“Thinking about you this morning.  I am still reading your book.  Page 92 is very helpful to me in understanding what Nicholas may have been going through.  Thank you for writing this.  I am grateful to have met you.”  

“Tonight I read page 247 of your book. Amazing!”

— Melissa Flynn

Stepmother of a son who died of an opioid overdose & Co-chair of South Dakota Addiction Reform Policy 

“The author writes about how traumatic deaths of loved ones that happen early in a child’s life can leave issues that can be understood and overcome by therapy, love and laughter.  A must read for all who work with small children and anyone who appreciates a story of survival.”

— Cynthia Johnson

Retired after 33 years being a 1st & 4th grade school teacher

“As I have worked with Delaine on her memoir, she has taught me that life is about finding laughter after moments that seem unbearable.  It is not about letting the world break you, but instead letting it teach you to be the strongest version of yourself.  She has taught me to never let life cripple your sense of humor, it is the best weapon you have in the fight for happiness.”

— Alexa Giebink 

Author

“…Delaine’s memoir of her life and her journey with God is an inspiring testimony…it brings forth the role that family members play in being present to each other in a playful and joyful way in times of trials.  Her story illuminates trust in God, leading her to a deep desire to live her best self, to help others overcome their obstacles, to come out of the shadows, and to live in the Light.”

— Sister JoAnn

Spiritual Director & Author

“In twenty-five years of weekly letters Delaine and I have shared the yin and yang of life.  I have read how her health has impacted her life, but not her spirit. Her faith is an example for all of us. Most of us carry a candle in the dark of night. Delaine carries a lantern. To suffer all the tragedies and abandonment issues in her life is a miracle in and of itself.  Never, never give up is her creed.  She is one of my heroes.”

— KAY LANGIN

Pen pal of 25 years

“I love your story about Kenny; I can see you and Kenny in your friendship having fun, being adventurous, taking risks and loving each other.  I think there is just so much in your story and you managed it very well. You gave the essence of people, family, your hometown and the community.  You put your heart into it as if you were reliving the joys as well as the sorrows of your childhood and your life.”

— Marilyn Wadick

Writer from Australia I met while taking an online writing class

“Bravo to you my dear friend! I applaud you for your courage in exposing your many personal tragedies, trials and tribulations. Your candidness in just laying it all out there for all to see is undaunting! It’s obvious that your faith and love for humanity gave you strength to follow through. I so admire your determination and diligence in seeing this all come to its fruition.  I especially enjoyed the readings about your mom and yes, not only her smile, but also her laugh could light up the world—just like yours.” 

— Sharon McGlivrey

“Thirty years ago, Delaine swore she would never share the story of her brokenness and alcoholism in the church or publicly, now God has brought her to a place of relying on his mighty power to bring her story of healing and hope to others.  And for others in their need for God’s healing powers of mercy and grace.” 

— Pastor Tim Lemme

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

Thank you again for sending me And Then, We Laughed. You’ve done a very good job of combining deeply personal, often painful experience with spiritual and emotional insight. There is little bitterness here, and a great deal of blessing, which attest to the work you’ve done in recovery, therapy, and your spiritual life. It’s also not saccharine or schmaltzy, which is hard to avoid in memoirs containing abuse and as much pain—and loss—as yours does. That is spiritual maturity at work, and I salute you for your courage and stick-to-it-ness with the book! Congratulations!

-MARK MATOUSEK Author & Spiritual Teacher

Author of Sex Death Enlightenment: A True Story; When You’re Falling, Dive; The Boy He Left Behind A Man’s Search for His Lost Father; Writing to Awaken: A Journey of Truth, Transformation, and Self-Discovery. Spiritual Writing Teacher: The Nuts & Bolts of Memoir; Writing as a Spiritual Practice

Thank you so much for bringing your story to our group. I loved when you read parts of your book, it brought the words to life.  I loved the end when you talked about the ministries you are involved in. I could clearly see your passion to help other people find hope and healing in Christ without judgment.  

— Yvonne Craig Smith

Leader of Oak Hills Baptist Church Bible Study   

“I thought your book was great.  There was a lot I identified with.  I gave the book to my son to read; I think it will help him in his struggles.”

— Jack  

A gentleman in his 80’s

There is a theme of resilience throughout the book. Each chapter seems to have a lesson. It’s not just personal resilience, but God influenced resilience. The author’s underlying faith is shown.

There is a strong message about surrendering and forgiveness of self and from God. I especially appreciated the lessons of surrendering the ego to free us to fully embrace the lessons we are to learn in life.

DEB BERRINGER, Social Worker

I loved this book. It is very passionately written. Full of wisdom from someone who tells her story of overcoming helplessness. The story of her survival, recovery and triumph provides us with an entertaining yet edifying read. I loved the blurbs of wisdom interspersed with epiphanies about life. For example, when one falls out of love the love can remain. Or, one can actually ASK for help! Her experience is the result of Christian and 12-step participation. The reader will pick and choose what he/she wants from it but definitely will come away enriched.

-BRUCE RAMSDELL, M.D.