Hiya Moriah: An Interview with the Author

by Mar 7, 2019Books and Resources, Special Needs Parenting9 comments

Hiya Moriah is a delightful new children's book that answers kids' questions about their medically-fragile peers and encourages inclusion.

Hiya Moriah is a delightful new children’s book by my friend and fellow special needs parent, Victoria Nelson. She agreed to be interviewed by Different Dream and tell our audience about her book. Settle back and enjoy this peek into how Hiya Moriah came into being.

What is Hiya Moriah about?

It’s about a young girl born with a rare syndrome called CHARGE, who takes you along on her journey. She shows you that even though she looks different with all her medical equipment, she’s just like any other kid her age wanting to play and have fun. Moriah encourages you to practice inclusion with other kids by just saying “hiya.” We can hold so much power with one simple word, and it’s amazing what saying “hi” can do to make someone’s day, and make them feel included.

What inspired you to write this book?

So many times during my daughter Moriah’s life, I would take her out, and people would just stare at her, not knowing what to do or say. So when the staring was really awkward, I’d tell Moriah to start waving, and say “Hi.” This would usually allow people to engage with Moriah instead of just stare at her. Then, after she passed away, Hiya Moriah came to mind. My hope is that through this book, everyone will learn to say “hiya” when meeting someone like Moriah. I provide a lot of education around the medical equipment and have the illustrations detailed so that children can learn it, and recognize it in the world around them. I believe knowledge and empathy are powerful tools, and can help break down the social barriers we have when making friends who are different than us.

Why are you still telling Moriah’s story?

While we saw so much goodness that came from people during our time with Moriah, we saw that there was still so much room to grow as a society in the way we see and value people with special needs. I saw that not everyone saw Moriah for who she was, nor valued her the way she should have been. Because she didn’t speak, she was often ignored or written off. Because she looked different people would ask, What’s wrong with her?”  right in front of her. I was even asked, “Why didn’t you abort her?” as if her life was totally disposable. I want to send the message and stand on the truth that everyone matters and deserves to be seen, loved, and accepted. Through this inclusive children’s book, I can do so.

Who’s the audience for your book?

Families, schools, children’s hospitals–anyone who is wanting to learn about one child’s journey with special needs, and wanting to learn how to practice inclusion. I also hope that children like Moriah and all her friends can see themselves represented and identify with the different things that she had and her challenges. Sometimes, just seeing someone else do it and go through it serves as an encouragement and inspiration making you feel like you can do it, too!

What do you want future readers of Hiya Moriah to know?

I want all the Hiya Moriah readers to know that this is just one story, Moriah’s journey – but that there are so many beautiful people, so many beautiful stories out there. I encourage everyone to go out into your schools or community, and take the time to meet people who have different abilities, and get to know them. All you have to do is wave and say, “Hiya.” I promise you your lives will be forever changed.

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By Victoria Nelson

Victoria lives in the greater Los Angeles area, married to her high school sweetheart, Justin, and is mama to Moriah (in heaven), Jadon, Olivia, and Shane. While she’s not busy chasing a toddler, kissing boo boos, and learning Fortnite dances from her kids, Victoria enjoys traveling to Southeast Asia to see her family, watching reruns of The Office, eating healthy foods to offset her love for cake, and takes time for herself by reading, running, and writing. She blogs at www.momentswithmoriah.com.

9 Comments

  1. Jolene

    Cindy, the give away for “Hiya Moriah” has passed. Perhaps you could purchase a copy to donate to your school district. All the best, Jolene

  2. Cindy

    I would love a copy to share with our school Dist.

  3. Rebecca Jones

    I would love a copy to not only share with my 4 year old daughter, but to the kiddos and families I work with. I truly want to share the inclusive message encompassed in your book, as we all need to stop and say “Hiya” with new friends.

  4. Jennifer Alvarado

    I would love to win this book to read to my daughter who is on a ventilator and immobile. She doesn’t get to be around other kids very much so I would love for her to see that there are other kids just like her.

  5. Mark McConville

    I’m choaked up all I can say is Hiya

  6. Shelly Vendetti-Vuckovich

    How wonderful this is! I do presentations everywhere in our state on inclusion practices, trauma, and preventing child abuse. Kindness and inclusion is a big topic and need this year especially.

    I would love to have a copy of this book to share with others and learn how to order enough to distribute to our organizations and schools.

  7. Kathy Bay

    I knew Moriah and the family. They are all very special !

  8. Rosa

    I would love to have a copy of Hiya Moriah to share with friends/kids who are uncomfortable around my daughter Aimee with her medical equipment.

  9. Stacy

    I love this growing up with an Uncle in a wheelchair it was normal to me. I have two boys with autism and it’s so important to advocate and share we all have differences. Thank you for sharing your heart!

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Meet Jolene

Jolene Philo is a published author, speaker, wife, and mother of a son with special needs.

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