Connected through loss

Hello everyone! Thank you again for taking time to follow and read this blog. Your prayers, heart, and encouragement are such a blessing to me, and my entire family.

Can you believe we are nearing the end of July already again? I cannot. Since school finished last month we have been busy at the Buske home. We are taking advantage of Ed’s days off, making sure to spend time with family. Mary and I have worked in the gardens, sat on the deck, shopped, slept in, and enjoyed our summer vacation. A blessing I do not take for granted.

In addition to summer fun and family time I have wore my “author and speaker” hats daily. I so love the time to write each day. I work on my manuscript until my brain (and sometimes heart) needs a break then to research for a retreat presentation in September with time to study and immerse myself in God’s Word.

Two years ago I would proclaim my distaste for editing and revision BUT today I have to tell you, I have learned to truly enjoy it thanks to help from one of my odd duck friends, V. Oh my goodness. All I needed was some guidance and direction.

Of course I have two great books I am trying to read to help me with this self-editing and my wonderful writers’ critique group, a fabulous writing partner, and family and friends always willing to lend a helping hand.

As we have learned in this journey from draft to seeking publication for my book, this is not an easy road to travel. One must be motivated and determined with a polished piece of writing. I continue to strive for a “polished” piece of writing but will not give up. I have waited eighteen years for Heidi so a few years for the publisher God has for this book will be a snap. Right?

Seriously, though, each time I sit to write I start with prayer. Prayers for God’s protection, for His words not mine, for the hearts of those who will one day read this book, for Heidi and all our missing persons, and the parents and siblings who have experienced the pain associated with kidnapping and abduction.

In my book I mention some of the families I have met and others I may not have met personally but have influenced my life in one way or another. This afternoon I had the blessing to speak with Heidi Seeman’s mother. Although we never met, the bond of having a loved one abducted from your life creates an instant bond. My initial contact was for permission to mention the Heidi Search Center in San Antonio, Texas in my book but as we ended our call, friendship and joy remained.

Yes, she has given me permission to share the center created after her daughter’s kidnapping in my book so others will know of this valuable resource yet this was not the highlight of our conversation. I believe the highlight was the friendship and understanding. She lost her daughter and I lost my sister yet the loss fused our hearts with hope for each other and all our missing children. God knows.

Heidi’s (Seeman) song is below so you can listen and learn her story.

Two books I my friend suggested & I shared earlier are:
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King
Polishing the “PUGS” by Kathy Ide