An Excerpt from "Tears of Hope"
I was twelve years old and for the
first time in a long time, my family was all together, happy, and ready to
flee Lebanon for greener pastures in Egypt. It was June 1975, as I sat in
the living room enjoying a nice conversation with my older brother, Robert.
My dreams came true when he told me he’d help me read and write better and
he would make sure I went to college. He even asked me what I would like to
study in the future. “I want to be a defense attorney,” I told him. “I want
to defend people who are treated unfairly. Or maybe I’ll be a teacher so
that I can help children who need special attention in school.”
I stood up and headed for the kitchen. “I’ll get your tea, Robert,” I said
with a smile on my face, elated and full of hope. And then we can pick up
where we left off. I’ll be right back.” Those were the last words I ever
spoke to my brother.
I turned my back going toward the kitchen. Not a second later, a bomb came
through the window. I turned around. All I saw were flames and smoke.
Everything became a blur. The air was thick and hazy. My eyes began to burn.
I started coughing and gasping for air. I couldn’t breathe...
Click here to get your own copy of Tears of Hope personally autographed by Aimmee.
Praise for Aimmee's book "Tears of Hope"
Aimmee's book is truly inspiring and needs to be shared. For too long, the horrors of war and abuse have been hidden or mitigated for the benefits of the perpetrators, leaving the victims in shame and perplexity. It took great courage to speak up, especially coming from a Middle Eastern culture. Aimmee has done so beautifully in her book 'Tears of Hope', showing the devastation brought about by events beyond her control, yet with an unshakable hope she can now share with others. Through her book, we realize that it is possible to overcome life's greatest challenges, and move out of hopelessness into a truly empowered life. -Danielle J. Duperret, PhD
“Tears of
Hope really motivates you to believe that nothing is impossible in this
world and we all have the strength to fight what life puts in front of
us as tests but we accomplish our tasks and win our fight. I am really
moved by how she coped with various situations. Hats off to Madam Aimmee
for being a fighter at all times." -Tayyab
Ajmal
“In my humble opinion – “TEARS OF HOPE” is right up there on the library shelf of the World beside “THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK”. This book is not only inspiring, but sobering. It's a story that pricks the conscience, delves the soul, strengthens the spirit, and touches the heart.” -Ann Raymond, Author
"As a Minister and a Pastor, I have ministered to men, women and even teenagers. Many of the stories I've heard would break your heart. However, none has ever touched me as deeply as Aimmee's story. 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." – Reverend Maria J. Boyd, Capstone Ministries
"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. Every time 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.
God Bless, Tina Schor"
"A story of Tears and of Hope, A riveting tale that leads the reader through
war, death, injustice, tragedy, obstacles, abuse and darkness to a final
destination of triumph. How much can one young girl endure and still find
hope? This book is not only inspiring, but sobering. It's a story that
pricks the conscience, delves the soul, strengthens the spirit, and touches
the heart."-Paul A. Williams
"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
taught 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 ." -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
cliché 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 dyslexia to the crises in the middle east, 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.
Sincerely
Sarin K."
"Tears of Hope deals with the reality of extraordinary challenges. This is a
story about someone who faced severe adversity and tragedy, yet did not
allow those experiences to dictate a course of failure. Instead, Aimmee held
on to her hope and dreams to overcome her struggles and create a life of
success and triumph!" - Pastor Danny Hand, Christian City Church, Las
Vegas, NV
"Hi. My name is Aune. I read your book and could not put it down. What a
tremendous story. You are a woman of such great strength - I admire you and
what you have endured during the years. Yours is a book everyone should
read. It touched my soul and somehow I could feel your pain and anguish. At
times, it brought tears to my eyes - you are truly an INSPIRATION TO ALL
WOMAN” -AnneMarie Ortega
