The May issue of Guideposts is out and I’m thrilled to have an article in the magazine! I’ve always loved sharing how my dad, Howard Worley, began writing his first novel at age eighty-six.
A few months later, two days after open-heart surgery to repair his aortic valve, he suffered a devastating stroke. He faced a long recovery, but amazed his doctors and therapists early on with his tenacious determination.
I wrote about his inspirational recovery here.
Cover art by Ken Raney
He amazed his four children, too. We might have amazed ourselves when we decided to be his care givers 24/7 for the first year after he returned home from a month long stay in the hospital and three weeks at the awesome Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon (RIO) in Portland.
But we did it!
I hope my Guideposts article can be an inspiration to others whose parents may face life-changing illness. Sharing the care giving with siblings is a blessing, but not always without conflict. We each love our dad and want the best for him, but how to reach that same goal isn’t always clear. I’m thankful for the love our parents instilled in us and my Father in Heaven who gives strength and comfort.
Our prayers were answered and we’ve each had moments to rejoice. For me, I’ve never had a prouder moment with my dad than when he wrote “The End” to The Stagecoach Murders. You can read more about my dad on his website, www.HowardWorley.com.
I’m especially thankful to Guideposts for the opportunity to share this story. My book reviews always end with this favorite verse, but I think it is especially meaningful to share here:
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” KJV Psalms 19:14
Comments 14
Hi Rebecca, I am a librarian at the Prairie Skies Public Library District in Ashland/Pleasant Plains, Illinois. We have had patrons come in and ask for your fathers book “Stagecoach Murders”. I work in inter-library loan department and have had no luck in finding this book for our patrons. Have you sold any of your books to libraries or are you contracted to Guidepost only?
Thank you for all your information, I also suffer from the lack of vitamin D. I didn’t realize that is what makes my legs hurt so bad. I go to the doctor tomorrow about knee replacement. Wish me luck.
Suzi Mesojednik
suzisparkles2004@yahoo.com
I am so happy to hear Dad has potential fans out in Illinois! I have sent you and email, Suzi, The Guidpost article was truly a blessing. Thank you for contacting me! His book should be available through the normal distribution channels for libraries. And also through Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com Also, for more information about the author, please visit his website, http://www.HowardWorley.com Thank you again for writing!!
Lena!! I remember your blog, too, and how excited Dad and I were that you featured it! Thank you for stopping by – I’ll share this with Dad (he turns 92 this month!) Blessings to you!
Rebecca, I loved reading the article, and while I did, I remembered how much I enjoyed featuring him and his book on my blog. And I loved reading the book myself.
Love this! Will be eagerly awaiting this story!! How cool.
Thank you so much, Susan! Dad’s book is available now at Amazon. I hope you enjoy it! Here’s the link! amzn.to/1F1Rbgn
Cheering you on, Rebecca. It’s fun to watch how God is working through you in your writing of your stories!
Hi, Jan! It was such a blessing to write the Guidepost article! But I have fond memories of the class you taught and the excellent advice I received at Mount Hermon as I explored the possibility of writing a nonfiction narrative about my Dad’s recovery from stroke. Your encouragement and words of wisdom led me to the opportunity with Guideposts and who knows? That just might be the stepping stone to the full book! :o) Thank you for checking in with me and thank you for your prayers and guidance!
I can’t wait to read your story. My mom gets the guideposts and then passes them on to me. I just have to wait since she lives in Port Orchard, WA near my sister and I live in the Portland Metro Area in Oregon. I will probably see her in June and will get to read it them.
It is also awesome that your dad was able to write to novel. I see that it has been out since 2012. I will have to get a copy!
Debbie – thank you!! I love that your mom passes on the Guideposts! I always have a stack in our guestroom – they are just too good not to share! Dad wrote such a good western romance! I think you will enjoy it!! You made my day! :o)
I appreciated your story. My dad also suffered after mom passed away, and has had an amazing comeback. You’ve done an amazing thing to walk through this phase with your dad!
Sally, thank you very much! I know I couldn’t have done it without my siblings – I have a brother who helped Dad with his shopping, a sister who has provided his transportation to doctor’s appointments and the like over the years, and another sister who loves to cook and is the social director of the family. To be a part of his writing journey has meant so much to me! I’m glad to hear your father is doing well. You sound like a special daughter and I’m sure that’s helped him in his grief!
Great story. A tribute not only to the strength of spirit in your dad, but the resiliency of his children and the leadership of his Lord. Heart warming.
Thank you, Pat! We are blessed to have him as our dad, and I’m so thankful for our Lord who give us strength and comfort!