You know what’s funny? After writing more than a dozen books, I sometimes think that I must have mined everything from my own life that I possibly could by now. But then I’m writing along and BOOM—there’s something from my life on the page. Again. Without revealing any spoilers, I thought I’d share a few from my latest book, Not Until Then (which had an amazing launch last week…thank you to everyone who has read and reviewed and shared it!):
- James’s claustrophobia: This was inspired by my husband. And his sister, who used to lock him in his closet, just like James’s sister did. Fortunately, my husband doesn’t have the same fear of elevators James does. That was inspired by more than one of my children, who have refused to get on an elevator or two over the years.
- Cow jokes: Maybe it’s because we’re originally from Wisconsin. Maybe it’s because they’re just humorous creatures. Or maybe it’s because you can use the word “moo” in so many fun ways. But we love cow jokes around here. Here’s a bonus one for you: What’s a cow’s favorite thing to wear? … A muumuu. (You can thank my husband for that one.)
- The escaping cat: The grass is always greener outside, apparently. Like Mrs. Whiskers in the book, our cat has no idea what to do once he actually gets out there. At least he’s also not the fastest cat in the world, so he’s easier to catch than Mrs. Whiskers.
- Feeling inferior: Because she struggles with short-term memory and language issues as a result of an aneurysm, Bethany often feels inferior, especially compared to the “perfect” moms of her daughter’s friends. I’ll confess that I’ve felt like an inferior mom more than once over the years (the other kids’ moms packed better lunches or made a more dazzling costume or looked more put together…or whatever the case may be). Thankfully, like Bethany, I have learned that our worth comes not from ourselves or anything we do, but from the Lord.
And there’s one more, bigger piece of my life in this book: the character of Bethany, who was inspired in part by my youngest daughter. That may seem strange, given that Bethany is 40 and my daughter is only 10. But Bethany struggles with language and short-term memory issues after surviving an aneurysm. And my daughter has an expressive/receptive language disorder and apraxia. Now, an aneurysm and a language disorder are two very different things. Bethany’s struggles are not the same as my daughter’s struggles. My daughter has no memory issues, for example (in fact, if someone can’t remember where they put something, she’s the most likely to remember exactly where it is). But she does deal with many of the word recall issues Bethany faces. A word that she has known for years can suddenly escape her (even if she just said it a few minutes before). In addition, she often has trouble organizing her thoughts into the grammatical structure of a sentence, which Bethany describes in the book as the words refusing to “arrange themselves in a straight line in her head.”
Fortunately, like Bethany, my daughter is resilient and cheerful. And unlike Bethany, she doesn’t let her language struggles keep her from chatting about anything and everything with anyone and everyone. In that way, she’s much more like Bethany’s 10-year-old daughter Ruby. As she is in her sheer delight in so many things and her simple, childlike faith that is bold is sharing Jesus.
Ultimately, this book is a testament to how brave and strong and hard-working and resilient my daughter is. And to how much I admire her. Isn’t it funny how sometimes the littlest people can teach us the most?
I’d love to hear about someone you admire! Tell me in the comments!
Giveaway: I’m giving away a signed paperback of Not Until Then to one reader from the US, and an ebook of Not Until Then to an international reader. To enter, simply comment on this post by September 15.
He came to her rescue the first time they met. So why can’t she seem to remember his name? And why can’t he seem to forget her?
Available in paperback, ebook, and Kindle Unlimited
Valerie M. Bodden has three great loves: Jesus, her family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). She writes emotion-filled Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. Her characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but true to her tendencies as a hopeless romantic, she will always give them a happy ending. Valerie is living out her happily ever after in Wisconsin with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their four children. Visit her at www.valeriembodden.com to get a free story.
Due to the day and what has happened I did and do Admire the Queen. She lived a life of faith and service and was someone to respect and look up to.
On the cat escaping. First time Henry got out it took me around 3 hours to get him. He got out before I had an appointment at home. I finally found him in the back yard 2 doors down. Next door is a block of 4 flats and I was at the end one and he was coming over the fence on the way to the house behind the flats when I grabbed him. Since then he got out again several times til Summer came. I was letting them out in the day but in at night but in summer I have the window open and would wake to no Henry as he broke through the screen. (I had to fix 3 screens thanks to him) Libby is better behaved. So I got the cat door which could lock but he is a big boy and busted through. I now have a microchip door which works well and they come and go as they please. Both were rescue cats and Henry had escaped from the vet (where I got him) he was gone over a week and came back. (hes done that to me too). I live in a smaller country town
This sounds like a great book and I can’t wait to read it! I love this: words refusing to “arrange themselves in a straight line in her head.”!! I might borrow it in the future 😁
I really enjoyed ‘Not Until Then’ and it has made me go back and re-read the rest of the series.
I have a grandson who has Down’s syndrome and so I can relate to the struggle to express oneself. He communicates with signs, gestures and a minimum of words, because to ‘get them to arrange a straight line in his head’ just takes far too long!
I admire my mom and how generous and helping she has been with so many people and children.
Hi Valerie, I haven’t read ‘Not Until Then’ yet but I’m looking forward to it. I work in rehab for stroke patients so have met many people with similar language difficulties, it’s great to see this in a book.
I admire lots of people for lots of reasons…but today the person I most admire is my sister – she’s always been an amazing strong woman, but had a baby yesterday, he’s had some problems with breathing and so is in special care at the moment and my sister is being so strong and positive, caring for him and supporting her other kids while recovering from surgery herself.
One person that I admired was my Mom. She was always cheerful and always had a smile on her face.
I have always admired my mom. Not just because she was my mom, but because of the many issues she had to overcome. She clung to Jesus her whole life and He rewarded her many times over. thanks for sharing about your daughter. she sounds like a true jewel
The queen seems to have been well-loved all over the world.
It sounds like Henry is quite the cat! I’m glad he’s always come back! I’m sure he loves exploring your town and the countryside.
Thank you, Sheree! It was the best way I could think of to describe the sheer effort it can take my daughter to form an idea into a logical sentence, especially when it’s a struggle to come up with the words in the first place.
Thank you, Jeannette! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and that it made you want to re-read the rest of the series! I think this book was a way for me to try to understand a little better what goes on in my daughter’s head as she tries to process and express language. Like your grandson, she finds ways to get her point across even when she can’t find the words. It’s such a joy to see these kiddos’ resilience and desire to communicate even through their challenges.
That’s so sweet! And well-deserved, I’m sure!
Thank you, Ruthie! I imagine it is both challenging and rewarding to work with stroke patients. Thank you for all you do!
And I can understand why you admire your sister! What a hard thing to go through–but what a joy to see her remaining positive and supportive of her family. I will keep her and her baby in my prayers.
That’s such a wonderful quality! I’m sure her cheerfulness was contagious.
What a joy to know that your mom’s hope was in Jesus, no matter what she faced! It sounds like that was a memorable example to you. And to see his faithfulness to her. Our God is an awesome God!
One person I admired was my Mother she was always putting our family first! Blessings have a great weekend!
I admired my grandma when she was alive she knew so many people and so many people knew her but she passed away suddenly on March 24 2020 at age 90 but it was suddenly cause she fell and got brain bleeds and they couldn’t do anything.I Admire my mom cause these last few years have been kinda hard first the pandemic started then her mom passed away then she found out she was pregnant with baby number 13 then my younger brother had to go down to California for a major surgery and was down there for 5 weeks and no one could be there only my mom and dad then her first grandchild was born August 2020 her 13 child was born October 2020 my oldest sister got engaged November 2020 and married January 2021 and my mom had to homeschool my sibblings the first two years of the pandemic because she had a new baby and getting the kids on zoom was too hard with a new baby. Then this year we have been doing a house remodel and finally got to move back to the living area and kitchen a few weeks ago we didn’t have a kitchen or living room since May.
It sounds like she was a wonderful mother! Have a blessed weekend!
Oh wow! I can’t even imagine having all of that happen at once! I’m impressed by your mom (and tired just thinking about everything she had going on!). And your grandma sounds so admirable too. My grandmother was a lot like yours–she knew everyone and everyone knew her. :)
Hi Val! Who do I admire? Oh boy, how many years do you have to listen?? Actually you have likely heard many of them already! Who I admire the most is both of my parents. I spent so many years with my back turned on God & all they taught me. They prayed for me every day for years, never giving up on me, knowing God would never do so either. In spite of this our relationship stayed solid. There were times they did call me out on some of my actions yet I can’t explain how they balanced that with keeping our connection so strong. In spite of the drugs, drinking, and marriage to an unbeliever-an abusive one to boot, we spent time together constantly and they quietly showed God to us all through their lives. I was so thrilled to have them see when I came home to Christ! Their love and support stayed strong helping me through my marriage, troubled kids, having to leave my husband for our safety and his passing shortly after, all of my health issues…the list goes on. I can easily say that for almost all of my adult life my Momma was my very best friend. Daddy has always been my rock. I learned so much from their example including how I pray for my children & hopefully how I love them in spite of their life choices. Daddy & I know Momma is singing with Jesus and waiting for us to come home to them!
And I have to say I admire you & your entire family Val! What a testament you are to each other & an example to all who know you!
This book sounds so good! Adding it to my every growing TBR. I really admire my parents. They were the first in their families to go to college in the US and they worked so hard to build a life for me and my siblings. But they never stopped pointing us to Christ
Congratulations on such a wonderful release! Your book baby has hit the world and many many people are soaking in its wisdom and inspiration.
Aww, Deb, I love this! I know how much you admire your parents. They set such a beautiful example by always being there for you, even through the rough times, showing you their love while also reminding you of God’s love and his will. I’m sure they were elated to see you return to the Lord!
And thank you for your sweet words about my family. We are all so grateful for your encouragement and prayers. ❤
Thank you, Angeline! Nothing wrong with having a growing TBR, lol. It sounds like your parents set a wonderful example for your family, and what a blessing that they pointed you to Christ in everything!
Thank you so much, Laurie! ❤
I admire my mom and dad and how they raised 6 children(my siblings and I) They did a great job, we all turned out good, big Thanks to both our parents, all 6 of us get along very well (both our parents are no longer with us) they taught us to always be there for each other. I really admire how they put up with 6 totally different personalities. Have a great weekend and stay safe. Congratulations on your release , your book sounds like a great read.
mom
Thanks so much, Alicia! I always love to see big families where the siblings all get along and are there for each other even as adults. I pray for the same for my children someday!
Seems like moms are a popular one. Rightly so!
I admire my mom the most because even through life’s problems and struggles (including a chronic illness diagnosis) she still remains faithful, drawing strength from her relationship with the Lord, and always with a disposition to serve where she can. I wanna be like her when I grow up. :)
It sounds like she’s a wonderful example of living out her faith!
I admire a gentleman whom we met while on vacation. He worked at the hotel where we have stayed every year for the past 15 years. He has Waldenstrom. I’m not exactly sure what that is, but in following his blog it seems like he is in a lot of pain, has trouble walking, experiences dizziness, to name just a few of his symptoms. He has seen so many doctor and specialists and no one seems to have any answers for him. Still he perseveres, keeps on keeping on, and gives God praise and glory.
Thank you, Valerie, for your many stories and your newsletters. I so enjoy them. ❤
Hi Valerie! I am so glad your daughter is doing so well in her new school. I would like to say that my Mom is someone that I admire who has struggled through so much. She never gave up. She was the last child born with one sister and seven brothers. My Grandmother was ill for many years. My Mom ended up having to grow up fast to take care of my Grandmother and Grandfather. She had to do her school work as well as all the house work and cooking. She left West Virginia after she graduated from high school to come to Toledo, Ohio with my Grandmother. My Grandmother ended up being diagnosed with cancer. My Mom was her caregiver. She would have to give my Grandmother morphine for the pain. I could continue talking about the challenges she has encountered in her life. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
I admire my daughter, she’s so strong. Her daughter’s father passed away when her baby we only 8 months old, that was 11 years ago and she’s kept has memory alive while being both mom and dad. I was a single mom myself but there was a dad in the background at times. Her road has been way different and I just admire her grace.
It’s such an inspiration to see people going through hardships continue to praise and glorify God through it all. Thank you for sharing this!
It sounds like your mom persevered through so much and poured her energy into caring for others. I can see why you admire her!
Oh, wow, that would be so hard. I’m sure it’s a joy for you to see her handling everything with grace. I can tell you’re proud of her!
Thank you so much Valerie – he is out of special care now and hopefully home soon, thanks be to God!
I admire my Mom the most because of all she’s been through and how she’s managed to get through it with faith and grace.
I admire my daughter so much. She has multiple learning disabilities and working memory problems as well, but she works so hard to learn and grow. She isn’t naturally a disciplined or persistent person, so even that requires her to work hard.
Of course I admire my parents but I admire a couple of authors and they are: Amorette Anderson and Maya Angelou. Two authors on different ends of the spectrum but yet have the same goals to help and be kind to people. I met Maya Angelou in college and heard her speak. It was great hearing her speak and meeting her then soon after that I started dabbling in writing for fun.
As for Amorette Anderson an author I never met but when I started following her online my dabbling in writing had progressed to a more serious level. I mentioned it to her one day and from then on she has shown me and been interested in my work just as I am hers. Someone showing interest my writing despite doing for fun came as a real shock because no one ever showed interest and along comes a professional published author and reads my writing and she’s been my friend ever since. I admire authors who will act as mentors and encourage others to follow their dreams.
That’s a lovely reason to admire her. It sounds like she’s a beautiful example of a woman of faith.
Oh yes! It’s so hard to see our children struggle or face difficulties, and yet I think children with learning disabilities can teach us such a lesson about hard work and perseverance.
Wow! It’s so neat that you got to meet Maya Angelou. And that you’ve found a friend and mentor in Amorette Anderson. I’ve found that the author community is so welcoming and supportive of writers at all stages, which is such a joy and so different from many other fields. Congratulations on your writing!
I am in my seventies and struggle with memory issues, not because of my age but because of treatment I had for a nervous breakdown when I was in my younger days. It is a brutal treatment and has since been banned. But the damage is done. I can only pray that Father God will not let it get worse.
Right now it will be my Aunt who just got diagnosed with breast cancer at age of 82. She is scheduled for surgery on the 21st. She will only have radiation and lumpectomy because of her age. She is staying positive throughout this.
Thanks for sharing about your daughter. Glad she is staying positive.
Someone that I have great admiration for it Mother Theresa of Calcutta. She is a great role model because she did so many things to improve the lives of others including dedicating her life to helping people in need. I will always remember her because of her acts of selflessness, dedication, and compassion towards the poor. Mother Teresa always put others before herself.
One person I admire is my Pastor’s wife. She is a strong spiritual prayer warrior who leads by example. She went back to college as an adult with children at home and graduated with a teaching degree. The other person I admired is my mother. She is most of the time cheerful and says laughing is better than crying when faced with adversity.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I can only imagine how difficult that must be. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
I’m sorry to hear about your aunt’s diagnosis, but I’m sure it is a blessing to see her remaining positive. She’ll be in my prayers.
Serving others is definitely admirable. And such a beautiful way to show God’s love.
They both sound like women worthy of admiration! I love your mother’s philosophy about laughing instead of crying. :)
Valerie, I also admire my daughter. I told you some things about her when I emailed you. She is now 22. We adopted her when she was 2 years old. She was born with some brain damage — not severe, but enough to make every day frustrating for all of us. She has memory problems. is behind in critical thinking, has trouble with receptive and expressive speech. She was adopted from another country. Even when she first came to the USA, she embraced each day with curiosity and resilience. She loved it when we would go places, even if it was just to the doctor’s office. She has a lot of strength she doesn’t even realize. And sooo much artistic talent. She can draw and paint such beauty. She especially loves to draw things from God’s creation, particularly animals. She also has some amazing skills in photography. Even when she frustrates me, I still admire her for so many reasons. She has been a great blessing to our lives, our family, our church … we are so glad God led us to her.
Hi Valerie, thanks for this offer!
I admire both of my daughters. My older daughter gave birth about a month ago to her fourth baby, early because she developed severe preeclampsia. She has shared with me some of the spiritual lessons God lovingly taught her during that scary time. The baby is beautiful and growing fast, finally home to meet her siblings, who are just doting on her. 🥰
My second daughter is also pregnant with her fourth child. She is due in late October. She suffers from constant pain, but is such a loving mother, and so sensitive to their needs and to teaching moments.
Both girls have wonderful, supportive husbands and godly Christian homes. I am very thankful.
I enjoy seeing how the story relates to your personal life! Thank you so much for sharing! I am loving this book so much as I have enjoyed all of your books! Please keep them coming!
Hi, Valerie! Of course, I loved this story, especially the relationship between the mom and daughter.
As to someone I admire, I admire so many people and since you were talking about your daughter, it brings to mind my 14 year old nephew, Lucas. He is exhibiting all the signs of autism, but only recently has a doctor thought to mention it. Though life is difficult for him at many turns, he is the sweetest young man. I call him our gentle giant (he’s shaped like a football player AND already 6 feet tall!!!). He is a lover and a fighter. And I admire the abandon with which he gives his affection and attention.
Hate to Love and Forced Proximity are fun tropes, along with small towns, beaches and/or cowboys! So many great books mentioned in these blogs. My TBR is huge now!
My grandma and her faith <3
What a delight to see your joy in your daughter and your admiration for her! She sounds like a wonderful young woman with so many gifts. And it’s always wonderful to see the world through the eyes of a young person who embraces each day with curiosity and resilience.
Aww, it sounds like you’ve been blessed with two wonderful daughters! Congratulations on the new grandbabies!
Thank you, Vickie! Your nephew sounds like a sweetheart. It’s such a joy to see a young man who doesn’t hold back in showing his affection. And who perseveres through challenges.
A growing TBR is a good problem to have. :)
I love that! It’s beautiful to see generations encouraging one another in faith.
I’m a hard person to convince to admire someone… I admire, and am totally biased, but I admire my mom for raising, teaching, and just surviving my seven siblings and me.
The 2 people I admire the most are my mom and my son!
I think it’s completely fair to be biased when it comes to admiring your mom. :) Especially when she raised eight of you!
Wonderful! What a joy to have people to admire from multiple generations of your family.
This is an entry for Evelyn Foreman, who couldn’t get comments to work but emailed me directly. :)