An inspirational journey of an incredible woman
Genre: Biography
Type: Inspirational Memoir from WW1-2004
-Despite poverty and no education, an amazing woman emerges and empowers her nine children to soar
-The evolution of an independent woman despite a tragic journey
-Twelve siblings, nine children, two businesses, eight rental properties, two farms: One woman
-Lessons we can all learn from: For anyone who did not grow up with Martha Mary
-This family created their own industrial revolution in their basement
-The good ole times were not so good, but the lessons are invaluable
Book available January
"This beautiful tribute to the author's mother offers an intimate and moving look into a life lived with unwavering faith, indomitable determination, and an enduring legacy that extends far beyond the author's family. Pat's massive undertaking--meticulously compiling stories, letters, notes, and her mother's original manuscript--is a testament to the power of family, memory, and the written word. With the help of her siblings, she has woven these threads into a cohesive and captivating narrative that not only honors her mother's extraordinary life but also inspires others. This book will benefit anyone seeking to understand the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity."
--Jennifer Crosswhite, author of Eat the Elephant: How to Write (and Finish!) Your Book One Bite at a Time and CEO of Tandem Services Ink
Excerpt from Chapter 4 Newlyweds
I was surprised to find out Charlie made no plans as to where we would spend our wedding night. I was a bit confused when he took me to Wellston to the flat he rented from Mr. Kruse. I would have loved to have gone to a hotel, and I figured Charlie could afford it, but maybe not, by the time he gave his dad 75 percent of his earnings. It was just a bare flat—no furniture there or anything. I think he thought Mr. Kruse would have something we could use, but he wasn’t home. Charlie looked around, and in a shed in the backyard he found a sort of daybed that we moved into the house. When we opened it flat, one side had no support under it, and it kept falling down when you sat on it. We found a couple of empty one-gallon paint cans to support it. That was our bed. Two narrow sides and a deep gully down the middle.
All we had was the new blanket from Aunt Emma, a couple of cushions, and my cedar chest with a few things in it. Those were our accommodations for the most important night of our lives—pretty miserable. But I was so in love with Charlie, I would do anything, even put up with this situation on my wedding night.
Excerpt from Chapter 31 Running out of Options
I was so tired by the time I made it climbing up the hill in deep snow, carrying the crate of fruit. It was late and I still had to make dinner. Then I helped Charlie change two wheels on the truck and still had to work up the fruit that was given to me as it was going to spoil. All this time Charlie is berating me about money. The next day I needed Charlie to help me get my car out of the ditch. The chains gave way and broke, wrapping themselves around the wheel and ruining both the truck brake cables, hydraulic and emergency. I did not make it out to work that day. We spent the next five hours digging out my car and jacking it up to try and move it out of the ditch. It was freezing and we had been working for hours. Although I love my house and the countryside, there is truly nothing left for me here. I must find a way out. That winter we had a record 50 inches of snow instead of the 18 inch average. I think someone is trying to tell me something. As I am meticulously planning my escape, I had a constant thought in my mind about the Bible verse: ‘Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath’ Matthew 24:20
