I Wish, by Joy DeKok, guest blogger

I Wish

With the release of my new book, Your Life, a Legacy – Exploring and Recording the Times of Your Life, the question is often asked, “Why did you write this book?” I usually tell them that after teaching on this topic for fifteen years and when listeners specifically asked for it, I wrote it. That’s only fifty percent of the story. Here’s the other half.

When I was a little girl, I loved to hear the grown-ups telling stories about their lives. I’d color or play paper dolls nearby while they talked and drank coffee. In those conversations, I heard about God, politics, music, books, the weather, the crops, hair styles, crime, and sports.

A curious child, I had so many questions I wanted to ask. Instead, I did what good girls did back then – I was silent (most of the time) until spoken to.

As time passes, the edges of some of the stories have blurred and in some cases have faded to a phrase that means little or nothing. So many life lessons that could be giving me strength, guided me, or given me pleasure now are gone.

My great-grandmother lived in a sod home on the South Dakota prairie, gave birth to three children out there, chased away curious Sioux Braves with her corn husk broom, and later managed a saloon with a pearl-handled pistol at her side. She was four feet and nine inches tall. I knew these things about her, and wanted to ask more questions, but I didn’t.

How I wish I had.

As her great-granddaughter, I missed out on her wisdom and life experiences. I know a lot about her, but nothing from her. I have no idea how she met my great-grandfather, what it felt like to sweep the dirt floor of her home, or what happened in her soul after a big tent revival years later. Only she knew what she was thinking, feeling, or wishing for. I never got to walk with her in her flower garden and ask.

I wish I had. S

This wishing could be a waste of time if I hadn’t seen the value in the wish. I knew I’d missed out on a true legacy – an inheritance of the heart, mind, and soul only she could give me. I accepted the truth that there wasn’t anything I could do about her stories – they were gone. Then, I realized I could preserve my own and encourage others to do the same.

In that moment, Your Life, a Legacy was born as a speaking topic that grew into a book. I wrote it short – it’s around forty pages long including the front pages that no one reads. My goal was simple: get people writing their legacies . . . now.

The book has only been on the market a few days, and I have a new wish: if you buy the book and write at least one of your life stories, I’d love to read it.

I believe with all my heart that your story matters and someone, somewhere is waiting for it. Who knows? It might be me.

Joy started writing as a little girl. She carries a large purse so she can take her journal and an assortment of pens with her.

Joy lives on thirty-five acres of woods and field in Minnesota between Rochester and Pine Island. She’s been married to Jon for thirty-five years and they enjoy their many nieces and nephews. Their dogs, Sophie and Tucker, keep them company when they explore the land riding their John Deere Gator or while watching the many birds that visit their feeders.

She has seven books in print and is working on a novel series featuring main character, Olivia Morgan. Joy is also developing a writing group called, Write Yourself Strong, for hurting women.

Faith is a vital part of Joy’s life. When she was sixteen, Joy asked God to find her and He did.

Find out more about Joy, her life, and her writing at:

• www.joydekok.com
• www.booksbyjoy.com

Joy, thank you so much for sharing your heart with us. I will be posting a review of this little book on my next open date and will be offering a free copy at that time. You’ll be asked to answer a specific question related to THIS post. So read carefully