Age is no barrier to making a positive impact on the world – Ysabella Reddy
Feisty 11-year-old Ysabella Reddy has recently become a beacon of triumph and hope through the launch of her internationally-acclaimed book titled, Lily’s Light. This inspiring book aims to provide motivation for youngsters who have been abandoned by their fathers. Despite facing adversity at the tender age of nine when her father deserted her three years ago, Ysabella’s resilience and desire to bring positivity to challenging situations is evident in her captivating new e-book.
Ysabella transforms real-life trauma
Ysabella, a grade-five learner at Crawford International La Lucia, skillfully transformed her real-life experiences into a compelling narrative to assist other youngsters coping with comparable trauma. Her story was so moving that it quickly became a prominent e-book and is now being sold in major bookstores around the world. Additionally, she has achieved notable success academically, earning various accolades including the prestigious ‘Principal’s Award’.
Ysabella gains inspiration
The lively young author is the daughter of award winning Durban journalist and media personality, Tash Reddy, who herself has recently published a book. “Ashes of Her Empire,” is a poignant memoir intricately documenting Tash’s challenging journey through the personal turmoil of her former husband’s affair with her best friend, which led to him deserting their children Daniel and Ysabella.
Turning pain into power
Following in the footsteps of her mother, Ysabella exhibited similar resilience by not yielding to feelings of sadness and disappointment. Instead, she turned to writing as a source of comfort and authored the inspiring book that served not only to aid in her own healing but also as a source of inspiration for other young individuals.
Offering motivation and encouragement
In an exclusive interview with Newsie, Ysabella expressed that her motivation for writing the book was to offer encouragement to other young individuals confronting similar hardships. “I didn’t write the book to get famous. We had a school project and we were learning about people who changed the world. I did a project on how I want to be an advocate for change when I grow up. My mum asked me what I want to fight for and I said for children who don’t have a dad like me,” said Ysabella.
Unshakable strength during divorce battle
Despite facing rejection from her father and the distressing effects of frequent divorce proceedings, Ysabella demonstrated exceptional bravery. Her mother, Tash recalled: “The painful circumstances my children faced following their father’s abandonment was exacerbated by his sudden request for a paternity test.” “It confirmed what we already knew as it was proven that he was the father. Despite the paternity test proving this, he chose to relinquish his rights, as if love could be severed with a signature,” said Reddy. It was during this turbulent period that Ysabella embarked on her own journey of self-recovery, channelling her intense emotions into her powerful book.
My Daddy didn’t want me . . .
Through her detailed prose, Ysabella conveys her feelings and aims to empower youngsters her age. She wants them to know that even in times of adversity, one can discover their inner strength and courage to overcome life’s obstacles. She vividly recollects the anguish and heartbreak she endured. “When my dad left home I knew he still loved me. But when he said I was not his child and I had to give my blood to prove who I am to him . . . it made me very sad,” explained Ysabella.
My uncle became my new dad
Ysabella recalls shedding tears initially. She has since found comfort in her uncle Sheldon Kesoparsad, her mother Tash’s younger brother. Sheldon took on the role as a father-figure. “I was very sad. I loved my daddy. He was my favourite person. But, my uncle Sheldon made me happy again. He became my daddy and does everything for me now. Also, he takes me on awesome holidays and buys me really cool things. So now, I feel like it’s okay because I didn’t see or speak to my daddy since he left us. I am happy because my Papu Sheldon is with me and he became my dad,” said Ysabella.
It takes a village
Alongside Sheldon, Ysabella has formed close bonds with Tash’s mother, sister and close friends, to fill the void in her life. “I am grateful to my mum Tash, brother Daniel, my Papu (uncle) Sheldon, uncle Dwayne, my Mosie (aunt) Trish and my grandma Dolly. They all love me a lot too and always make sure that I am happy,” said the young author. Ysabella now expresses contentment, noting that she no longer feels sadness due to the presence of her supportive family and friends. She aspires for all children to experience this same sense of security so that they can enjoy their youth.
Life goes on positively
Through her own personal journey of self-healing, Ysabella has touched the hearts of many and inspired a new generation of youngsters to believe in themselves and their ability to overcome any obstacles. She is using the proceeds of her book in the “Daddy Project”, an initiative calling for respectable men in the community to volunteer time and life lessons to children without fathers or who have been abandoned by their fathers.
Looking ahead and not looking back
The young author looks up to her brother Daniel who is a full-time soccer and hockey coach at her school. As a second-year full-time university student, he diligently supports his younger sister’s interests in netball and hockey. Thanks to practicing with Daniel, the young go-getter has received some prestigious sporting awards at her school. In her spare time, Ysabella also enjoys writing, cooking, and drawing, and is a budding artist.
