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READERS' COMMENTS
In reading your first novel “TEARS OF HOPE”, I sensed the presence of a little girl who has truly experienced most of life’s horrors that the rest of us only hear or read about… and then to sit down and write about it in an attempt to inspire others. As far as Inspirational storytelling is concerned – in my humble opinion – “TEARS OF HOPE” is right up there on the library shelf of the World beside “THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK”. Such young girls – such frightening life trials – such an abundance of early wisdom makes the reader pause in wonder. YOU JUST GO, AIMEE! Excerpt from: The Las Vegas Review Journal October 1, 2000: “The Senior Citizen’s Special is a wonderful little play about real life. There are no contrived situations designed to make you think about the heartless nature of humanity. Yet, playwright Ann
Raymond has taken this
very common everyday setting and created something quite
extraordinary. She has the artistic dedication to show life as it
really is. Not
taking away from any of those other stories, I must however say that
“Tears of Hope” is one of the most compelling stories of tragedy,
strength and courage I’ve ever heard or read. “Tears
of Hope” is a glimpse into what faith, love and courage can
overcome. It’s a story everyone, regardless of gender, age,
religion, nationality or even financial status, can relate to, and
benefit from at some level. “Tears
of Hope” is billed as the story of a Middle Eastern Cinderella. I’m
here to tell you that Aimmee’s story makes Cinderella’s story look
like a walk in the park. It is by far more compelling because it’s
not a fairytale but the true story of an amazing woman’s struggles
to overcome what seemed like insurmountable obstacles in her life.
She teaches us that anything is possible if you don’t lose faith in
God and you don’t give up. I
encourage everyone to read this wonderfully inspiring true story of
an amazingly strong and courageous woman. Let her story encourage
and inspire you. May the Lord always keep you in His right hand
of righteousness.
I
started to read your book on my flight home to Maui. Even
though I was tired I couldn't put the book down. The first
chapter really got my attention. Just the thought of losing one of
my brothers brings tears to my eyes, and the way you lost yours was
so tragic. Once
back home I continued to read, and read, and read. Everytime
I reached towards your book I would be filled with heavy
emotion, my eyes would well with tears remembering what I had
already read. Still, I continued. I needed to get to what I
hoped would be a happy ending. The
thing is from reading your story I learned that many times the road
to happiness is filled with so many twists and turns that you wonder
if you can go on. One night after reading more of your story,
I had a dream that we were being bombed. I could see the bullets
coming towards us. It lasted for about 30 seconds. I woke up
with my heart pounding and out of breath. I had just
experienced but a small fraction of what you went through for
years. Yet, what I went through was only a dream. Aimmee,
you mention throughout your book how you cried out to God. How
you prayed, and prayed, when you were alone. It's obvious to
me that He heard your prayers. I believe that God always
answers our prayers. I also believe that God gives us free choice
and with these choices come consequences. Countries around the
world make choices that affect their people in terrible ways.
So many innocent people die as a result of these
choices. God spared your life for a reason. You have
been through so much, yet you never gave up. It may have taken
you awhile to get where you are today but because of this you are
stronger and more knowledgeable about the things of this
world. Now
you can use all of this to encourage and inspire people not to give
up on themselves and especially not to give up on God. Like
you say, everyone has a story. Everyone can use their story to
help others. I pray that you take your book (your life)
and use it for God's Honor and Glory. If you do this, You and
your family will be blessed, blessed, blessed, for that is His
promise. Thank you for your time. I hope to meet you
some day.
Dear Mom,
When I first heard you were writing a book I thought to myself who would want to buy a book written by an ordinary person? Now, after reading your book and recalling the memories of your life's events, I see you are far more than just an ordinary person. Despite all the tribulations life has dealt you, you have managed not only to overcome them, but also defeat them with all the positive outcomes of your life today. Life in its self is very difficult and many people don't know or don't have the tools necessary to deal with the day to day struggles that life deals them. I know your book will give hope, strength and most of all faith to every reader. Not because it was written by a famous person, rather by an ordinary person who overcame the extraordinary. I see your book as a handbook of survival that many will use it as a guide when they feel like giving up. Not because you tell them how to do it, but because you show them that it can be done. And for this I love you and look up to you not only as a mother, but as a woman. On a more personal note, I want to say thank you for being there for me, and my children even if it meant putting your life on the back burner. You have thought me the meaning of unselfishness. I know that raising me on your own for so many years prior to you meeting Tom was very difficult. As I read some of the events you wrote about in your book, my heart truly aches for you as the memories flash thru my mind as if I was watching bits and pieces of a movie. I don't think words can ever explain your struggles. I love you for not giving up on me when others did and I want you to know that I will never give up on you. Sincerely, Your daughter, Silva Dear Aimmee, Tears of Hope was a God-sent gift that I will always cherish and I wanted to personally thank you for inspiring me to love, forgive and to live life to the fullest each and every day, because tomorrow is not promised. My mother and I have been estranged for almost 4 years and after reading your book, I now realize that nothing is more important than forgiveness and love. When I read the chapter where you forgave your mother and sister-in-law even after how they mistreated you over the years, I was overwhelmed with peace and understanding that even those close to you, who have hurt you need healing. When we can forgive we can heal. I read Tears of Hope in just one day and I had to write you and tell you that it has been a life-changing event for me. You are truly an amazing woman with extraordinary patience and love for your family. Your passion and purpose gives inspiration to all women, of all different ethnic backgrounds, that God is the way and the answer. God Bless, Cathy Steen Irvine, CA Hi my name is Maral Kaprielian. I am writing this letter as testimony to my dear friend who I think of like a sister, Aimmee Kodachian. When I started reading her book “Tears of Hope” I went 30 years back when her father which is my dads relative came to my dad asking him for help during the Lebanese civil war. When I met Aimmee, she was about 13 years old. She was a tall beautiful girl. She had a sad pale face. Aimmee has lived a very difficult life, but not without a purpose. I was there for her as much as I could be . When she got married I was her maid of honor. I thought her life would get better, but when I witnessed her new life “Chapter 5” My heart dropped I was shocked at how she was being treated and that was just the beginning of her long harsh life. I am so happy she came through those days and her life has changed, she truly is a special woman through her courage and perseverance it is truly an inspiration for so many of us . Sincerely Maral Kaprielian Hi my name is Daphne. Last night I sat and read your book until 3:00am. The way you were treated as a young teenager opened a floodgate of memories. I believe if war was necessary it would be easier to swallow, but none of what you described served any purpose other than vanity, jealousy, greed and anger. Thank you for your lovely story of faith and hope. Thank you also for doing the thing you feared most…finding an audience with your writing. Best Regards, Daphne Gastis I don't like
to read, but for some reason I couldn't put this book down, as
cliche as it sounds. To know that someone overcame all these things,
and came out a brave and strong woman, is more than just
inspirational. She covers many topics from dislexia to the crises in
the middleeast, to abuse, love, hate, disrespect, family, life,
death and everything in between. She's experienced everything with
no stability,no luxury, no happiness. The book helps you see how
much you take your own life for granted. I loved every single page
of it. It shows you the importance of family, the importance of
being able to rely on yourself and no one else. It's about strength,
sacrifice, and love. I'd recommend it everyone and anyone.
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Hope
Leads
To
Perseverance
Perseverance
leads
To
Power
And
Power
Leads
To
SUCCESS
Hope
Leads
To
Perseverance
Perseverance
leads
To
Power
And
Power
Leads
To
SUCCESS
Hope
Leads
To
Perseverance
Perseverance
leads
To
Power
And
Power
Leads
To
SUCCESS