Linda Meehan is sharing her story in a book to be launched next month.
"I didn't want BJ's life to be lost. I wanted to preserve it and to share his memory with others."
Eight years after Linda and Owen Meehan's son, Brendan James Meehan, BJ to all who knew him, passed away, Linda sat at the computer, and started writing.
"In a way, writing a book like this one is quite selfish, but it has also been a way to talk about the many people who have shared our journey with us, to recognise the difference people have made in our lives, and in BJ's life.
We had 27 years with BJ, he passed away just before his 28th birthday, but this book keeps his memory preserved in some way. It gives us a chance to revisit those times with him."
While Linda knew the book, called Need to Know, was going to be about BJ, as she wrote it she realised the story was also one of community, specifically the Stratford community the family lived in.
"We have been fortunate in living here, we have had so much support, not just from family members but from friends and people in the community we didn't even know before.
As people read this book they will come across names of people they know, of families well known in Stratford and I suspect they will be nodding as they read, remembering times they have shared. Our community is a great place to live and to bring children up in because it is so supportive."
The story of BJ and his battle with Adrenoleukodystrophy, a disease which has affected other members of Linda's family too, should make hard reading, but Linda's chatty, stream of consciousness style of writing instead takes the reader on a gentle journey through numerous happy memories, funny moments and family life.
"I have always been a 'glass half full' type of person. BJ's story may well end sadly, but his life was not sad. He was a lovely, lovely guy and he did Owen and I proud."
One of the more sobering pages to read is the dedication page however, in which Linda recognises the many women she knows who have, like her, buried a child.
"This book is about my story, but sadly, my story is one many other women have experienced their own version of. Losing a child is something you never recover from.
While Linda describes the idea of writing a book as being selfish, it is actually anything but.
She and Owen have paid to self-publish the book and all profits from the sale will go to the Taranaki Helicopter Trust.
"I read once that writers should give themselves motivation to finish each chapter or milestone in the writing process. I found my motivation was in knowing the money the book can raise will go to a great cause. That and the fact I had told everyone I was doing it, so I had to get the book done really!"
Linda says the self-publishing process was remarkably painless.
"Giles Scott and Adrian Wright of Publish Me based in New Plymouth were just lovely to work with. I would recommend them to anyone. It was an easy process and I am so happy with the finished book."
The book, a copy of which is sitting on her mantelpiece, will be officially launched next month at an event at the Stadium Bar and Bistro in Stratford.
"It would be great to see the room filled with people that night. It would be such a buzz for everyone. The team at the Stadium Bar and Grill have been really supportive of this, and I appreciate their help in organising the launch."
* Book launch: Need to Know by Linda Meehan. Saturday, November 18 at 7.30pm. Stadium Bar and Bistro, Portia Street, Stratford.
All proceeds to the Taranaki Helicopter Trust. Call 06 765 6988 if you would like to make a reservation for a meal first.