Happy 36th Birthday Heidi!

My birthday gift to Heidi is to share a snip-it of the book I’ve submitted for publication.

An excerpt:
I stirred awake when I heard the answering machine kick on.

“Heidi is missing!” Aunt Nancy yelled into the phone. “Heidi has been kidnapped!”

I sat bolt upright as her voice echoed through the cottage. “Your parents need you at the store. Get there NOW!” Click…

“Oh my gosh! This can’t be true,” I thought. “There has to be a mistake!” And then the adrenaline and nerves started. Within moments my husband was awake, dressed and driving me to the D & W Convenience store only three miles away...

Later in the book...

The first month of Heidi’s disappearance renders me incapable to function. I take an indefinite leave of absence from the Sunrise Nursing Home following the kidnapping and again for the trials of the two men charged. Ed remains by my side the first couple weeks until it is necessary for him to return to work at Jacobson Farms. Just because tragedy has kept us from work doesn’t mean the bill collectors stop. With this in mind and the amount of people caring for me, Ed returns to work. The search, investigation, and nightmares consume my every thought; awake or asleep. My parent’s concern motivates them to find a task for me to complete.

I overhear my parents one evening, “I’m worried about Lisa. What are we going to do?”
“I know. She is here physically but that is it, she is lost without Heidi. It has hit her hard.” I cry as I eavesdrop from the other room. I have tried to hide my feelings and fears from my parents but I have created additional stress. This was never my plan. I’m sorry.

And a bit later in the book...
A star built to remember one teen turns into an opportunity for people to slow down, remember and grieve. Heidi would like to know her star brought healing to those in need.

The vigil ends yet the light remains. Instead of blowing out the candles, we place them along the star’s wooden frame. I wait until the last person leaves before I start for my car.

“Ed, isn’t it beautiful? I’m glad they built it here. We have something positive to balance out the horror of her kidnapping when we come to the store. I miss her.”

“I know. You’ve always got me.”

“Thank goodness. Can we stay a little while?”

Ed tightens his arms around me, kisses the top of my head. “Of course.”

“You are my lamp, O Lord;
the Lord turns darkness into light.”
2 Samuel 22: 29 NIV

If you want to read more – please respond to this blog. To remain anonymous – instead of name write “future reader” or something like this, you don’t need to list your email. Your words are always an encouragement, thank you!