Tapestry: A Memoir

by Laurene Counter, Christopher Hallenbeck (Introduction)

One evening, at the end of May in 1952, Laurene Johnson attended a Catholic social dance in Sioux City, Iowa. Across the crowded ballroom floor, a young man named Vern Counter introduced himself to her. The next night they went on a double date together.
The following year, they were married.

In 1953, Vern and Laurene started a family, and during the next 24 years, the family grew to 16 children!
When people would find out that Laurene was a mother to 16 children, they would say “You should write a book!” – One day Laurene started writing, and years later her writings turned Tapestry – A Memoir.

Laurene and Vern experienced many challenges during their 63-year marriage. However, Laurene’s faith, and devotion to both her family, and Catholicism, enabled her to find incredible strength and courage every day.

Tapestry is a collection of stories of a mother who would have many crosses to bear. Every time that Laurene fell, she got back up - just like Jesus did- continuing to inspire her husband, her children, and grandchildren.

Now the time has come for you to both learn from Laurene, and be inspired by her, in A Memoir

393 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2022