Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Fletcher-Rivera.
Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thanks for having me. I’m Sara, and I’m a writer. Even as a kid, I knew I wanted to create stories. I’ve lived all over the world, most notably in Japan and California. I draw on my experiences as a traveler in my work – you’re as likely to find me describing a bustling Thai market as you are to read about the rural Georgia mountains where I grew up. I’m a perpetual student, and currently pursuing a masters in organizational leadership at Brenau University. I’m mother to five incredible children, who I raised primarily on California’s Central Coast before moving back to Georgia two years ago to pursue my dream of becoming a professional writer.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My biggest challenge has been the loss of my daughter, Mina. In 2014, I gave birth to the sweetest baby girl. Mina was born with stage 4 adrenal cancer, though at the time of her birth her doctors believed she simply had a liver tumor. During her three days earthside, Mina’s team of doctors did what they could for her: ultrasounds to determine her condition, medications to keep her sedated and pain-free, and fluids to keep her hydrated. We were given the option to have exploratory surgeries performed on her abdomen to determine the cause of her condition but ultimately decided to let her pass away naturally, without pain and in our arms. Our children and families held her and said their goodbyes, and my brother-in-law took the only pictures we have of Mina. Her doctors removed her breathing tube and as much medical apparatus as they could, and we held her. She died a few hours later.
Mina’s death has changed who I am in fundamental, irreversible ways. It’s also made me a steadfast advocate for loss families. I don’t think that everything happens for a reason, but I do believe in taking what we’ve been given and learning from our experiences. Losing my daughter has taught me to appreciate the small moments – a conversation with my oldest about his new job, playing video games with my teens, my toddler’s breath on my neck when she falls asleep in my arms. I don’t take those things for granted anymore, and it’s made me a better parent, partner, and friend.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m currently working as a Writer, Script Supervisor, and Associate Producer for Georgia Whirl Productions LLC and am working on my first children’s book. Georgia Whirl Productions LLC is a small women and minority-owned company doing big things. Although I have several projects in various stages of production with Georgia Whirl, the one I ‘m most excited about is my first feature documentary called “Mina Means Love,” a look into the world of infant and child loss. In my spare time, I’ve recently started a small blog that I hope will provide comfort to loss families and keep Mina’s memory alive.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love working with others! I’m especially interested in collaborating with artists and writers who are focused on making the world of production an inclusive space. At Georgia Whirl, we believe that everyone has a story to tell, and we want to help you tell yours!
Of course, my work as a writer and child loss advocate wouldn’t be possible without the support of those closest to me. My husband, Armin, is my partner in every sense of the word. He’s true and loyal, and I cannot imagine my life without him. My kids inspire me to get out of bed and push myself every day. Showing them that it’s possible to live your dream with perseverance and determination has been one of the great joys of my life. I’m beyond thankful for the collaborative environment at Georgia Whirl. My creative spirit is challenged and nurtured, and the work I do is genuinely appreciated. I get to work with some of the funniest and most caring people I’ve ever met.
Contact Info:
- Email: sara@georgiawhirlproductions.com
- Website: www.georgiawhirlproductions.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/smallsara
- Other: www.missingmina.com
Image Credits
Stephanie Crump Photography (full length shot in front of wings)
