Author shares personal hardships to inspire others

Date: 2/11/2013

By Carley Dangona

carley@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Resident Jessica Lynn Pereplyotchik released her first book, "My Power to Overcome," on Jan. 22. While the memoir chronicles here tumultuous childhood that was plagued by hardships and abuse, it illustrates her ability to overcome these obstacles to find success in her adult life.

Pereplyotchik, mother of an 18-year-old daughter and 13-year-old twins, completed the book in the fall of 2011, in just more than three months, while earning her doctorate degree in forensic psychology.

"I kept it a secret — I didn't announce it [the fact that she wrote the book] until a week before my January appearance on 'Mass Appeal,' she said. "I didn't want anyone to deter me. When I start something, I finish it."

Pereplyotchik continued, "I felt compelled to write the book. I was finishing my doctorate and felt as if something was holding me back, so I decided to just sit and write it. I don't want people to read this and feel bad for me. I want to help others understand that if I could make it out, they can make it out."

She explained that one friend described the book as "dark" and "raw."

Pereplyotchik added, "It's out there now. I held nothing back."

For privacy, Pereplyotchik used aliases for all the people in her book. Of five siblings, she only had relationships with "Jennifer" and "Matthew." The first book went to her sister. "I held it [the book] for three weeks and cried when I finally gave it to her."

For reasons not known to Pereplyotchik, she and "Jennifer" have not spoken since then. "I truly feel she is upset with me." she said. "It might be because I exposed our lives."

Pereplyotchik added, "I harbor no resentment towards my siblings. Acceptance is a hard word to learn. I've accepted the fact that they [the other three siblings] will never be in my life."

Her mother, a crack addict is still living, but no longer part of Pereplyotchik's life. Pereplyotchik described her mother as "toxic."

Pereplyotchik stated, "Her choices are unacceptable. I wish my mother the best, but I am wise enough to know that I can never have her in my life [again]."

She added, "I respect my mother enough not to put her name in the book. The only regret I have is that I should've put his [her step-father's] name in the book."

Pereplyotchik described herself as "withdrawn" and "alone" as a child. She stated that she never really had a place to belong. Now she describes herself as "outgoing," "motivated" and "happy."

She credited her ability to "overcome" to her faith. "I have always believed in God and would think 'There has to be something out there.' If I didn't have that, I [would've] had nothing," she said.

Her children are not allowed to read the book. "Being a mother, I love every aspect of it — I couldn't imagine missing a moment of my children's lives."

Pereplyotchik told Reminder Publications the three most important qualities she offers her children. "I give them a safe place, unconditional love and let them know that I will always be there for them," she described.

One of her sayings is, "I will love you good, bad, or different."

She explained, "[Now] life is great — I'm at peace. After the book was done, I felt like I walked away from everything. Wherever I go, I have to help people. I need to know that I can make a difference. We all need a cheerleader in our corner.

"The best advice I can offer to others [victims of abuse] is to share what you know. You really have to confide in someone, which is one of the hardest things to do. We're all afraid to tell. I want everyone to find their power to overcome — find their greatness. If something's not working in your life, change something, do something. As children we're victims, but as adults, if we continue on and don't change, we're volunteers," Pereplyotchik said.

Pereplyotchik stated that she is halfway through a second book, tentatively titled "Who Are You?" that she described as "inspirational" and "insightful." "My Power to Overcome" is available online at http://mypowertoovercome-com.myshopify.com.