Sullivan's Island Magazine Summer/Fall 2018

24 www.SullivansIslandMagazine.com | www.SullivansIslandHomes.com ‘The Light Magnificent’ Recovering From Anorexia T he idea to write a children’s book originally came to April Duckworth three years ago, but, before she could finish, “life happened,” as the expression goes. She was sitting in a coffee shop in her native state of Kentucky with her sister-in-law, Lora Jody, when the story outline popped into her head. Then Lora started to draw what would become the main character in “The Light Magnificent,” Frankie Frog. Inspiration came easy that day, but seeing the book to fruition would prove a challenge. At the time, April was struggling with anorexia, an eating disorder generally characterized by excessive weight loss and a distorted body image. Her battle with the disease impeded her progress as she shifted her focus to recovery. April credited her husband, Dylan, and her family’s unconditional support with helping turn her life around. She met Dylan while she was vacationing in Charleston, and the two fell in love. April moved here from Kentucky four years ago, married Dylan, and they lived together in West Ashley. Sullivan’s Island quickly became her favorite haunt in Charleston, and she and Dylan drove to the island once a week to enjoy the sunrises. With her happiness buoyed by Dylan and the beauty and serenity of her surroundings, April found healing and gradually overcame her eating disorder. She has given back, organizing the first National Eating Disorders Association Walk in Charleston and other advocacy efforts. In April, an opportunity arose to buy a house from a friend on Myrtle Avenue, and the couple moved to Sullivan’s Island. Having shelved the book project during recovery, she was content to leave it behind, but Dylan encouraged her By Colin McCandless and Lora to complete it. “It wouldn’t have happened without Dylan,” April reflected. She swiftly followed through, and Lora created the illustrations. Before long, “The Light Magnificent” was a finished product and was finally published in June. April said the book “represents her recovery.” She hopes to eventually write a series of children’s books with Lora as the illustrator, but she’s taking time to simply relish the moment. “I just kind of want to celebrate this one right now,” she said. “The Light Magnificent” follows the story of Frankie Frog and his journey through the forest as he learns the importance of collaboration and celebrating each individual’s uniqueness. The book’s central message is to treat all people with compassion. April, who earned her bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in elementary education, designs curricula for Hawkes Learning Systems and for two national art and music integration programs. She also writes for HealthLinks Charleston. Her passion for music influenced the story line, as the characters in the book form a band. Frankie Frog thinks he can do everything alone but realizes cooperation is the key to success. The book is available on Amazon and Kindle, but April said the book is more about sharing the positive message and fulfilling a personal accomplishment than making money. “To complete it just feels really good,” she beamed. “Knowing the place I was in when I started it and how my life has transformed now – in all the best of ways.” April’s first book-signing event for “The Light Magnificent” will be held Sept. 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Principle Gallery on Meeting Street. [ Feature ] Photos and artwork courtesy of April Duckworth.