Author Lena Nelson Dooley & Strength when Needed
My guest today is Author Lena Nelson Dooley recounts a crisis in her life and how it impacted her writing. Here’e Lena:
“In April of 2009, I had a speaking engagement in Madisonville, Texas. My husband drove me down there. Because I have a problem with one leg, it’s hard for me to drive a long distance.
When we awakened the next morning, James’s face was swollen and a large lump hung below his chin. I tried to get him to go to the hospital across the street from the Bed & Breakfast, but he wouldn’t. Then I told him I would call the writing group and tell them we were heading home. He didn’t want me to.
After I spoke, he had trouble driving, so I had him pull off the highway and let me drive. God was with me. I was able to drive the long distance without pain or cramping in my legs. Halfway home, He told me to take James straight to the hospital instead of going home or to the doctor’s office. Of course, I obeyed. The doctor told me James would have been dead if I hadn’t gotten him there when I did. James had a life-threatening infection and spent a week in the hospital. After that, I had to give him three IV antibiotics per day for three weeks.
His recovery was long and slow. His spark finally returned in the middle of January this year. During that time, I finished writing my Summerside Press novel. Perhaps the strength I needed to care for James also poured strength into the story. I just did what was needed to save my husband, no matter how hard it seemed.
In Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, Madeline Mercer had to make hard choices, too. Fearing for the safety of some of her loved ones, she ventured farther from home than she’d ever imagined she would. She had to face many obstacles in her new life, but she continued to trust that God knew what was best for her. That’s what we all need to do as we go through our lives.”
I’m so glad this story had such a happy ending. If you want to find Lena on the web, you’ll find her. Here are her stomping grounds: