How Tonia Root Turned Tragedy Into Triumph

Tonia Root is an author who's overcome some obstacles with her son, which she highlights in her book Gage My Beautiful Boy. In this interview, I get to uncover some personal questions that give us a look behind the scenes in her writing her story.

This is an amazing story. Why was it so important for you to tell it?

It was very important for me to tell our story because as time went by and years rolled by and I seen the progress my beautiful boy was making, against all odds that the doctors had told us, the need was to inspire people, and let them know miracles do happen, and if you want something bad enough never give up.

What was the writing process like? Was it hard to re-live all of this again when you were writing it?

It was very hard to write and relive all Gage, myself and our family endured, but as I wrote and cried it out, it showed me that we are a very united family, and will stop at nothing for each other. The journey going through writing the story was harder than ever, but again when it was finished, it was great therapy for me to be able to vent and get it out, and as I was writing, I realized it was a wonderful thing I was doing to not only help me vent, but to inspire others with our story that might be going through a similar situation. Regardless of one's situation, you should never give up and give this life all you have so you will smile in the end.

What is your favorite part in the story?

My favorite part (s) are the first time he said momma after the accident, (1 1/2 years later) as I then knew me. As the doctors told me Gage would never walk, talk, or feed himself, or know who his family or any one was again. The first steps he took was eye watering, that was 4 years after the accident, and just the milestones and baby steps it took to get Gage where he is today. I have many favorite parts. The story is a emotional roller coaster ride, but amazing at the same time.

What kind of person do you think would enjoy reading this book?

I think most people in the world would love reading our story, as everyone goes through hard times, and reading a story like this I think helps people realize we all have strength we never knew we had, and if its something you want so bad, we can find it in ourselves. As giving up wasn't a option in our case, as I'm sure its that way for all in this world, no matter what the challenge may be.

Have you shown Gage the book? What does he think about it?

Gage has seen the book, and he is so happy I wrote the story. He wants to let people know his point, being they can get better too if they get hurt and to never give up no matter if it takes someone 100 tries to accomplish something. Even if you do it different no matter what it may be, it doesn't matter as long as you did it.

Do you plan on writing anymore more books?

I always said Gage is here for a reason; I'm not sure what it is, but so far he has been an inspiration to everyone that meets him, but I know there is more, and when I see what he becomes, and I think it will be big, then I may with Gage write another story.

Thanks so much for sharing this story, where can we get a copy?
Gage My Beautiful Boy, can be found on Amazon Bookstore, Dorrance publishing bookstore, and Barnes and Noble online as of now and can also be found as a e-book, on Kindle.