MISSING SOMEONE 
For twenty three years, I was married to a humble, big hearted man with a beautiful mind. When I think about loving someone, it's a beautiful feeling, knowing that this person really cares and loves unconditionally.  Now all I can remember are the wonderful memories that we shared together. I am thankful that my husband devoted his entire life to me without regard to himself. I do thank him for all the time, but it's not enough to keep me from missing him. He passed away two years ago. For those two years, my chest has always been heavy and I've cried a lot.  I don't know which one hurts more, to lose the one who loved you wholly and unconditionally or to have never felt that love at all. All I know right now is that it hurts me so badly. I love my Atepa with all my heart, and I will forever. I've tried very hard to control my tears but the more I try, my tears pour from my eyes.  Without my Atepa, I would not be who I am or where I am today. 
    In a letter from 1987 that he wrote to me, " I think you are sweet, delicate, fragrant, and pure as lovely white rose still moist with the early morning dew." Patrick.

Sincerely,

Dedeth Ford

www.dedethford.com

        In today's society physical attraction is where most relationship begin. Many do not take the time to really know each other. When Patrick and I started writing to one another, we weren't able to have physical contact. I think this allowed us to fully learn about the other's personality and beliefs. Our love was able to blossom so truly and deeply because of how well we were able to know one another through our letters. 
        I think this book will appeal to the readers in many dimensions. Despite the advancing methods of communications, current generations are having difficulty in developing long lasting relationships. 
          I believe that my book and I are equally interesting simply because my book is about me. It's not a made up story - it is my life and who my husband and I were together.
          The book is appealing to read because of the beauty of our marriage and how we were able to find such a partnership in spite of the thousand miles that divided us.


 
Sincerely,
Dedeth Ford
www.dedethford.com

Here's a recording of my radio interview with Stu Taylor about my book. I was so nervous about answering the questions but I hope you enjoy listening!

Sincerely,
Dedeth Ford
www.dedethford.com

I came to the United States twenty-five years ago from the Philippines. I worked very hard to learn everything, from different cultures to speaking the English language. When I was going to school to learn the language I think English was the hardest to learn. Reading a lot of excellent novels was very helpful in the process of understanding English. My Patrick "Atepa" was responsible for my improvement and he was patient enough to encourage Dedeth "Atema" (me) to start reading books. I remember I was very upset with my Atepa telling him, "I cannot read this, I don't even understand a lot of the words in this novel. He said, "Have a dictionary handy while reading so if there are words that unfamiliar, just look it up. Read the whole paragraph and it will give you an understanding on what the sentence is about."

One thing Patrick said to me was, "Atema, you will appreciate your Atepa when I am gone." He was absolutely right, because of his persistence and patience with me I am able to read more challenging books.

These are just few books that I have read, but there are a lot of books out there that are excellent for reading depending on what a person loves to read.

LES MESIRABLES BY VICTOR HUGO

LONESOME DOVE BY LARRY McMURTRY

ANNA KARENINA BY LEO TOLSTOY

MOBY DICK BY MELVILLE

SHOGAN BY JAMES CLAVELLS

TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD BY HARPER LEE

ROOTS BY ALEX HALEY

WAR AND PEACE BY LEO TOLSTOY

THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL BY BARONESS ORCZY

THE CATCHER IN THE RYE BY J.D. SALINGER AND A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES BY JOHN KENNEDY TOOLE were two books recommended by Bob Lind -- a writer, publisher of the novel EAST OF THE HOLLYLAND, and a screenplay writer. I have actually read his novel twice!

For his beautiful musical artistry visit: http://boblind.com/

Sincerely,

Dedeth

www.dedethford.com