A Message from Jessie: The Incredible True Story of Murder and Miracles in the Heartland

by Buck Blodgett

“Love is stronger than hate.” That was a grieving dad's message to 1,000 people at his daughter’s funeral after she was brutally murdered in their home. Borne of this statement was Jessie Blodgett's The LOVE>hate Project. As I sat there with my face in my hands, asking Him why, my thoughts traveled forward from the eighth grade musical where Jess debuted her first original composition, “Butterflies.” I remembered recurring visions of myself at her funeral with this song playing in the background. I had always dismissed these premonitions as typical parental fears. Every parent worries about losing their child, right? Then I envisioned an angel coming to Jess in her darkest hour. As the rope bit hard into her neck, cutting off her air, the grip too hopelessly strong for her to fight off, as she struggled desperately, bewildered by the betrayal and cruelty of a friend, the angel came. Out of her body it called her soul. Floating up and away together, the angel whispered in her ear, “Fly away, fly high. You’re a butterfly, and butterflies are free to fly…” Excerpt But, of course, most of life—the mundane minutes, seconds, and moments—was just normal life. Now, life would never be normal again, of course. No, it would be a moment-to-moment wrestling match, a constant duel for my attention between the abyss and the life of purpose. Excerpt Jess was a young woman with an indomitable spirit. She was the girl who ran out into traffic on Highway 60 near Pike Lake to rescue a turtle that wasn’t going to make it across the road. She was the girl whose purse came from Ecuador, because it was a Fair Trade item, and even a stranger from halfway around the world deserved a chance to build a life. The way to meet this horrible tragedy was not with anger and bitterness. We had to respond to this incomprehensible act with the best of our true selves, not the worst. To honor Jess. Excerpt I had hit rock bottom. It had been over half a year now. It was the dead of winter. The shock phase was over, and all that was left was emptiness. The day before, I had gone up to Jessie’s room. I stood by the side of her bed. I imagined her lying there, sleeping peacefully…. And then I bent over and put my arm around her and gave her a kiss on the head, as if she was actually sleeping there. Even though I was alone, it was kind of awkward. But something about it felt really good, too, and I ended up hugging “her” for a full five minutes. Then, I grabbed the flannel shirt hanging on her bedpost, the shirt that still smelled like her, the one she wore so much in her last days, and I climbed onto her bed with the shirt and, using it like a blanket, I snuggled with “her” for a half hour. And I imagined that she talked back, speaking words of comfort and wisdom. Excerpt FACEBOOK Buck Blodgett July 15, 2014 Jess, a year ago today.... At 12:35 p.m. I took the call from Mom. She was sobbing, telling me she found you—you weren't breathing; there were marks on your neck. She did CPR, called 911. EMTs worked on you as we spoke. I asked if you were responding. She said "no." I asked if you were gone. No words came. I talked to God the whole drive home, hoping, praying. Our driveway was full—squad cars, firetrucks, ambulance, Crime Scene Unit vehicle. They wouldn't let me see you, touch you, hold you. Your room was taped off. I understood, but not being there for you when you needed help, or to say goodbye, was unbearable. It's been a year of deep pain and profound Love.

Genres: Book Club

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 22, 2015

Reviews

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to write a book about the violent death of a child, and your only child at that. But not only does Jessie's dad do this, but he finds meaning and purpose in the biggest loss a human can suffer. This is about a murder that happened down the road in the school district where I spent my teaching life. It is only the town's third murder in a century. What Buck and his wife Joy and their friends, and Jessie's friends have done to bring sense and purpose is extraordinary and a true tribute to Jessie.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful that Buck wrote this book so that once I was ready, I could better understand why and how this happened.

[Producervan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Message from Jessie, The Incredible True Story of Murder and Miracles in the Heartland by Buck Blodgett. BooksGoSocial. Biographies & Memoirs, Nonfiction (Adult). Pub Date 22 Jun 2015.

First of all, I extend my condolences to this family; I am truly sorry for your loss. This book is a testament to the power of forgiveness and love in its deepest and most difficult aspects. In this book it is written, “I could never forget the sacred sweetness of giving forgiveness when it wasn’t deserved. And I now understood that I would have endless opportunities every day for the rest of my life to practice the habit.” Dr. Blodgett is open about his struggles, his telling clear and uncomplicated as he covers a most distressing subject. An atheist who became a Christian during the aftermath of his only child’s murder, Dr. Blodgett seems to have made good use of the most functional parts of spirituality. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ebook for review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting as patiently as possible for this book to come out. I know the general story of Jessie's life and death from the news, public documents, mutual friends, and a short conversation with the author himself. I looked forward to this book because I knew I'd be able to read about so much more - hearing how Buck feels himself instead of hearing it from a 3rd party. This book did not disappoint. I went through almost a full box of tissues reading just the first half of the book. It was emotionally draining, in the best way. I cannot imagine how hard it was for Buck to write this.

This book certainly inspires you to hold your loved ones close, show love to everyone - everyday, forgive even when others don't, and never ever ever hit a woman.

[Sheila Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so amazed that the author has the capacity to forgive and move beyond the devastation of the murder of his only child. The narration of the story is very personal, and that is what pulls you in as a reader. The most impressive thing is that he is not focusing on just the memories of Jessie or the murder of his daughter, but rather he articulates the struggle he had to live, and how he found the strength to get up every day. He shows the audience a huge capacity to love and we all have that capacity within if want are truly focus on what is important in life. This is one of the great ways he is honoring his daughter, and Jessie would be so very proud. It is a quick read that walks you through the year and a half after the murder.

[Galina Emmerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

-Goethe

[Ginny T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hard book to read, emotionally. Jessie's father, the author, did a tremendous job of guiding readers through the aftermath of an unspeakable act. The compassion and movement that came from all of this is a compelling story. This was made all the more real for me because it happened in a neighboring town, as the author says, in the 'Heartland'.

[Kerry Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The true story of Jessie Blodgett and the legacy she left behind told from her father and founder of the Love>hate project.

wow this was such a heartbreaking and touching read. The strength and love of this father is so incredible. To go through something this horrific yet have the capacity to love and forgive is stunning. The story is told in short extracts but covers everything from the murder to the trial to beyond. His project is an amazing idea. The book is at times hard to read but there's also a lot of hope in it too. I did love the butterfly mentions throughout. As someone who has los a loved one, its easy to relate, A brilliant, thoughtful read.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I started to read this story about a young girl's senseless murder, I quickly realized that I already knew about the case from watching a Dateline episode. It had attracted my interest because it took place in a small Wisconsin community not far away from where I lived. I realize this book was written quite a few years ago, but the message it delivers is more important than ever. What an inspiring story that a grieving father could turn his family's tragedy into a positive message to share with the world. Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a copy to read and review.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

This book motivated me to make many changes in my life to benefit not only me, but also my children. Dr. Blodgett’s ability to forgive is amazing to me. Bring chills. I have now read this book twice, and would read again.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is from Wauwatosa, my home town. I really had reservations when I bought this book but it was amazing. I could not put it down. So well written. Easy 2-day read. Opened my eyes a bit more to the afterlife. Highly recommend.

[Sue Mcneill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

[Lillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of beauty from ashes, hope from tragedy. Jessie, the only child of the author and his wife, was murdered by someone she considered a friend. She claimed to be an atheist and none of the family was a believer. After her death, however, the author turned to faith and forgiveness. The parents will never "move on" after the loss of their daughter, but things they found and experienced after her death give them hope for eternity together. However, if you are looking for an orthodox Christian viewpoint, you won't find it in this book. You'll read about the Great OKness and Providence, but not about Jesus Christ. The story is still encouraging, but not a story of Christian faith.

[julie morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't Imagine

I felt for you and your family. I can't imagine having to go through this with a child. They say eventually someone will know someone who had lost someone by violence. My father was killed in 1991 and the wheels of justice spin so slow. His murderer was sent down to Florida for a crime down there and once is time was up would be sent back to our state for a crime he committed there and if he is still alive then will be tried for my father's murder. I'm glad you got justice and it was swift and just. If you can save one girl from an abusive relationship then Jessie didn't die in vain. Every high school student should have to read this book, it could be them.

[Melissa Passno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

This is such an amazing, faith filled story. I am a Christian and I found this story to be uplifting for me. I had trouble putting it down and getting any work done, and that's okay. This story touched my heart, made me cry, gave me joy, and strengthened my Faith in our Almighty Father. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Dr. Blodgett has written a very honest account of his life in the aftermath of his daughter's murder. At times inspiring, he is open about the struggle. It was interesting to see Love

[Becky Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing, powerful and insightful book about making a difference out of a tragedy. Highly recommend it

[Therese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Per Marilyn 10/19

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of a father's journey of faith and finding life purpose.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures the route to forgiveness by one family whose child was murdered. It was hard for me to imagine being in that position of being able to forgive before I read this book, but the compassion and selflessness shown by this family has changed my mind. Definitely recommend.

[Lisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book. I would recommend this book to everyone. It was hard to put it down to do the mundane things that I needed to do every day. It was sad and uplifting at the same time

[Jessica Traver cashen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and from the heart. This book is about an amazing young lady, taken from this world to soon. I hope this story saves many young women's lives. Mr. Blodgett chronicles the worst thing to happen in his life. I am going to purchase this book and hand it to my daughter, I hope it wakes her up! I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Netgalley.