July 1974

It all started with a simple request from Mom, “Would it be too much trouble to type a copy of this so it would be easier for the grandchildren to read?” as she handed me 86 pages of handwritten memories.

We had stopped at Houston on our way up to St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. We were attending the Summer Theological Conference there (July 19-22). So I typed the first draft at St. Olaf.

Aug 1974

Mom and I went over it together and discussed possible titles. She chose “No change my heart shall fear” from a hymn she liked.

An English teacher at Parker High School where I worked liked the story and gave good suggestions for rearranging the order to read more smoothly. So that month I also retyped it.

Sept 1974

I had the secretary at the church were Ron worked, Rose Offerdahl, run off 100 copies of each page (I paid $15 for the paper).

Oct 1974

Ron and I collated and stapled.

Nov 1974

We gave 75 copies to Mom as an early Christmas gift.

Dec 1974

Mom autographed and gave to her grandchildren and friends and relatives for Christmas. Meanwhile, back at the dining room table, unbeknownst to me, Mom had continued to write.

Jan 1975

Over New Years, Mom gave me part 2. I typed it and mailed it back.

Mar 1975

On Good Friday, Mom died unexpectedly. At their place for the funeral and some housecleaning, I found part 2 with her corrections and six extra pages written only days before her death. I scanned it quickly and put it away.

June 1975

I spent one afternoon crying my way through the last six pages. Then I edited, corrected, typed and retyped.

July 1975

My brother Paul offered to help finance the book’s publication, if necessary.

Aug 1975

I wrote letters to publishers. And then Dad died, and I found it difficult to get back to the book.