Rita Félix, born in Lisbon in 1981 but with a strong connection to Tavira, is the author of the book "May love always be the answer", her first solo book, published at the age of 44. The book results from the transformation of grief for her daughter Beatriz and the experience of autoimmune diseases, which forced her to leave her career in hair cosmetics. The interview with POSTAL addresses her Algarve roots, her fresh start after leaving the hairdressing profession, and the need to welcome grief with more humanity.
Rita Félix was diagnosed with lupus and other autoimmune diseases, which caused her 71.4% disability and prevented her from continuing to practice the profession she loved. After four pregnancy losses, she became pregnant with Beatriz, who died at 30 weeks of gestation. The experience of childbirth and the loss of her daughter became the central reason for the book, in which she shares intimate family memories, always assessing what could be shared and what should remain sacred.
The author also speaks about the need for greater humanity in hospitals and in the psychological monitoring of gestational grief, criticising the lack of empathy she experienced. She argues that professionals need to be prepared not only technically, but also emotionally, and that careful words can help those who suffer. In the book, Rita Félix presents the concept of "gratiamor", which results from the combination of gratitude and love, and which she intends to take beyond the pages, through motivational talks.
Her goal for the next five years is for "gratiamor" to no longer be just her own word and to become a way of being in the lives of many people, reaching hospitals, schools, associations and families in mourning. Rita Félix believes that true love doesn't need to make noise, but it needs to touch someone, and she hopes her experience can give strength and comfort to those going through difficult times.
