As an author of historical fiction dating back more than 500
years, I have had a difficult time finding two primary resources for the
historical facts I use. I cannot use the facts without verifying them. At one
point I needed corroborating information to verify that the Sephardic Jews who
fled New Spain settled in Colorado
When Casa de Naomi: The House of Blessing Book 1 was at the
publishers my dear friend Elizabeth’s daughter died of early onset cancer while
serving the Lord in Spain. Although I had never meet Lisa, I knew she was the
embodiment of Naomi for she— like my heroine—gave up everything to serve
others. I asked Elizabeth and her son JD if I could put ‘in loving memory of
Elisabeth Rose Bennett (Alcala-Narro) Leatherwood, a Sephardic Jew who returned
to Spain
Later, with published novel in hand, I prepared to return to the
writers group where I had meet Elizabeth
A year later I mentioned my pledge to my friend Melanie because she had not only survived cancer twice, but was actively involved in raising money for the American Cancer Society. When she asked why I had made my pledge I suggested she visit my www.PaulaWordsmith.com website and read the article about breast cancer. However, she did more than that! Something in the article lead her to believe that she needed another evaluation. She brought the article to her doctors attention, and he authorized another session of genetic counselling. She was tested for the mutation and found to be positive. Melanie will undergo preventative surgery.
Smithsonian online article click
here: The 'Secret Jews'
of San Luis Valley How Breast Cancer
Genes Work
To read the article at www.PaulaWordsmith.com
To interview Paula Rose Michelson, Melanie
Vliet or both of them
or to invite them to appear on
your show email
paula@paulawordsmith.com, and put the
words Secret Jews in the subject field
.
2 comments:
I adore how we are bound up in one another's lives and calling; and how the Lord interweaves His excellent purposes by the Spirit as we seek to obey His prompting and guidance. We belong to the King of Glory Who does amazing things as we abide in His love and grace. And, He is for the afflicted, the poor, the grieved. He bestows requisite help and mercy! (I love your obvious compassion and passion!)
May the Lord bless and keep you. I hope the material posted here, that is linked to the Smithsonian article gives those who need the information a resource. Furthermore, I pray that those fighting the good fight will read about Melanie and know that God cares.
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