It will be long but not forever
Published:Sunday | March 2, 2025 | 12:09 AMKeisha Hill - Senior Gleaner Writer
It Will Be Long, But Not Forever, is a memoir by Fionia Salmon about her experiences as a single mother fighting for custody of her son. The book shares how she transformed heartbreak into resilience; and the grit and perseverance that people can utilise to overcome difficulties.
“As a young mother pursuing a university education without adequate support, my struggles intensified when my son was taken from me. Poverty and abuse tried to break my spirit, but they only made me stronger, teaching me to survive and strive for a better life,” Salmon said.
In It Will Be Long, But Not Forever, Salmon recounts her incredible life story of overcoming poverty, abuse, and loss, all while maintaining an unwavering belief in the power of perseverance and faith. Growing up in rural Jamaica, she faced unimaginable hardships, yet, her spirit remained unbroken, guided by the wisdom of her grandmother and the love of her son.
“Throughout every trial, I felt God’s sustaining presence, guiding me through each challenge. Reflecting on my journey, I marvel at how I overcame so much. By sharing my story in this book, I aim to inspire others facing similar adversities, reminding them of the power of faith and determination,” Salmon said.
On her journey, Salmon navigates a childhood marred by poverty, abuse, and the weight of adult responsibilities, all while holding on to the hope and words of her sister, Ann, that say, ‘It will be long, but not forever!’
“I was motivated and inspired to write my memoir due to several factors, but mainly my son and the many challenges, I faced both with him and without him as I navigated life as a single mother. I wanted to leave a legacy that would inspire not only him, but also generations to come,” Salmon said.
“The main theme and storyline are centred around endurance, hope, and the eventual resolution of challenges. Despite the circumstances, or the socioeconomic hardship, difficult moments may seem prolonged, but they will eventually pass; and there are no excuses for not attaining your dreams,” she added.
Salmon said she chose an impactful, universal theme that required a fresh lens or approach to familiar topics like life’s challenges, loss, grief, and triumph from a new perspective. This approach, she said, is meant to evoke a deeper emotional response from her readers by showing how these topics can shape us differently.
“While working on this book, there were many moments that felt profound. As I wrote, certain emotions surfaced that I had not anticipated, forcing me to reflect more deeply on my life. There were also moments of frustration and self-doubt, but overcoming those feelings and finding clarity in my writing felt incredibly rewarding. It was during these times that I truly understood the book’s deeper purpose and its impact on me personally and creatively,” Salmon said.
It Will Be Long But Not Forever was named Bold Publishing’s Book of the Month for February 2025. “The reception from readers has been positive, with feedback focusing on how impactful, inspirational, and full of strength the book has been. My audience has shared that my experiences are relatable and have propelled them to develop a sense of determination and a fighting spirit to succeed in life,” Salmon said.
Growing up in Swaby’s Hope, Spur Tree, Manchester, Salmon attended Bellfield High School in the parish. She is now a graduate of Monroe College, New Rochelle, New York, where she studied business management with a minor in marketing.
She is also an entrepreneur in real estate, and a pilot crew scheduler. During most of her working years in the United States, she has worked in aviation for companies like Signature Aviation, Republic Jet Center, JetBlue Airlines, and Nippon Cargo Airlines.
Her specialty includes managing crew schedules.
“I was once a struggling single mother, who at times felt discouraged, overwhelmed, and burdened by the worries of life’s challenges. My story can resonate with young adults, single mothers, and fathers who think the burden is endless,” Salmon said.
It Will Be Long, But Not Forever’ is available in eBook, hardcover and paperback on Amazon for purchase by searching her name Fionia Salmon or by the book’s title.