Q&A: Terese Luikens, Author of A Heart's Journey to Forgiveness #Q&A #Interview #AHeartsJourneytoForgiveness

Terese Luikens has been married for forty-four years to the same man, although she is on her third wedding ring, having lost one and worn out another. She lives in Sandpoint, Idaho, enjoys being mother to three grown sons and grandmother to her much-loved grandchildren. She is the author of A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness, a Memoir of her inspiring journey of emotional healing from her father’s suicide. She facilitates retreats and workshops focusing on forgiveness, and publishes her own blog, Why Bother? 

You can visit her website at www.tereseluikens.com.

 

 

 

 

When did you first call yourself a writer?

That is a good question. I was always afraid to call myself a writer even after I’d published a few articles. But I’ve been a member of  a writer’s group for quite a long time and in identifying myself with that group, I identify myself as a writer. My writer’s group has turned me into a writer and they have supported my writing. 

How did you come up with the idea to write your book, A

Heart's Journey to Forgiveness?

My dad’s suicide was the most tragic event that ever happened to me. I could not believe that even though the tragedy happened to my family, we could not talk about it as a family. The story stayed in my head and one day I finally decided to write it down instead of letting it just simmer inside of me.  

Can you give us the first page out of your book?

Introduction 

When the COVID-19 pandemic invaded the US in the spring of 2020, it reminded me of the blizzards and ice storms that hit our region of North Idaho. During nearly every winter storm, people huddle in their homes waiting for the electricity to come back on. Schools close, and any kind of travel—car, bus, train, or plane—is canceled.

A similar phenomenon happened when COVID-19 arrived. But as of this writing, the pandemic has lasted longer than any winter storm. Social distancing, face coverings, and working from home remain the expected protocol.

When the pandemic first descended upon us, face-to-face interactions with others were limited to those who lived in the same household. Traveling even short distances to visit friends or relatives, especially across any state or county line, was prohibited.

I have six siblings living in five states: Minnesota, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. New restrictions put the kibosh on any plans we might have had to visit one another during the summer months.

But my sister Ella, who dubs herself the most “normal” one in the family because she is the middle child, came up with an idea. The seven of us could all stay connected despite travel restrictions if she were to set up weekly conference calls.

On April 15, 2020, an email arrived with details of the Macek Maverick calls, as Ella had named them. Each week, a sibling would take a turn as facilitator, coming up with a discussion-starting question and launching the call. The facilitator would also ensure everyone got a chance to answer the question, and would monitor the time. Each call would be limited to around seventy-five minutes.

What was the most difficult part of writing A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness?

The most difficult part of writing  A Heart’s Journey to Forgiveness was making sure I got the facts right; dates, names and sequence of events. Thankfully, my siblings helped me. 

It’s so hard to forgive. What has writing your book taught you about forgiving people?

Forgiving people is a freeing experience. Forgiving showed me how to let go of grudges and make room in my heart to love others. 

Did you have a mentor while writing this book?

My writer’s group helped me to get started and then I hired one particular member, Jenny, to edit. 

Do you plan on writing more books?

Presently, I am writing a devotional book for suicide survivors.