Today, I want to pay tribute to my dear friend, Elsie Larson, who three years ago today, went home to be with the Lord. I miss her tremendously because she was my writing mentor, prayer partner, and FRIEND. Upon her retirement from the dental field, she decided to write.
And write she did. An extraordinarily intelligent, grounded woman, she chose to grasp the techniques of writing--went to conferences, workshops, critique groups, read favorite authors, books on writing, and encouraged everyone along the way, that they had a story to tell, and that--
they needed to tell it.
I was one of the fortunate ones along the way. She moved into my area of town, so I joined a critique group she had formed. By then, she had published two books, and was well into her third. By this time, I had written as a public relations professional, free-lanced as a journalist, and had edited for various writers along the way. But our friendship bound us together as well as being writers. Toward the end of her life, she had laid writing aside and embarked upon art. Her greatest joy was journaling, then adding a "prophetic" art touch; indeed it sprang to life and she bequeathed it to her children when she knew death was at hand.
My biggest disappointment was not writing a book-she always said she didn't want to go home to be with the Lord until "you have written the book I know is in you, Katy!" Instead we partnered much on articles for Guideposts Magazine for which we both wrote. I helped critique and edit (along with others) that which she wrote.
We sequestered ourselves at the beach, writing days, eating and laughing and watching old movies at nights. We walked our dogs, talked about life, disappointments, joys, what God was doing! and in the end, we were kitchen table friends, enjoying each other, knowing our weaknesses and our strengths, and treasured "being" and sharing our creative endeavors.
My first book will be dedicated to her. What she didn't understand--and she knew me well, is that God had much to do with me before His book--that is, the book within me--would come forth.
Today, my heart says, "It is time for that book." For the journey and the book to come, I thank you Elsie Larson.
