Precious Scars

Julia Engelhorn's life was filled with the joys and struggles of parenthood before she became a member of a club that no one wants to join. On 6 April 2016, she went to pick up her three children from the rental home of her ex-husband Mario Deus, where he had been taking care of them over the Easter holidays. Mario told her to pick up a knife and kill her, and when she arrived, she found their lifeless bodies. Precious Scars is Julia's inspiring story of how she put herself back together again after being broken apart by unthinkable loss, and how she found a way through impenetrable grief and learned to love, laugh, and sing again.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Mirror Books

In the depths of my existence, I clung to survival, my days a mere succession of moments. Each passing hour brought a sense of relief, for I had managed to endure another day. Yet, deep within, I yearned for something more—I desired strength.

Life unfolded before me, a tapestry woven with the threads of Before and After. Before, my world brimmed with the joys and challenges of parenthood, as I navigated the intricacies of raising a seven-year-old and three-year-old twins, Octavia and Maximo. The days were a whirlwind of responsibilities, and yet, I found solace in the love and laughter that filled our home.

Then, the world shifted, and the After emerged. The darkness engulfed me, casting a shadow over my once vibrant existence. The loss of my children left an indescribable void, and I found myself a member of a club that no one willingly embraced—the club of unimaginable grief.

On a fateful April day in 2016, I ventured to the rental home of my ex-husband, Mario Deus, to collect my three children. Despite the tumultuous years we had endured, I held onto the hope of rebuilding a stronger relationship for their sake. Little did I know that fate had other plans.

As I approached the house, Mario greeted me with a chilling command: "Pick up a knife, because I intend to kill you." His words pierced my heart like a dagger, and my world crumbled before my eyes. In that moment, I discovered the truth—the twins were gone.

In a state of disbelief, I rushed to the bedroom, where I had imagined my children slumbering peacefully. Instead, I found their lifeless bodies, a stark reminder of the unfathomable pain that had shattered my soul.

This is the story of my Before and After—a tale of resilience and healing after the loss of everything I held dear. Precious Scars is the inspiring journey of Julia Engelhorn, as she piece by piece reconstructs her existence after being torn apart by unimaginable tragedy. It is a testament to the human spirit's enduring power, a journey of finding a way through the impenetrable depths of grief and rediscovering the capacity for love, laughter, and song.

The scars I carry within me, etched into my very being, serve as a constant reminder of the trials I have weathered. From the shattered fragments of my former self, I have emerged stronger, more resilient, and more determined to embrace life's beauty once more.

Life continues, a tapestry woven with the threads of resilience and hope. For Julia Engelhorn, the After has become a catalyst for growth and transformation. She has learned to embrace the pain, to find meaning in the memories of her children, and to cherish the precious moments of joy that still exist.

Through her story, Julia invites us to embrace our own journeys of healing. She reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of light and renewal. It is through the scars of our past that we gain strength, and it is through the love and support of others that we find the courage to face the future.

As we reflect on Julia's journey, let us be reminded of the power of resilience and the indomitable spirit of the human heart. May we find solace in the memories of our loved ones, and may we continue to heal, grow, and embrace the beauty of life that still exists.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915306388