The Waiting: The True Story of a Lost Child, a Lifetime of Longing, and a Miracle for a Mother Who Never Gave Up

by Cathy LaGrow, Cindy Martinusen Coloma (Contributor)

An unforgettable true story that will touch your heart and make you believe in love's enduring legacy, and in the power of prayer.In 1928, 16-year-old Minka was on a picnic in the woods when she was assaulted and raped. And suddenly this innocent farm girl--who still thought the stork brought babies--was pregnant. The baby was secretly born, named Betty Jane, and given up for adoption. For decades, Minka wrote letters trying to get news of her daughter; she kept loving and praying for her, even though she never dared believe they would meet again. Until nearly eighty years later, when Minka whispered her secret, impossible prayer for the first time: "Lord, I'd like to see Betty Jane before I die. I promise I won't bother her or interrupt her life. I just want to lay eyes on her." Unbeknownst to Minka, that very same day, a judge was releasing the sealed adoption records to her 77-year-old daughter. And soon, Minka's phone would ring. Written by Cathy LaGrow (Minka's granddaughter), "The Waiting" brings three generations of this most unusual family together over the course of a century to tell a story of faith that triumphs, forgiveness that sets us free, and love that never forgets.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Book Club, Adoption, Memoir, Christian, Biography Memoir

344 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Cathy LaGrow first fell in love with books as a young girl, when she often chose to lose herself in a story rather than play outside. That love has never waned. She estimates that she's read more than two thousand books, and she habitually collects new titles much faster than she can read them.

Her writing endeavors include her blog, Windows and Paper Walls; a story for Chicken Soup for the Soul titled "A Good Mother"; and a weekly column for All the Church Ladies on a website created by journalist Karen Spears Zacharias.

In 2006, just after the birth of her first baby, Cathy and her family learned the secret her grandmother Minka Disbrow had been carrying for almost eighty years—that at age seventeen, she'd given up a baby for adoption. Cathy's mother is Minka's second child, born nearly eighteen years later. Cathy began working on The Waiting in early 2012. It will be published on May 6, 2014 by Tyndale Momentum.

Cathy has been married to her high school sweetheart, Dan, for almost twenty-five years. She is a licensed, nonpracticing US Customs broker and a piano teacher. She lives in Oregon, where she's often found in the kitchen baking or curled up in a chair reading. An avid runner, she sometimes runs literal circles around her two small boys at the neighborhood park. She is fascinated by nearly everything.

Reviews

[Samantha | samanthakreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝.✨

Some stories truly make a lasting impression by inspiring thought, fostering faith, and evoking a deeper level of empathy for others. Although difficult to read at times, intertwined were themes of hope, a mother’s unconditional love, and the power of God and prayer. I was inspired by Minka’s strength, growth, and faith, and I truly think others will be too.💜

This book was recommended to me by @thisbookfilledhome! If it wasn’t for her, this book wouldn’t have been on my radar✨

[Holly Wolf]

I will be forever stunned that this story is true. How incredibly astonishing. Great read!!

[Cathy Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the little I'd heard about this story made me salivate to read the book. And it did not disappoint. Heartfelt and deeply touching, THE WAITING shows a mother's unfailing love over a span of many, many years. Steadfast hope in what seemed a hopeless situation. The writing is winsome and the story compelling. Sometimes through tears, I found myself cheering on Minka until the last page. Don't miss this one!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to start the year. It was everything I look for in a memoir- emotional, redemptive, great storytelling.

I found the writing to be restorative and comforting, if that makes sense.

I loved Minka’s journey and the satisfying ending.

✝️As a Christian, the faith elements resonated with me deeply, but if you aren’t a Christian, I don’t think you’ll mind them. The story itself is beautiful.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing story of how God took something terrible and turned it into something beautiful as only He can. The author did a great job of sticking with the facts while also keeping the emotions and people real and vulnerable. I loved how Minka grew in her faith throughout her life.

[Amanda (The Little Book Spot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to have your heart stretched tight and your faith challenged as you read this awe inspiring, true story of Minka: a sweet and bright Dutch girl from the Midwest. Minka’s innocence and whole life is radically changed in the blink of an eye when she is tragically raped and finds herself pregnant at the tender age of 16.

The story follows Minka’s pregnancy, her stay at a pregnant girls home: The House of Mercy, the people she meets along the way and her difficult and emotional decision to give her baby up for adoption.

Minka never forgot her sweet baby daughter and longed for her daily, even after marrying and starting a family of her own. As Minka aged and became an empty nester and widow she prayed a simple prayer, “Lord, let me see my daughter before I die.”

Miraculously, the Lord did let Minka see her daughter again… 77 years later and through an amazingly orchestrated plan not of her own doing.

The book chronicles Minka’s entire life. A life of simplicity, strong faith, and unwavering love. It was quite interesting how much change Minka saw over the many years of her long life, the book is chock full of history events she witnessed.

What is so great about a true story like this is being able to google the people and with this story there are even tv appearances and interviews. 🩵 It makes the whole book come alive to hear their voices and see their faces!

The book is coauthored by Minka’s granddaughter; she meticulously went over every word, story and event with her grandmother and you can feel the love for Minka and this story in each page. What a testimony!

If you enjoy stories that highlight beauty from ashes, strong family ties, redemption, adoption and a prolife stance, you will enjoy this story!

[Christina DeVane · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely beautiful, heartbreaking, and unbelievable story!
This true story is about a Dutch girl from the Midwest.🙋🏻‍♀️
Throughout the book many towns are listed that I know of or have visited personally, so I was able to vividly imagine every part. (Sioux Falls, SD, Wallingford, IA, Viroqua, WI)

A tragedy lands Minka in the Lutheran House of Mercy in 1929. She must give up her baby for adoption, but she never forgets her first daughter. They live their lives apart, but a seeking grandson brings them back together when Minka is 94!! 😲

The ending was so amazing, I cried while sharing it with my husband!
She prayed she would just get to see her “Betty Jane” before she died. She missed 77 years of birthdays, but she was able to celebrate her daughter’s 78th with her!💞
Their close relationship after reuniting was very special and unusual for adoption stories.

📖 “I knew you would be as wonderful as I always thought.”
📖 “Her biggest blessing came from her greatest wound.”😭😭

*Listen FREE on Hoopla!
*Watch YouTube interviews of mother and daughter!❤️

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is simply amazing! It's hard to imagine that one person could go through a century of such change, loss and heartbreak with so much faith and perseverance. The writing is beautiful. The words come to life with so much detail you'd think you were reading a fiction novel. Times and places are so delicately weaved together throughout the book. The occasional interjection of historical events was so well done and manages to really tie everything together and remind you of the world Minka watched change around her. This is a must read!

[forthefamilyssake Hailey White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! An incredible biography that brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful, heart warming, eye opening, historical, sad, and special. The modesty in relaying difficult circumstances was appreciated, and it added to the integrity of the story. Just having attended my own great- grandmothers 100th birthday, and having watched her out live all her children, makes me marvel at their reunion that much more.

[T. Rosado · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

This was an amazing true account of Minka's life after a tragic assault, impending pregnancy, and decision to give her child up to the fates of adoption. The Waiting chronicles her life from that point until she meets her daughter again, 77 years later. The author intimately conveys her grandmother's heartbreaking and inspiring story, all with Minka's input and collaboration.

Minka was the most steadfast and faithful woman I’ve ever read about. Her strength, perseverance, and unfailing love were impressive and can only be attributed to her faith in an unfailing God. I think any and every person that reads this will come away inspired, if not changed.

[Hattush · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly incredible story of beauty out of horrible pain and suffering. A testement to the undying love of a mother.

[Jennifer Fluegge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story reflecting God’s amazing grace at work in a family! Highly recommend reading about how God brought so much good out of evil.

Listened to on Hoopla thanks to my local public library!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minka, a young girl of sixteen has lived a sheltered life. Although she lives on a farm she is unaware of where babies come from. She has always believed that "the stork" brings babies to married women. On the day of Minka's sewing class picnic her world is flipped upside down. Cornered in the woods and assaulted by a stranger, Minka is left feeling scared and alone. She decides to never tell anyone what has happened...then three months later she discovers she is pregnant. Her mother and stepfather along with the families pastor decide that the best course of action will be to send Minka away to a distant relative until her confinement time at which time she will then go to the House of Mercy, a place that helps young girls in "delicate" conditions. The plan is for her to have the baby and give it up for adoption.

At the House of Mercy a young girl has her baby and then cares for the baby for 6 weeks before giving it up for adoption or leaving with the baby and having a fresh start. When Minka has her baby she calls her Betty Jane and instantly loves her. She cherishes every moment of the next few weeks and does not want to give her up. She struggles with knowing that both her and her daughter will be "marked" as bad and that her daughter will live a rough life. After much consideration she makes the sacrifice to give her daughter a chance for a better life and gives her up for adoption. When her mom and step father come to pick up Minka they take a picture of Minka and Betty Jane. Minka will cherish this picture for the rest of her life.

Minka never stops loving her daughter. She continues to write letters to the House of Mercy inquiring about the baby. It is against policy for them to give any information, but Minka writes anyway. It is her only link to her baby. She prays for her daughter every year and never forgets Betty Jane. Now an elderly woman in her 90's she finds herself praying a new prayer...that God will let her see her daughter before she dies. Little does she know that two thousand miles away Ruth Lee (Betty Jane) just got word that the court has authorized release of her adoption records.

This book is so good. I couldn't put it down and read it from cover to cover in 24 hours. It is a story of love, a mother's love that runs so deep that no adoption, miles or even years gone by could stop it. I felt like I was sitting down with this family and hearing them recount the story to me first hand. The fact that Minka did not let the circumstances of her life turn her into a bitter woman was inspirational. She continued to love and she made and donated clothes and turkeys to the the home where she stayed. What a remarkable woman! The miracle of them being reunited is a story of faith and God's love as well. In the middle of the book there are pictures of the family and included is the picture of Minka and Betty Jane, the very same picture that Minka treasured all those years. I love that these pictures were included and found myself pausing from reading and flipping the pages to look at the pictures again and again. It helped me to connect even more to the characters. I would normally say that I would love to sit down with Minka and have a cup of coffee and hear her story, but that is exactly what I felt like I did. Very well written!

***This book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for my review.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1928, Minka "Minnie" DeYoung was a 16-year-old growing up on a dairy farm near Aberdeen, S.D., leading a hard but sheltered life.
She literally still believed that babies were delivered by a stork.
When she was assaulted by a stranger after wandering away from a picnic, she knew it hurt. She was humiliated and ashamed, and the shy teenager's response was to not tell anybody what had happened.
She had never heard of the word "rape." She certainly didn't know she could have a baby because of what had happened.
But she did. When after three months her mother figured out what had happened, Minka was sent to live with an aunt in Sioux City, Iowa, and then to a home for unwed mothers in Sioux Falls, S.D., to have the baby.
She instantly fell in love with the girl who was born to her. But Minka was counseled that the best thing for her child would be for her to be adopted by a loving couple. She reluctantly agreed, and she was only with the baby she named Betty Jane for the first five weeks of her life.
One might think Minka had gone through enough hardship for a lifetime, but her life continued to be filled with enough tragedy and hard times for a Russian novel. She did have two more children from a troubled marriage. Through all of the troubles, the faith in God of Minka's youth only grew stronger and stronger.
Meanwhile, Betty Jane, renamed Ruth, grew up with three older brothers as the daughter of a Lutheran pastor and his wife, and it, indeed, was a good home. Like many pastors' families, they did some moving around -- from Jewell, Iowa, to Wallingford, Iowa, to Fergus Falls, Minn., to Minneapolis and finally to Viroqua, Wis. In Viroqua, she fell in love with a classmate named Charles Lee. They married and had six children, and Ruth never moved again.
One of Ruth's children, Mark, grew up to become a NASA astronaut best known for an untethered space walk. Another, Brian, became curious in his middle years about the story behind his mother's birth mother. Using email, the Internet and old-fashioned letter-writing, he set out to learn everything he could.
But his own mother was 77 by then; her mother would be in her 90s. Surely if he found out who she was and where she had lived, his unknown grandmother would be deceased by now.
Wouldn't she?
Written by one of Minka's granddaughter's "The Waiting" is compelling and deeply moving, but never overly sentimental; inspirational but not preachy. Although it's a cliche to say you couldn't put a book down, the cliche was very nearly true for me in this case. And I found that when I did pick it back up, I was instantly caught up again in this remarkable true story.
There are so many dark moments in "The Waiting," yet it is filled with hope.
This probably will turn out to be the last book I'll have finished reading in 2014. It's also probably the best.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1928, a 16-year-old girl was assaulted in the woods by a stranger while attending a picnic. Months later she learned she was pregnant. Sent away to live, first, with relatives and then at a Lutheran home for unwed mothers, the girl became a mother faced with a choice: give her daughter up for adoption to a family or keep her and live with the stigma of being a single mother.

She'd carry the decision to give up her daughter, whom she named Betty Jane, mostly in secret for almost 80 years. And then a miracle answer to prayer: a phone call would reunite the two women and renew a relationship that even eight decades couldn't destroy.

This is the story of The Waiting, a debut book by Cathy LaGrow, whose grandmother is the woman, Minka, who gave up the child and on her daughter's 77th birthday prayed for a chance to see her baby girl one more time. (Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers through the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my review.)

So much more than a family history, The Waiting is a stunning narrative that reads like a novel. (It could be a movie and we'd all be ugly crying. It's that good.) LaGrow, and contributor Cindy Coloma, have pieced together a story that spans almost a century, thousands of miles and two families connected by blood but with no idea either existed.
I was impressed with the details and meticulous research, the emotions that practically jumped off the page. I could see the story unfold, and I'm so grateful for this family sharing their lives and the incredible way God brought together all things for good.

I was moved to tears and had to set the book down a few times for fear that if I engaged fully, I'd be unable to go on with my day. Steadfast love, forgiveness, sacrifice and so.much.joy make up the overall themes of this story.

By the end, I wanted to meet Minka, a remarkable woman of 100 years whose vigor, patience and dedication are inspiring. A story like hers could have easily died with her and reminded me of the importance of sharing stories across generations.

It's hard to imagine a woman living such a full life in spite of the crushing loss. And it's harder to imagine that God could bring such beauty out of the brokenness. But she did and He did and The Waiting tells it beautifully.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Waiting by Cathy LaGrow. If you like biographies, this is a must read. I fell in love with Minka from the very start of her story and by the end, I wanted her to adopt me as her granddaughter. I so admire her choice to stay positive despite the trauma that she experienced as a teen. Her love for her daughter never faultered through the decades. She didn't allow the hole in her life to destroy her or detract from the love she had share as her life moved forward. It gave me chills when she hugged her 77 year old daughter for the first time after handing her over as a baby. Amazing!!

This is one of those books that I just loved on the whole so there aren't many lines or passages I'll capture here, it was the story on the whole that I loved so much.

P 182-Donnie-Boy you have to make a choice...There are two placed to go: hell or heaven. You open the door either way. You have to live not only to know the Lord-you have to make Him Lord of your life. THere's a big difference between just knowing Himn and putting Him in charge.
...Minka was frustrated with her teenaged son. She felt ill equipped to raise a young man in such a different environment from the one she'd grown up in. She spoke with a traveling evangelist who had three boys of his own. His advice was succinct. I'll tell you the same thing I told my own wife: Get off his neck, but don't get off your knees.
Minka took the evangelist's advice and stopped hounding her son. She got down on her knees and prayed instead.

P 188-After all these years, the sharp pain of Betty Jane's absence had softened into a bittersweet hollow space, one that MInka accepted as part of her. Whenever she felt a deeper pang, triggered by memory or unexpected emotions, she simply prayed for her daughter.

P 242- Everyone reconnected at the dining room table, even if it was later in the evening. "Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let this food to us be blessed."

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book! It is amazing. It is heartbreakingly beautiful. It will cause you to openly weep. Sincerely one of the best true stories I have read. I learned so much - or at least more deeply about - love, faith, family relationships and the ties that bind. Minka, the woman whose story this is, is truly remarkable and makes me want to be a better person. I want to be more like her!

Truly grateful to Minka’s granddaughter for writing this book, for sharing this singular story. She did a wonderful job and it is so obviously a labor of love and legacy. I felt a few of my own poignant, personal ties to this story that helped me feel connected to it in gentle ways. A welcome discovery.

Lastly, a shout out to the Piedmont School District, the school district my husband attended for his K-12 education. I visited the high school when we were first dating and our children have played at the elementary playground many times (although I've not visited the cafeteria of either :) It features in Minka’s life story and I’m equal parts proud and tickled by the connection.

[Katie Alicea · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Waiting is an amazing true story that brings the reader into the heart and mind of Minka, a young girl who's life was changed forever because of a stranger in the woods. As a new mom, my heart ached as I read Minka's heartfelt letters inquiring as to how you precious Betty Jane is doing. The love she had for her baby all those years is remarkable and inspiring. This book is more than just a true story. It gives us a real look into the power of perseverance and prayer. This book inspired and touched me. I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to anyone that loves wonderful writing and unbelievably amazing true stories. 5 stars aren't enough!

[Cindi Satterstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must warn you that you should have a box of tissues at the ready while reading this book. It is so well written that you feel as if you are a part of the family going through this with them. Cathy LaGrow did such an amazing job that I feel as if Minka is a friend and I am so happy that the story has turned out the way it has. I can't imagine going through everything she has gone through in life and remaining so strong. What an amazing woman and her story is truly extraordinary.
A definite must read, but be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.

[Shirley (stampartiste) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful memoir of a fascinating woman who unwillingly gave her daughter up for adoption in 1929 and spent the next 77 years living her life while never forgetting her first-born child. While I found the story of Minka's longing for her child to be heart-wrenching, I was more fascinated by the character of this woman. She was not only strong and resilient but tender and selfless. It made me wish I had known this woman. I'm sure those who were in her life felt truly blessed by her wisdom. Cathy LaGrow is to be commended for writing such a wonderful, loving memoir of her grandmother.

[Richard Muro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I accidentally came across book while awaiting another….

Totally unaware of what this book was about I started reading it and was drawn to its outcome…

Minka who was raped and sent off to have her baby to adoptive parents the Nordslettens.

Although Minka could not keep her child Betty Jane “Ruth” Minka would write for years to her daughter unknowingly if her letters would ever reach her daughter….

I enjoyed the fortitude Minka had to stay the course never giving up and Minka’s second daughter Dianna son Brian Lee (astronaut) took the reins and researched with little information reuniting a family long separated for years.

Excellent read !!! 👍👌🏼👏🏼

[Erica T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking and yet a beautiful story. I loved how it came together in the end. So satisfying!

[Jamie Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Jenna Toews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother's love runs strong through this sweet story.

[Myla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rating is based solely on the story—it takes a lot to share your own story, but also this one is amazing, full of peeks into real life history, hard lives, miracles and life lessons. There’s actually a ton to talk about that would be boring for a review—lets chat if you read it.

[Carolina Imhof · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad story, nicely written

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I had several evening classes a few weeks ago, I knew I would have about a half-hour drive on either side of the classes, and having something to listen to suddenly became pretty important. So—Overdrive to the rescue! I had fun looking through the available titles, adding a few to my want list, but one book that stood out above the others was The Waiting.

I loved the cover, for starters—which is why I probably clicked on that as an option in the first place. But then as I looked at the description, I knew I’d probably either end up loving the book or stopping after the first chapter because it was too graphic. The little snippet of introduction was intriguing, though, and I was glad to see that there was some mention of faith entwined in it as well, which gave me hope that it would end up being a good read. So I borrowed it, and downloaded it to my phone, looking forward to finding out what I thought of it on my next commute.

Minka DeJong stole my heart right away. Here was this beautiful sixteen-year-old girl who was living a hard, but mostly happy life with her stepfather, mother, and younger sister. She was living in the innocence of youth, enjoying her friends and activities with them, the somewhat infrequent escapes from farm life when she could go to sewing group. Then, one awful afternoon, her innocence was stripped away by the cruel lusts of a man, and though she tried to forget the incident, three months later her mother realized something had happened and Minka hadn’t told. Just a few short months later, Minka had to go to a home for girls in similar unfortunate circumstances, and there she had a beautiful baby girl.

This is the story of Minka’s grief—grief in a life forever altered by the effects of one afternoon, grief in welcoming a daughter into the world and then having to give her up again just five short weeks later, grief in not knowing her daughter for the rest of her life. But it’s also a story of hope—for Minka, always hoping that her daughter would have a safe, happy family life unstained by her background, know the Lord, and live for Him. This is a biography of a very strong woman, but laced throughout—with all the ups and downs—is the thread of faith, that grows stronger and more beautiful as the years pass.

It wasn’t always a fast-paced read, but it’s a very moving, memorable one. The author (Minka’s granddaughter) did an excellent job bringing us into the story, while still being sensitive to not including too many details where appropriate. I loved that. I loved seeing how Minka, in her later life, chose to focus on the beauty around her—chose the slower path and made things by hand just for the sheer joy of creation, delighted in and encouraged those around her, and figured out worthwhile things to do that would mean she got the most out of every day. Most of all, I loved seeing the little snapshots into her life with the Lord—the daily ins and outs of a life of faith.

In all, though this was a hard story in many aspects, it was also a beautiful one. And I think just about anyone would enjoy reading it! I’m hoping I can get a paperback copy of this one day. It’s a great book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What grabbed me and pulled me in when I requested to review this book was it’s poignant cover – Minka’s twisted and aged hands holding an old picture of a woman intent on studying the infant on the chair next to her – something deeper than the description spoke to me and made me want to read this book. Minka’s life was one of hardship and loss – loss of her father early on, then later her innocence, and so on – working on a dairy farm from the time she was old enough to carry a bucket deformed her hands as her tiny, forming joints were called into duty that was beyond their years. Minka longs for an education at the public high school in town but her step-dad and her mom need her to work with them on their dairy farm but there is one bright spot in her life – that of the sewing club and that is where Minka’s story picks up, eagerly waiting for her mom and sister to get to the pickup truck so she can get home grab the cookies her sister baked for the sewing club’s picnic and put on her dress that she sewed herself. If only……

If only Minka hadn’t gone to that sewing club picnic, if only she hadn’t taken a walk with another girl friend, there are many if-only s in Minka’s life but as she learned you can’t undo the things that are done one can only move forward and try to cling to a life that in some ways seem surreal. Follow Minka from her life at a home for girls in trouble, and her return to her home without a baby in her arms and only her, her step-dad, mom and her pastor in her home town know that she is a mother. A mother who did not get to nurse her child. A mother who won’t be able to comfort a cry in the night. Kiss a boo-boo. Watch her get married. Minka writes for years even after her 2nd child, the first with her husband, is born as she realizes she’ll probably never get to see her baby, the one she had to give up, this side of Heaven. One day she whispers a prayer and wonders if God hears it.

I won’t spoil the whole story for you – but I shed many a tear as I read Minka’s story of love, loss and ultimately closure – Cathy LaGrow spent much time doing meticulous research while she wrote this book and it seems in a way as if Minka is writing her own story, her sorrows, her love comes through the pages. This type of book wouldn’t be complete without pictures, black and white and the modern colored ones – including the one shown on the cover of Minka ignoring the camera and looking at the baby she won’t see again. I think the only thing that would have completed the story is to hear what happened to other girl that Minka was walking with that fateful day – I like to hear the after stories of all those involved – but regardless my mind thinks that they wouldn’t have talked about it and probably would have avoided each other given the culture of the time. A story of loss, betrayal, love and ultimately a forgiveness and an answered prayer.

**I was given a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

[Mariejkt · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Waiting: The true story of a lost child, a lifetime of longing, and a miracle for a mother who never gave up" by Cathy LaGrow with Cindy Coloma. This is one of the most powerful books I have ever read. It is a true story about this wonderful (who I would love to meet) woman name Minka finding her daughter after 77 years. She was raped when she was just 16 years old in 1928 and she gave up her daughter, Betty Jane, to adoption praying that her little girl would have a good life. Well when she gave her up, she did not give her up in her heart. She constantly wrote letters to her until the birth of her 2nd with her husband Roy in 1947. Most of the book is about Minka and her life from a little bit from childhood, the rape all the way to today. Yes, I said today as of the day the book was finished (its release day is May 2014) she is still alive, she was born in 1911. We find her meeting her husband Roy, with him coming home from World War 2 with PTSD. Her close friendship with her younger sister Jane. Her having their two children with Roy but also his alcoholism affecting their family in bad ways. Even through all this she stays strong in her faith and keeps in her heart the love and memory of her daughter Betty Jane whom she still loves very much. The last section of the book we learn about Betty Jane's, renamed by her adoptive family Ruth. Minka did know that Ruth was adopted by Pastor and his wife which turned out to be a big blessing for that family and Ruth. Ruth was blessed with a very loving family. In high school she met and fell in love with her future husband Charles. Ruth and Charles ended up having six children. Minka one day decided when she did her praying for
Betty Jane/Ruth she decided to ask God to help her find her. What she did not know was that her daughter was looking for her with the help of Ruth's son Brian. Minka's daughter and her grandkids did not know about her long lost daughter. But Minka and her complete family now was reunited. Once Minka was reunited with Betty Jane/Ruth she was able to finally forgive her rapist even though she had put him out of her mind for years.

I will say this was one of the most powerful books I have read. The story Minka and Betty Jane/Ruth is very powerful and started to make me cry. We have a tendency in this pro-abortion culture to forget that there many woman out there that have been raped but still loved their children that came from that rape. This was a powerful story that needed to be told. I am so thankfully to Cathy LaGrow (who happens to be one of Minka's Granddaughters) for writing her Grandmother's and her Aunt Ruth's story. This is one book I do not plan on ever getting rid of. You can buy here at http://www.amazon.com/The-Waiting-Lif... and please do buy it.

I was given this book by Tyndale Publishers for my honest review and was not required to give a positive review.

[Jeni | StoryTimeReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯—𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥?”

✨ 𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝗹𝗹 𝗪𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 & 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵! 📖💔

Get ready for tears, chills, & the ultimate ugly cry! 😭 Cathy LaGrow masterfully brings us the unforgettable journey of Minka—a woman whose love, faith, & resilience leap off the pages in 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 & grips your soul. This isn’t just a book—it’s a testament to how prayer, perseverance, & a mother’s love defy time.

“𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘴. 𝘐𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘱.”

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗹𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸
📚 Reads Like a Novel—But It’s 100% True: Real-life drama with twists only God could write.
🙏 Faith That Moves Mountains: Minka’s prayer after 77 years is answered—and how!
💔 A Mother’s Heart, Unbreakable: The letters. The waiting. The reunion. You will cry.
🌟 Generational Legacy: Written by Minka’s granddaughter, so you feel every ounce of love.
📜 History Brought to Life: Travel through a century of American history through Minka’s eyes.

“𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.”

𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿
💌 The Hundred Letters: Minka never stops writing or believing. Cue the tears.
🙏 The Simple, Powerful Prayer: One line to God that changes everything.
🎉 The Phone Call That Ends the Wait: Get the tissues—this part wrecked me.
👵 The 78th Birthday Scene: Because God’s timing is everything.
📸 The Family Photos Section: Seeing their faces will break and heal you all at once.

“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘸𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯.”

🤣 𝗠𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝟱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
1️⃣ “Awww, sweet little Minka!” (Innocence) 💕
2️⃣ “Wait… oh no…” (Gut punch) 💔
3️⃣ “JUST GIVE HER HER BABY BACK!!” (Rage) 😭
4️⃣ “God, You did NOT just…” (Miracle) 🙌
5️⃣ “I’m not crying, YOU’RE CRYING!” (Total sob-fest) 🥹

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘮 𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.”

⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Sexual Assault/Rape (briefly mentioned with care & no graphic detail). Trauma, adoption loss, & grief. Strong Christian themes of prayer, providence, & hope.

💬 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
“𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦. 𝘈𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘸𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘺.”

“𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘪𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.”

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘨 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘏𝘪𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘏𝘪𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦.”

“𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘧𝘦—𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘬 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘴.”

“𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨—𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩.”