Author Melinda Elmore’s Stories and Tribute to Her Beloved Tommy

My dear friend Author Melinda Elmore is my guest today with a special message that all who read will be deeply touched by.  I certainly have been.   Melinda’s courage and faith as she goes through this terribly difficult time is an inspiration.  One moment, one, hour, one day at a time.  Step by step, she shares from her heart, her ongoing journey and love of a husband and father who is cherished beyond words.  Please join me in showing your support for this very special woman.

And now, I will turn the blog over to Melinda.

First I would like to thank Beth for allowing me to be here today. I was supposed to have been on this wonderful blog in October but I lost my precious husband, Tommy unexpectedly on October 4^th. I am honored to be here and Beth has been there for me during this tragic time.

*I hope to continue to be, Melinda.  When you told me he’d died after routine surgery I was so stunned and unspeakably sorry.

I would like to talk about several things today. First I want to mention my first mystery novel, “Blood on the Feather” was released on Sept 15, 2011. It’s available on my publisher’s website, www.dancingwithbearpublishing.com and it is also on Amazon and all other major book outlets.

The blurb for Blood on the Feather:

Archeologist, DeShay Graywater finds much more than she is looking for on a dig on Lakota Sioux land. When detective TJ Hawke and FBI agent Melina Wolfe team up to investigate the murder of a young Sioux woman, much more than the case, and their shared past, present problems. Adventure, Native culture, and mystery combine in Blood on the Feather to make this a romantic thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat and your heart pounding.~

*Melinda’s in-depth knowledge of and profound respect for the Lakota Sioux really shines in her work.  The setting and flavor of Blood on the Feather reminds me of Coyote Waits by Tony Hillerman.  Back to Melinda.

Next, I want to mention the unexpected death of my husband, of 24 years, was such a tragic event for me and our kids. My daughter, Shaelee, is 13 and my son, Erik is 23. We are a very close family and this has caused such hurt in our hearts it’s unbearable at times.

I wrote a Christmas story that my husband loved, “Journey to Christmas Creek.” My publisher accepted the manuscript and it was published and dedicated to my husband, for he loved the story so much and read it to our kids as they grew.

The blurb from Journey to Christmas Creek.

This historical Native American story takes the reader back to a time when Indians traveled from one place to another, depending on the time of year. These moves were made in order to be able to find food, water, and wood for fires.

In Journey To Christmas Creek, the chief’s teenage son, Spotted Buffalo wants to be thought of as a man, so one night he sneaks off to find the perfect place for the tribes’ new home. Unfortunately, he wasn’t as quiet as he thought and his younger sister, Gentle Tears, follows him, insisting he take her along, or she will tell their parents what he is about to do.

Being blackmailed by a younger sibling is something every big brother or sister can relate to! Agreeing to take his sister along, Spotted Buffalo sets her on the horse in front of him, and heads out beneath a full moon. They don’t get very far before a snowstorm comes in and they are both very cold. Spotted Buffalo pushes on until he can go no further but where he stops is at a place called Christmas Creek by the white fur traders.

All does not go well and Gentle Tears must help her brother, and faces great danger, risking her life to get back to their parents. When Spotted Buffalo’s father arrives, he is understandably angry but will that anger keep him from recognizing his son’s efforts to help their tribe and become a man?~

*I enjoyed Journey to Christmas Creek.  It’s an unusual Christmas story because of the Native American theme but would appeal to many children.

Now I have to mention this because I am so proud of our daughter. Shaelee had to write a definition essay for school. She is homeschooled and has been her entire life. She wrote the essay about her dad, and titled it, “My definition of a Dad.” It touched me so much and every time I read it, I cry. Her teacher loved it and so I wanted my publisher to read it. This is what Marie, my publisher had to say after reading the poem:

“As a school English assignment, Shaelee wrote this essay in memory of her father. Her teacher was very impressed and told Melinda how well the essay was written, and in turn, Melinda asked if I would like to read it. I was touched by the way Shaelee was able to express herself but also impressed by her natural talent for writing. At that point, as a surprise for Shaelee, I asked Melinda’s permission to publish this essay, and present the royalties to Shaelee to put away for college. Melinda was thrilled with the idea, and Dancing with Bear Publishing is pleased to present Shaelee’s essay in memory of her father.”

So, as you can see my publisher found it to be very moving. I was so thrilled about this and knew it would touch Shae’s heart. Now my daughter has her first published book. It is special because it’s about her and her dad. She dedicated it to him and I know he is so proud. The title of her book is, “My definition of a Dad.” It can be found on Amazon as well as on Dancing with Bear Publishing website. www.dwbchildrensline.com

It is a very touching poem and we are so proud of her. All our books are on Dancing with Bear Publishing.

*This is wonderful, Melinda.

Now I would like to take a moment to share with everyone some more about my husband, Tommy. We want everybody to know that he was the most loving, caring husband and father in the world. He was always there for us, always putting us first. We love him and miss him dearly. He will forever reside in our hearts and souls. Our love and bond is so strong he will never be forgotten and will live on in us. We love you Tommy so very much and know that you are the best thing that came into our lives and remained for eternity.

(*Erik Elmore)

We love you and appreciated everything you taught us. You were always so strong and knew the right words to say when we were down and out. You are with us in spirit. We love you, forever.

Your wife and kids,

Melinda, Shaelee, & Erik

*Thanks Melinda for all that you have shared. And this is where Beth gets out the Kleenex again and gives you the biggest virtual hug she can.  (((())))  Also, Melinda has a beautiful blog dedicated to Tommy where I think all who have suffered loss would find comfort: http://www.tommyelmoretheloveofourlife.blogspot.com/