"It's Fine!" A Mother's View from the ICU

by Donna Shea

Terisa was a sometimes shy, but very sincere and selfless teenager. Her life was anything but simple but she thrived in the environment her family provided for her. Terisa was full of love, and always reached out to make those around her feel important and cared for. She was the glue held her family and friends together .Even when you make the changes you should, and do the right things in life there are has no guarantees and it can go very wrong. Donna, Terisa’s mother, has broken free from addiction to a life serving the God she loves and owns her life to, she is an overcomer. When Terisa was diagnosed with cancer, the family was told it was treatable, and although it was a rare form of cancer they never thought the worse would happen. Terisa was raised in the world of faith, where miracles happen, and prayers are answered. Then circumstances changed, Terisa’s cancer changed, she was getting sicker and sicker. She was admitted to the hospital, which seemed routine after so many times. They sought answers, treatment, and healing through their faith. A famous drummer, Travis Barker came to visit, she had wanted to meet him and tried so many times. Unfortunately, she had suffered a stoke in the middle of the night, after an amazing day with the friends and family surrounding her. This story is of the last days of Terisa’s life as told by Donna, family members, and friends. You will be inspired, you may cry, you will find hope if you find yourself saying goodbye to your precious child. A grieving parent seeking comfort will find it, solace at the touch and feel of another person’s helping hand, in the love of God through the words of Scripture, in the Holy Spirit’s touch upon a receptive heart. As Donna shares how God met her at rock bottom, then lifted her up to a place of peace and finally joy, the reader will find it also…again and again and again.Major Glen Doss, Salvation ArmyI sat down, read the first page, and didn't put it down until I was done. I read some, cried some, and crawled through the rest as I was brought to remembrance of my own grief journey from my own daughter being called home 30 years ago. You cannot read this story without being touched. You will learn that there is a sovereign God who can and will do what he chooses at all times. Through the despair of it all he will show up and make himself more real to you then you can ever imagine.Dr. Larry Maddex, Lazarus House Ministries

157 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2020

About the author

Donna Shea, Founder of The Peter Pan Center for Social & Emotional Growth in Massachusetts, is a social-emotional learning specialist and accomplished social coach. Donna has a degree in Behavioral Science from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. She also has certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Coaching, Positive Psychology, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), and Bullying Prevention.

Since founding the Peter Pan Center in 2002, Donna has worked to address the needs of families whose children are struggling with behavior and social challenges. Donna brings 32 years of life experience to her work as a parent of two sons with ADHD, Anxiety and Sensory Challenges. Her programs and services have won the Boston Family Favorite Award four times.

Donna is a consultant to schools, parent groups, and human service agencies. She is also a seasoned public speaker and travels to bring workshops and professional development seminars to groups and venues outside the local area.

Donna is co-author of the How To Make & Keep Friends Book Series and co-founder of the Social Success in School Initiative.

To Contact Donna:

Mailing Address:
The Peter Pan Center
P.O. Box 312
Harvard, MA 01451

Phone or Text: 978/413-1965
Email: dshea.peterpancenter@gmail.com
Website: www.peterpancenter.com