A Mandurah author has released a book that follows her addiction to drugs and alcohol, self-sabotage, chronic illness, attempted suicide and traumas that kept her hostage in her world.
The autobiography of Megan Reda's darkened life can be traced back to the moment of conception, haunted by trauma inside her biological mother's womb.
Her book, My Child and the Tapestry of Life is a story of a young girl's adventure of addiction, despair, abuse, generational occurrences, self-discovery and healing.
At the core, it raises issues about the mental health of unborn babies and how a mother's anxiety and stress can be transferred directly to a child, affecting growth and development after they are born.
The names in the book, including Megan's, are all changed out of respect for the people involved. Megan writes of herself as Emma.
Emma's journey began after being adopted out after birth, My Child and the Tapestry of Life tells of her ongoing and painful struggles to heal the little girl inside from the subconscious trauma inflicted upon her in her birth mother's womb which over time led to many mental health issues.
Author Megan Reda said, like a tapestry woven in time, this true-life story weaved an incredible pattern and although it sounds cliche, "she was born to write this book".
"It follows Emma's addiction to drugs and alcohol, self-sabotage, chronic illness, attempted suicide and traumas that kept her hostage in her world.
"She also endured incestual pressure at the hands of her biological father."
Ms Reda said Emma, at the age of 17 would fall pregnant after naively consenting in search of love. She was disowned and was forced to abort her own child.
"Emma's soul-searching quest for the meaning of life was fast becoming an insatiable cry.
My Child and the Tapestry of Life also exposes physical, emotional, and mental abuse by her step-brother and years of narcissistic behaviour at the hands of her husband of six years, a pastor within the local church. He fell out of ministry and abandoned Emma and their three children, two who were also badly abused by their father.
"Terrifying thoughts raged inside her head and black bitterness filled her soul. The poison kept on pouring into Emmas life; she was trapped in a dark hole.
"But it was her incredible encounter with God and her steadfast faith that would eventually save her."
Ms Reda said the book weaved a story of belief, hope and a realisation that after a lifetime of struggle, this little girl had been healed.
"There was a greater plan, purpose and universal timing to her recovery process," she said.
"Throughout the book, Emma experienced many spiritual encounters with God and was saved from a dark ending. The woman's journey to heal the little girl inside was complete and she was set free."
Ms. Reda said she hoped My Child and the Tapestry of Life had a positive impact especially on those who are struggling to find answers and healing in their lives from womb trauma, abuse, addictions, mental illnesses and narcissistic abuse.
"Whatever battle or struggle you are facing, whatever dream you are pursuing with faith, hope and love, you can have the victory," Ms Reda said.
"I am Emma Morgan, and this is my life."