SSCS 2011 graduate and author Jyline Varin with her son Chase and daughter Eliza
A Sharon Springs mom’s idyllic dream of welcoming her first baby into the world turned traumatic after her son was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and other complications from birth. His resilient spirit and recovery from every medical challenge inspired her to reach out to other parents through writing a children’s book based on his diagnosis.
Her story was featured on WTEN Channel 10 news:
https://www.news10.com/…/sharon-springs-mom-writes…/
Jyline Varin, a 2011 SSCS graduate turned author, continues to inspire her community with the story of her son Chase in the recently released book The Little Blue Lyon. SSCS Superintendent/Principal Thomas Yorke is Jyline’s former English teacher and basketball coach at SSCS.
In a review of The Little Blue Lion on Amazon.com, Yorke writes: “As an educator and father of four, I can say without reservation that this story transcends ‘children’s literature.’ This story is as much for dads and moms as it is for the blessings they call their children. This story is not just about the strength, resilience and courage of the cub (Chase), it’s about the indefatigable, immeasurable, and lifesaving hope, faith and love of the incredible mother (author – Jyline) and father of this precious child.”
Reading through The Little Blue Lion, Principal Yorke said, “I can’t help but get emotional. As a student-athlete, Jyline showed toughness, competitiveness, and selfless. She was without a doubt the type of kid who inspired me and all of her teammates to work harder.”
As a student-athlete, Jyline was a key starter in the improbable Section 2 Finals run the Spartans made in 2008. She tore her ACL in her final soccer game as a senior, but refused surgery so she could play basketball that season.
“Without complaint, but with tears rolling down her cheeks,” Yorke recalled, “she was a shut-down defender and a 3-point ace when she was able to get on the court. It’s obvious that her indomitable spirit is still with her as an incredible mother, and her little lion [Chase] is no doubt his mother’s son. To say we at SSCS are proud of Jyline is an understatement. I hope we can get her back into SSCS soon to share her family’s inspirational story with our students.”
The Little Blue Lion is available for purchase on Amazon.com and there is a copy in the SSCS library:
