Today we’d like to introduce you to Trudy Lohre.
Hi Trudy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
To begin with, I am so grateful to VoyageMinnesota for allowing me to share my story. I am a senior citizen who was born and raised in the state of Minnesota. In 2002, I relocated to Chandler, Arizona. But after residing there for five years, I missed my family back home as well as the anticipation of the changing of the seasons that Minnesota offers. I returned to my home state in 2007 and have resided here since.
I have worked in retail for most of my career. My favorite job was with Cabela’s in management. It seemed like a natural fit for me due to the nature of the business. We focused on the outdoors and grasped each Minnesota season with passion. I was employed for several years with the company and made lifelong friendships. My life was turned upside down in 2010 when my life partner, Jim, was stricken with a massive cardiac arrest.
Following several months by his side while his life was hanging on by a thread – I became his caregiver. He was a patient in the Abbott Heart Hospital, and, except a few days, waited there for months for an organ transplant while his heart was quickly deteriorating. Later that year and shortly after his heart transplant, I was approached by Abbott to write a book from the eyes of a caregiver. I humbly thanked them but declined for three reasons. First, I had never written a book.
Secondly, I was working long hours at Cabela’s, and third, I was Jim’s caregiver as he was beginning to navigate his second chance at life. But after four years of health challenges for Jim, including three different cancers – I left the retail world and devoted my time completely to Jim as his full-time caregiver. He faced multiple challenges and the strength he showed through it all was inspirational. Soon afterward, I was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer and nearly lost my life.
Fast forward to August of 2022 and the seed that was planted back in 2010 on writing a book has now become my mission. I had journaled over the past twenty-plus years and this, together with my vivid memories, became the source for telling my story. It is a documentary of the health battles we faced together and how our faith was tested with each new struggle. We had many dark times and we held on together for dear life and prayed for strength.
My book, “God Whispered, I’ve Got This,” has now been published by FuzionPress here in Burnsville, MN. My book is a tribute to Jim for all that he faced. In addition, I am striving to provide hope for anyone facing battles in their life. Whether their struggle is health-related or not – the world is hurting and we all need to band together for inspiration and comfort.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has not been smooth. After all the years of suffering and facing almost insurmountable health obstacles, we never gave up. But that certainly doesn’t mean that it was easy.
But we were blessed with an army of friends and family who stood by our sides and offered encouragement along the way. This was a lifeline for us both when we needed it the most.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always enjoyed the creative aspect of life. I believe this was given to me by my mother, Avis. She loved the arts and crafts and she taught me everything I know today. She passed away in 2002, but I still honor her by following in her footsteps.
I handcraft many of my Christmas gifts every year and it helps to bridge the gap of her passing. But the one artistic ability that I never envisioned was the art of writing. But I felt a nudge last year and simply put, felt I needed to tell this story. So here I am today, a published author. I will be the first to admit that it is surreal and extremely humbling.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Throughout my life, I have learned the importance of not taking things for granted. We live in a busy and chaotic world, but we will find a little peace if we stop and see the blessings right in front of our faces.
In the middle of our chaos, there is always something that we can be thankful for. Life will be easier to handle if we focus on the positive and allow it to overshadow the negative.
Pricing:
- Paperback $16.95
- Hardcover $26.95
Contact Info:
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Webpage: https:/www.fuzionpress.com/
trudybondhuslohre - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trudy.bondhuslohre
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trudy.lohre
