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by Lisa Scannell (Author), Brooke Goode (Editor), Roberta Zeta (Cover Design by)
On an ordinary summer's day in Bend, Oregon, in 2005, Lisa Scannell got the phone call that is every parent's worst nightmare-her teenage daughter, Tiare, had been in a fatal car accident.
From the moment she entered the world, Tiare radiated joy and curiosity-a child whose laughter filled every room and whose inquisitive gaze seemed to search for wonder in even the simplest moments. Her early years were marked by an unyielding sense of adventure, whether splashing in the waves along the sun-drenched beaches of Hawaii or exploring the autumn woods of New England. Tiare approached life with boundless energy and an open heart, forging deep connections wherever she went and endearing herself to teachers, classmates, and neighbors with her infectious optimism and her gift for making everyone feel seen and cherished.
Within her family, Tiare's presence was a source of comfort and inspiration. She brought siblings together in imaginative games and orchestrated impromptu dance parties in the living room. Even in challenging moments-cross-country moves, new schools, the uncertainty that sometimes shadows adolescence-Tiare met change with resilience and a contagious sense of hope.
As she grew, Tiare's interests bloomed as vibrantly as the flower for which she was named. She balanced athletic pursuits-her cheerleading routines equal parts strength and grace-with a passion for creativity. Her bedroom became a reflection of her inner world: walls adorned with swirling constellations, collages of magazine cutouts and printed quotes, and always, that beloved print of Van Gogh's Starry Night watching over her dreams. Music was a constant companion; from boy-band pop songs she belted out with friends to her mother's favorites like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. She relished simple pleasures-baking cookies, spending time with her siblings, experimenting with bold new highlights for her hair, or styling outfits that expressed her playful, confident spirit.
Yet beneath the sparkle and laughter, Tiare was a young woman of depth and empathy-when a friend was heartbroken, Tiare insisted they skip class and go eat pancakes. Her friends were very important to her, and she encouraged them to embrace their authentic selves. Her generosity left its mark on all who crossed her path, creating a community bound by shared laughter, tears, and unforgettable memories.
Through heartfelt memories-her own and those of family and friends-Scannell paints a loving portrait of a vibrant, happy, and adventurous young woman whose life was a beacon to all who knew her. At the same time, she offers an honest exploration of the profound grief that followed Tiare's death, the enduring strength of a mother-daughter bond, and her family's gradual, uncertain journey toward healing.
Her Life Through My Eyes is both a heart-breaking and ultimately cathartic memoir, a testament to resilience, memory, and the unbreakable ties of family-a celebration of a daughter's life, and a mother's enduring love.
