A Light That Could not be Dimmed - Patty Wetterling
Few among us have not been touched by adversity...
I mean, I wrote a book about a family tragedy and its ripples through the generations!
Despite facing an unimaginable loss, Patty Wetterling showed remarkable resilience that embodies the essence of Minnesota Strong.
I’ve met Patty a few times over the years, though I’ve always kept a respectful distance. Being near someone whose character was forged by such intense sorrow is humbling. She evokes the same sense of awe I’ve felt in ancient houses of worship or even in the cell of medieval mystic Julian of Norwich - places where you can feel a human spirit too powerful to be contained by a single lifetime.
Although I only know Patty from a distance, her perseverance speaks volumes. She transformed horrific loss into change and advocacy that has saved countless lives. That kind of selfless courage deserves the utmost admiration and respect,
Patty is the mother of Jacob Wetterling, who was abducted at age 11 in 1989. His murderer eventually confessed and led authorities to Jacob's remains in 2016.
Initially cautious of outsiders seeking to capitalize on her story, Patty developed an unlikely friendship with Minnesota blogger and author Joy Baker. Their new book Dear Jacob: A Mother's Journey of Hope chronicles Patty's journey of hope.
Joy’s quote says it best, "From the very beginning, I told her, 'Patty, there are other mothers who have lost their children, and there are other mothers who have missing children, but there's no one like you who has gone on and changed laws and caught the attention of Congress and the president and spoke and made such a difference. I think people want to know what you're made of and where you came from.’”
To learn more
Dear Jacob: A Mother's Journey of Hope by Patty Wetterling and Joy Baker
Meditation: Rachel is weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31)
