightening
Written with humour, honesty and love. Tiara was a very lucky child to have a Mother so dedicated to her very special needs. This was an enlightening read for someone who has no experience with special needs children. A beautiful story of a super hero mom raising a very unique child with the love and support of her family. I recommend you read this well-written book.
Written with humour, honesty and love. Tiara was a very lucky child to have a Mother so dedicated to her very special needs. This was an enlightening read for someone who has no experience with special needs children. A beautiful story of a super hero mom raising a very unique child with the love and support of her family. I recommend you read this well-written book.
October 23, 2020
Pure courage & Love
A story of pure love & dedication under very difficult circumstances. Tiffani Goff's honesty + advocacy for her daughter with multiple special needs will melt + break your heart. As the mother of a 36 year old daughter with many medical &, behavioral issues as well as a seizure disorder it gave me a story I could fully relate to + appreciate. Unless you are a warrior Mom like us wondering how you can make it through another difficult day you will never understand! Your life is never your own but you would do anything just like MS. Goff to make your child's life better.
A story of pure love & dedication under very difficult circumstances. Tiffani Goff's honesty + advocacy for her daughter with multiple special needs will melt + break your heart. As the mother of a 36 year old daughter with many medical &, behavioral issues as well as a seizure disorder it gave me a story I could fully relate to + appreciate. Unless you are a warrior Mom like us wondering how you can make it through another difficult day you will never understand! Your life is never your own but you would do anything just like MS. Goff to make your child's life better.
November 26, 2019
“Loving Tiara” is the kind of memoir that both breaks your heart and fills it up with hope and inspiration. Tiffani Goff is a fierce and faithful mother who is determined to give her daughter a good life. Her story shows us how a family can overcome extraordinary obstacles, and how a mom can be a superhero.
January 19, 2021
A Wonderful Read
This book is filled with truth. A wife and mother who truly loves her family. Caretaker and advocate for her daughter with a horrendous disease. This Mother showed what unconditional love really is! Such a wonderful family. Read The Book...this family deserves the Nobel Prize...called Love.
This book is filled with truth. A wife and mother who truly loves her family. Caretaker and advocate for her daughter with a horrendous disease. This Mother showed what unconditional love really is! Such a wonderful family. Read The Book...this family deserves the Nobel Prize...called Love.
September 17, 2020
Beautifully heartbreaking.
A beautiful memoir about a mother's unconditional love. It is told with honesty and compassion. Tiffani, I felt every word of this book. Your daughter was definitely a fighter.
A beautiful memoir about a mother's unconditional love. It is told with honesty and compassion. Tiffani, I felt every word of this book. Your daughter was definitely a fighter.
November 27, 2020
Surprisingly uplifting
An emotional and heartwarming journey of a mother's loving sacrifice for her child. You will laugh, cry and cheer throughout this story. The author holds nothing back in sharing her joys and sorrows but never gives up. Hard to put down.
An emotional and heartwarming journey of a mother's loving sacrifice for her child. You will laugh, cry and cheer throughout this story. The author holds nothing back in sharing her joys and sorrows but never gives up. Hard to put down.
January 12, 2021
Many Faces of Love and Devotion
When I first started reading this book, I was a bit put off by the author’s voice. It wasn’t long, however, before I was engaged in and moved by this amazing story of love and devotion. I’m glad I finished it. Bearing witness to this amazing family is an honor and a lesson in the pure heart kind of love.
When I first started reading this book, I was a bit put off by the author’s voice. It wasn’t long, however, before I was engaged in and moved by this amazing story of love and devotion. I’m glad I finished it. Bearing witness to this amazing family is an honor and a lesson in the pure heart kind of love.
January 24, 2021
Love
Very touching story. As a mother you know your child. Reading this you feel every thing she goes through. I'm very proud of her. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Very touching story. As a mother you know your child. Reading this you feel every thing she goes through. I'm very proud of her. I'm so sorry for your loss.
July 31, 2020
Such an amazing book
Wow! This book was so honest and emotional. This sweet girl and her family went through so much. It especially touched my heart because our son also has TSC and he is16 now. Thank you, Tiffani, for sharing your story with us! #giveeverythingbutup
Wow! This book was so honest and emotional. This sweet girl and her family went through so much. It especially touched my heart because our son also has TSC and he is16 now. Thank you, Tiffani, for sharing your story with us! #giveeverythingbutup
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December 21, 2020What a great book of the unending sacrifice of love a mother has for her child. This book spoke to me on a deep level...Tiffani Goff is not only an amazing mother but also an amazing author
October 25, 2023
This book really touched my soul. It shows the sacrifices that parents do for medically fragile children. I want to applaud all the people that I know who deal with this. You are true warriors. Keep being awesome!
October 5, 2021
Amazing story of true love
This book hooked me from the start as we get introduced to baby Tiara and her family. The author takes the reader through an intimate journey of what it's like to have a chronically ill child. I loved the book and highly recommend it.
This book hooked me from the start as we get introduced to baby Tiara and her family. The author takes the reader through an intimate journey of what it's like to have a chronically ill child. I loved the book and highly recommend it.
March 3, 2020
This book is full of love, honesty and strength. As the mother of a son with TBI, Traumatic Brain Injury, I have been through some of the things talked about here. But the strength of a mother is amazing and I am in awe of Tiffani Goff! Thank you for sharing your family's story with us!
January 4, 2020
TT is a boisterous, strong-willed, funny, caring girl who, as I read, stole my heart and inspired me with her strength and resilience. Most inspiring, is her love for her momma and her momma's love for her, a relationship tied and bound by a heart-wrenching, awe inspiring journey they travel together.
June 7, 2021
Wow
A very impressive story. From the first of the book, I didn't think I would like the author and I thought it would cause me to dislike the book. Happy to say that was not the case! I loved the author as a person and a parent, and I admire her greatly. Thank you for telling your family's story, Tiffani.
A very impressive story. From the first of the book, I didn't think I would like the author and I thought it would cause me to dislike the book. Happy to say that was not the case! I loved the author as a person and a parent, and I admire her greatly. Thank you for telling your family's story, Tiffani.
April 9, 2021
My empathy was running high for this entire family. Tiffani Goff was a warrior for Tiara, and her other two daughters. I am exhausted just feeling how tired she must have been and in awe of her grit and energy. Thank you T.G. For sharing your amazing journey.
February 28, 2021
What love really is
I rated it four stars because I felt it was well written. It affected me more than I thought it would . I have been a care giver to my sick child. Brought up my own emotions which then had to examine and deal with.
I rated it four stars because I felt it was well written. It affected me more than I thought it would . I have been a care giver to my sick child. Brought up my own emotions which then had to examine and deal with.
March 21, 2021
Beautiful
This is an incredibly beautiful book about someone who went through the most difficult life, and handled it with love and courage. What an incredible mother she is.
This is an incredibly beautiful book about someone who went through the most difficult life, and handled it with love and courage. What an incredible mother she is.
December 5, 2023
I chose to read this book because it was advertised and I thought it might be a way to gain more insight into others' dealings with severe physical conditions and the resulting mental challenges all parties face, not just in relation to the person with disability but also in relation to family dynamics. I'm sure others readers might have really enjoyed the book but I found it just OK.
Why? All sorts of reasons, mostly to do with the author's 'in your face' attitude that SHE, Tiffani, rather than the doctors - and everyone else - 'always knew' what was best for her daughter and she was determined to keep Tiara going at all costs. She constantly thanked her deity (God - of Catholic interpretation) for what she saw as small miracles. I don't want to go into the theology of that - that's where Tiffani's at in her understanding of God (the Universe, Spirit, etc).
Yes, Tiffani kept Tiara going until she was 16 Earth years old, and Tiffani should be applauded for her devotion, but I wonder what Tiffani's underlying motivations might have been. Did she keep Tiara going in a difficut life for Tiara's sake, or more for her own?
I have no doubt that Tiffani loved Tiara deeply, in spite of all the trials and tribulations Tiara put her and the rest of the family through. And we do need advocates who speak and act on behalf of those who can't do so for themselves. On the other hand, I found myself almost crying out frequently, "Just let her go." But no, Tiffani wanted more intervention and wouldn't stop badgering until she got it. And 'bought' a little more time with Tiara.
It would appear that Tiffani's husband and two other daughters supported her crusade to keep Tiara alive. It would also seem that the two other daughters turned out very well - not resentful of the inordinate amount of time their mother spent on Tiara and her ever-growing needs.
In the end, I didn't get a sense that everyone was content with the outcome in the family. Not even Tiffani. She must have had the biggest 'hole in her soul' to fill when Tiara passed away. And she has moved on, and is devoting more of her time to causes related to Tiara's condition.
Why? All sorts of reasons, mostly to do with the author's 'in your face' attitude that SHE, Tiffani, rather than the doctors - and everyone else - 'always knew' what was best for her daughter and she was determined to keep Tiara going at all costs. She constantly thanked her deity (God - of Catholic interpretation) for what she saw as small miracles. I don't want to go into the theology of that - that's where Tiffani's at in her understanding of God (the Universe, Spirit, etc).
Yes, Tiffani kept Tiara going until she was 16 Earth years old, and Tiffani should be applauded for her devotion, but I wonder what Tiffani's underlying motivations might have been. Did she keep Tiara going in a difficut life for Tiara's sake, or more for her own?
I have no doubt that Tiffani loved Tiara deeply, in spite of all the trials and tribulations Tiara put her and the rest of the family through. And we do need advocates who speak and act on behalf of those who can't do so for themselves. On the other hand, I found myself almost crying out frequently, "Just let her go." But no, Tiffani wanted more intervention and wouldn't stop badgering until she got it. And 'bought' a little more time with Tiara.
It would appear that Tiffani's husband and two other daughters supported her crusade to keep Tiara alive. It would also seem that the two other daughters turned out very well - not resentful of the inordinate amount of time their mother spent on Tiara and her ever-growing needs.
In the end, I didn't get a sense that everyone was content with the outcome in the family. Not even Tiffani. She must have had the biggest 'hole in her soul' to fill when Tiara passed away. And she has moved on, and is devoting more of her time to causes related to Tiara's condition.
October 15, 2021
Impossible situation
This is one of those books where I try to empathise with the author. Ms Geoff had to care for her second daughter for sixteen years, coping with constant life threatening illness. Not being religious, I fear I thought it would have been better if the poor little soul had died in infancy.
There is absolutely no doubt that the author kept her daughter alive and sacrificed pretty.much everything for her. Ms Goff does not come across as a sympathetic character but that does not detract from her devotion.
I would have wished she had paid more attention to her youngest daughter but it seems as if they have had a rapprochement now..
This is one of those books where I try to empathise with the author. Ms Geoff had to care for her second daughter for sixteen years, coping with constant life threatening illness. Not being religious, I fear I thought it would have been better if the poor little soul had died in infancy.
There is absolutely no doubt that the author kept her daughter alive and sacrificed pretty.much everything for her. Ms Goff does not come across as a sympathetic character but that does not detract from her devotion.
I would have wished she had paid more attention to her youngest daughter but it seems as if they have had a rapprochement now..
January 20, 2024
*positive review*
Wow, first of all, I was so disheartened to see all of the negative reviews when I started looking through the reviews. this book is amazing and the care that the mom tended to Tiara was nothing short of amazing. She is a phenomenal writer and let everyone in on her private journey with her daughter. The book had me laughing and also crying and just wanting to not put it down.She truly is an amazing writer. For those that said she was bossy or anything related to that to the doctor's, have obviously never cared for a long-term ill family member. I have worked in the medical field myself for 13 years and have seen the huge huge sacrifice it takes on a family member to care for another family member that has a long-term illness. I would recommend this book to anyone. I love this book.
Wow, first of all, I was so disheartened to see all of the negative reviews when I started looking through the reviews. this book is amazing and the care that the mom tended to Tiara was nothing short of amazing. She is a phenomenal writer and let everyone in on her private journey with her daughter. The book had me laughing and also crying and just wanting to not put it down.She truly is an amazing writer. For those that said she was bossy or anything related to that to the doctor's, have obviously never cared for a long-term ill family member. I have worked in the medical field myself for 13 years and have seen the huge huge sacrifice it takes on a family member to care for another family member that has a long-term illness. I would recommend this book to anyone. I love this book.
May 3, 2021
Touching story of struggle and resilience
Just reading about everything Tiffani and Tiara went through made my brain tired. I honestly don't know how she did it, but her profound dedication to Tiara is impressive and inspiring. I also admire that the author and her husband are still happily married. Most marriages would not have survived the immense strain of a child with so many special needs. I'm glad Tiara is at peace now. Definitely a good read, highly recommend.
Just reading about everything Tiffani and Tiara went through made my brain tired. I honestly don't know how she did it, but her profound dedication to Tiara is impressive and inspiring. I also admire that the author and her husband are still happily married. Most marriages would not have survived the immense strain of a child with so many special needs. I'm glad Tiara is at peace now. Definitely a good read, highly recommend.
July 17, 2021
I gave this three stars because it held my interest and I finished it but I don’t recommend it. The story of raising a daughter with severe disabilities was honest and heartbreaking. The family lived in an area I lived in for many years. The author and her two daughters graduated from the high school my daughters attended. That helped hold my interest. But the writing had a stream-of-consciousness unpolished feel to it that I found annoying.
October 27, 2020
An OK READ
A true account of a very loving and determined mothers quest to care for her terminally ill child. I didn’t find it a well written book as it focused a lot on the mother and her social situation, but a book like this is what it is. The mother was a brave advocate for her daughter
A true account of a very loving and determined mothers quest to care for her terminally ill child. I didn’t find it a well written book as it focused a lot on the mother and her social situation, but a book like this is what it is. The mother was a brave advocate for her daughter
November 18, 2022
Complex
Loving Tiara is a very complex story. From her most complex disease to the often unusual solutions. I'm glad I had a medical background to better understand some of the medical terms. Be prepared to cry and have plenty of tissues handy. You'll need some. I do feel sorry for the other two children. I feel they never had the parents they needed in their lives.
Loving Tiara is a very complex story. From her most complex disease to the often unusual solutions. I'm glad I had a medical background to better understand some of the medical terms. Be prepared to cry and have plenty of tissues handy. You'll need some. I do feel sorry for the other two children. I feel they never had the parents they needed in their lives.
August 30, 2024
As the parent of two adult children (1 now deceased) with severe multiple disabilities, I laughed, I empathized, I understood, and I cried right along with the author of this book. If you haven’t lived through it, you likely won’t understand. But, if you’re interested in knowing what it’s like to parent such a child, read on.
July 26, 2025
Heart-wrenching story of a mother's love and the unimaginable. Ms. Goff spares no details in dealing with her daughter's illness, which took her to the brink of human endurance, both emotionally and in physical stress. Yet, she still can acknowledge her blessings for what she has. Remarkable story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews