As a ghostwriter and copyeditor, I have written and edited more books than I can remember. A few stand out, but none more so than the book I was involved in at the close of 2023.
It was a rush job for a long-term American client. Someone I normally only write and edit “businessy” stuff for. This book was a passion project for Tim. A book in honour of his great uncle, Francis, a man who endured tremendous loss throughout his life and yet lives to bring hope to others.
The book, Faith Through the Fog: My Journey Through Nine Unbearable Losses, touched my heart because I believe it will help many people. I also found it special that Tim wrote this book and presented it to his uncle on the 1st of December – his birthday and mine.
When Tim discovered that I share a birthday with his Uncle Fran, he invited me to write a letter, and I jumped at the opportunity to send birthday wishes all the way from Ramsgate, South Africa, to East Palestine, Ohio.
This is what I wrote.
Dear Fran Figley
You don’t know me, but after working with Tim on your book, I feel like I know a little about you.
Although we live in different parts of the world and have lived different lives, we have some things in common. The most notable being that we share a birthday – and that means a lot to me!
I trust you will enjoy the most wonderful birthday. I pray that the kindness you have shown to others will return to you today in wave after wave of love as those who are dear to you shower you with kindness.
The photos on this page are of my family and me and depict some of the things we’ve seen on our adventures around South Africa – the country I call home.
Much love from 8400 miles away,
Toni
Tim says Uncle Fran loved my letter. But that’s inconsequential compared with how delighted and taken aback he was to see his life story presented to him as a book! He is such a humble man despite his successes and heartaches. He had no idea the impact he’s had on those he has encouraged and consoled. Sometimes all it’s taken is for the bereaved to see Fran walking to their front door and they think, “If Fran Figley could get through the many losses he has experienced, then there is hope for me.”
Fran can only encourage one person at a time. He is also an elderly man, and may not have the capacity to visit and console people for many more years. This book, Faith Through the Fog: My Journey Through Nine Unbearable Losses, will pick up where Fran leaves off.
P.S. My name is not on the book, and I will not receive royalties – it’s the nature of the work I do. I added this disclaimer so that you understand I’m not promoting the book for personal gain.
