The Song of My Heart
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I am Nora Aharonian (Agaronian), the author of “The Song of My Heart”. While writing this memoir, I have often reflected on the history of my parents. Gratefully, I will share my special memories of them. “The Song of My Heart” has become more than just a family story. It is the history of Armenian culture. It shares some of the Armenian traditions and lifestyles that are enjoyed in the United States even today. Repeated are the lifestyles that exemplify family morals and values. It is comforting to note that Armenian culture has many similarities to all other cultures residing in America. This memoir also comments on the history of all cultures that have undergone hardship or even genocide. Broken, yet the people did not suspend their vision of an enriched life elsewhere. With high hopes and ambitions, my parents envisioned their lives back in Armenia years after they had been driven out. Their cherished desire was to immigrate back to the motherland and build a beautiful house and cultivate a gorgeous and memorable garden. In the first part of my book, I genuinely describe my parents’ divine garden. Their garden became my inspiration; my place of encouragement and imagination. This magnificent childhood garden in Armenia became my motivation to tent my own garden here in America. Nestled in the backyard of my home is a thriving, earthen bed of mixed plant life. Healthy palm and fruit trees stand bold and strong. A fish pond and water fall, underneath trellised cazebo, set the background of the garden. Flowering plants, in huge but subduing planters, frame the perimeter of the house. I have invited inspiring and well-known Armenian painter, Sarkis Muradian, to my home to recreate my garden on canvas. This inspirational book is for those who love nature and gardening; and for those who enjoy listening to the beautiful songs of the birds. My garden is a symbol of love for my parents and the legacy they left for my family and me I. For me, the garden conveys a connection with nature and my childhood. I have unforgettable memories. It also symbolizes my love for my parents and appreciation for the legacy they left behind. They are with me in my glorious garden all the time. Our home in Armenia was adorned with beautiful flowers that glowed and glittered under the golden beams of the sun. So is my garden, in a secret corner of my Los Angeles backyard of the house. This book also refers to mother-daughter relationship. With both sweet and sorrow tears, I dedicated this book to my dearest daughter Anoush. Knowing her own family story, Anoush would know where she came from and where she is heading. My book also embraces those who immigrated to the United States from other countries. It is about parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. It speaks of family relationships. It pulls in precepts for educators as well. “The Song of My Heart” is a gift of wisdom from both of my parents; from well-known poets; from philosophers and psychologists; and spiritual speakers. Understanding others with love and compassion is foremost. Being courageous and maintaining endurance in the face of personal difficulty are other points rooted in this writing. Having self-love,-self-confidence, and self-esteem are at the core of it all.
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About the Book
This inspirational book is for those who love nature and gardening; and for those who enjoy listening to the beautiful songs of the birds. My garden is a symbol of love for my parents and the legacy they left for my family and me. For me, the garden conveys a connection with nature and my childhood. I have unforgettable memories. It also symbolizes my love for my parents and appreciation for the legacy they left behind. They are with me in my glorious garden all the time. Our home in Armenia was adorned with beautiful flowers that glowed and glittered under the golden beams of the sun. So is my garden, in a secret corner of my Los Angeles backyard. This book also refers to the mother-daughter relationship. With both sweet and sorrowful tears, I dedicated this book to my dearest daughter, Anoush. Knowing her own family story, Anoush would know where she came from and where she is heading. My book also embraces those who immigrated to the United States from other countries. It is about parents, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. It is about five generations living together in the twenty-first century in harmony. It is an interesting, exciting, and fulfilling opportunity for each generation to live together and learn from each other. It speaks of family relationships mainly concentrates on mother-daughter and father-daughter relationships. The family legacy continues in those families where relationships are clear and clean, there is mutual respect for each other, and positive approaches are used to deal with family issues. In these families, nobody is alone. They solve their problems together. It pulls in precepts from educators as well. It clearly shows how the community and schools effect our children’s development.
About the Author
For the past thirty five years, while residing in the United States, Nora Aharonian (Agaronian) has worked in several secondary schools in the Los Angeles Unified school district (LAUSD). Prior to coming to America, she taught English as a foreign language in Armenia for five years.
She has served in countless positions within the LAUSD. Providing English language development methods, strategies, and motivation to colleagues, she chaired the English as a second language program at her school. Nora has worked as a mentor, a tutoring program coordinator, and has been a member of the school site council and a secondary school counselor. In all of these roles and responsibilities, she has demonstrated the highest professional ethics and thorough knowledge of curriculum and methodology, as well as sensitivity toward her students, parents, and colleagues. Nora has Master’s Degree in Bilingual Multicultural Education and Counseling and Guidance.
She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband and daughter.