Mother's Day Can Be A Challenge Too

Yesterday's blog post teased a little about a Mother's Day modification to my first book, When the Waves Subside: There is Hope. On my end, the changes had gone through and it was visible but I learned after I got home from school, they weren't to all of you. I arrived at my parents and said, "Did you like your surprise?" They both laughed and said, "It's the same."

Just to prove them wrong I logged on the computer and opened Amazon. Guess what, they were right - but so was I. On my end, through the publisher ~ all changes were finalized yet to those shopping online ~ no changes. We all laughed and I logged into my author's account with the publisher to show them the change. 

I waited until Mother's Day to share this change so it would have a little more meaning. Many say, "I didn't know you had another book, you should promote it." Some who read it offered encouragement and shared how When the Waves Subside touched their heart or the heart of a grieving parent. Each time I am humbled at how God is working in the lives of those reading the words written in my books.

In the wee hours of the morning one night, God awoke me with this idea. Yes, When the Waves Subside was written for my parents this January as anniversary gift and with analogy that the parents of a missing child are like the broken glass in the lake. Once broken but because of their loss and heartache, become a stronger and more beautiful person because they've learned to appreciate each moment and cherish the time we have with our loved ones.

In honor of ALL parents grieving the loss of a child ~ whether they are missing or deceased due to illness or tragedy...a parent's loss is horrific and described as "the worst loss and pain a parent will ever face." During this holiday weekend and for Father's Day in June, When the Waves Subside is dedicated to all parents grieving the loss of their child on a day when other parents are smothered with hugs, kisses, plants, and love.

The original cover read: "Beneath the smooth stones of Lake Ontario are hidden treasures of glass ~ once broken shards, now transformed into beautiful rocks to treasure. Just like that glass, the parents of a missing child are broken and beaten against the rocks." This is a true statement yet something was missing. 

The last line now reads, Just like this glass, the grieving parent is broken and beaten against the rocks yet more beautiful when the waves subside because of the strength they exhibit."

I'm thankful for readers sharing how God touched them after reading and helping me to see this analogy was larger than I saw and for the Holy Spirit waking me up with the words to modify the cover. 

Happy Mother's Day and Father's Day to the two greatest parents a girl could have ~ love you Mom and Dad. I hope you like your gift and aren't upset. There are limited copies of the version dedicated specifically for the parents of missing children ~ now it is a thirty-two page story of hope for any and all grieving parents. You are pillars!

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To Purchase Your Copy ~ Click on Any of the Above Photos for a direct link, visit Amazon.com, or pick a copy up at The River's End Bookstore in Oswego, New York. Have a great weekend!