In the quiet spaces between grief and memory, sometimes a book becomes more than just paper and ink. Sometimes, it becomes a bridge—a warm, glowing bridge between a parent and a child they’ve lost, but never stopped loving.
That’s exactly what “You Were Always There”, a CIC Obituary book written, edited, and illustrated by Ka’Ron Gaines, has become for Nikka Johnson, a grieving mother still carrying the love and memory of her beautiful daughter, Ijana Anyonnai Johnson.
This book is not just a story.
It’s a soul whisper.
It’s a healing hug.
It’s a mother’s first step toward peace after years of silent pain.
🌷 Honoring Ijana Anyonnai Johnson
Ijana, whose smile lights up every page of this tribute, passed away far too soon. But through this CIC Obituary book, her memory lives on in words filled with love, strength, and eternal presence.
In the story, Ijana’s voice takes center stage—not in sorrow, but in warmth. Written from her imagined consciousness, she lovingly tells her mother, “You were always there.” She thanks her, comforts her, and reminds her that she is never truly gone.
The book is beautifully illustrated, bringing to life soft memories, cherished moments, and imagined embraces that feel all too real for those left behind.
💬 A Mother’s Message That Says It All
The book touched Nikka Johnson in a way that words alone cannot describe. But her message to author Ka’Ron Gaines says everything:
“I’m sorry to be texting you this early but I just have to tell you I have been yearning to dream about my daughter… for going on three years. Last night she came to me. I knew it was her. I could feel it… She pulled me off the bed, and I could see her. She was so pretty and she hugged me real real tight. Can’t stop thinking about it… Your book allowed me to start healing. Every time I read it. I love you and I’m so so happy. Thank you.”
These aren’t just the words of a reader.
These are the words of a mother who finally felt her daughter again—and began to heal.
📘 What Is a CIC Obituary Book?
CIC Obituary Books, a powerful subgenre under the Child Illustrated Conscience (CIC) collection, are written from the imagined voice of a deceased child. The aim is to offer:
- Healing to grieving families
- Emotional connection across life and death
- A gentle way to introduce loss to children
- Peace and purpose to parents, siblings, and caregivers
Each story is personalized and deeply respectful—crafted with empathy and artistic grace by Ka’Ron Gaines.
✍️ The Visionary Behind the Words: Ka’Ron Gaines aka TheHipHopAuthor
Ka’Ron Gaines is more than an author—he is a literary healer. Known globally as TheHipHopAuthor, Ka’Ron has written over 25+ CIC titles that speak to identity, unity, grief, empowerment, and spiritual connection.
As the writer, illustrator, and editor of “You Were Always There”, Gaines poured his heart into every page. His mission? To give grieving parents something that most people can’t offer—comfort, acknowledgment, and continued connection.
Ka’Ron Gaines has redefined what children’s books can be—especially for families facing unimaginable pain. His work doesn’t shy away from loss; instead, it transforms it into light.
🛡️ A Mother’s Fight, A Daughter’s Strength
In many ways, this book is also about Nikka Johnson’s strength—not just her love, but her resilience.
Losing a child can often leave parents paralyzed by grief. But this book has helped Nikka stand again—in her words, it gave her “the beginning of healing.” It has renewed her spirit and even given her the strength to continue fighting the war on drugs, a cause close to her heart and a pain that hits far too many homes.
💡 Why “You Were Always There” Matters
This is not just a personal story. It’s a blueprint for emotional healing.
- It offers grieving parents a voice they’ve longed to hear.
- It gives children an age-appropriate way to talk about death.
- It invites families to celebrate life, not just mourn the loss.
And most importantly—it reminds every parent who’s lost a child that they are not alone.
🌍 The Global Impact of CIC Obituary Books
With titles like “Amir ‘Lightyear’ Is Still Near”, “You Were Always There”, and more on the way, CIC Obituary Books are already making an impact across the U.S., India, Africa, and beyond.
Ka’Ron Gaines is helping turn pain into poetry, grief into guidance, and love into legacy—one book at a time.
These books are used in:
- Hospice care centers
- Schools and therapy rooms
- Grief counseling workshops
- Homes of parents who need healing, even years later
❤️ Final Thoughts
“You Were Always There” is more than a CIC Obituary book. It is a heartbeat on paper. It’s a mother’s memory made visible. And it’s a daughter’s love, stretching far beyond this world, reminding us that presence is eternal—even when the body is not.
Through the creative genius and heartfelt dedication of Ka’Ron Gaines, this book has become a safe space for grief, a celebration of Ijana’s light, and a comforting hand on Nikka Johnson’s shoulder.
To any parent holding grief in their heart—this book may just be the voice you’ve been aching to hear.
📘 “You Were Always There”
✍️ Written, Illustrated & Edited by Ka’Ron Gaines
🏠 Published by One God Publishing
🕊️ A CIC Obituary Book — Honoring Ijana Anyonnai Johnson
💗 For her loving mother, Nikka Johnson
