Charlotte Liptack - Hope Abides; My Journey Through Grief

A single phone call can forever change your life. On August 15, 2014, Charlotte Liptack, a wife, mother and career educator, received such a call. Her story of survival and the life-saving power of God's presence is detailed in the raw memoir Hope Abides; My Journey Through Grief. Read on for a brief conversation the Tell Your Story (TYS) team had with her about her life and message for the world.

What is your name and where are you from?

My name is Charlotte Liptack and I am from Mansfield, TX

What do you do for a living?

I am an Educator - English teacher, school counselor, high school principal and curriculum director.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Scuba diving, sailing, crochet, and reading are things I enjoy.

What are two special or unique things about you that are probably not known by your co-workers and acquaintances?

I love to scuba dive. I find complete peace under the water. There is nothing more tranquil than the ocean.

Are there causes or issues that you truly care about?

I am passionate about children and public education. I think public education without indoctrination is the key to preserving our democracy.

What is your story as a person?

I was born and raised in north Texas until moving to Houston in 1995 after marrying Larry. In 2004, I gave birth to a son, Landon. I served as an educator my entire career. On August 15, 2014, I received a phone call that would change my life; my husband and son had just died in a plane crash. The years have been difficult and yet God has given me peace that really does surpass all understanding.

What is the main story you want to share with the world through your book?

August 15, 2014 I received a phone call that would forever change my life. My husband of 19 years, Larry, and only child, 9 year old Landon, had just died in a plane crash. This is my survival story. I say survival because at times I thought I would die of a broken heart. Although, this story is the raw, vulnerable truth of grief; my survival is anchored in hope and faith that was shaken to its core. However, God met me right where I was and walked with me on the most difficult and burdensome journey of my life. My prayer is that my story helps pave the path of others who are on this difficult journey of surviving grief.

If you had an opportunity to share just ONE message with the WHOLE WORLD, what would it be?

This life isn't about us; it's about eternity. Only with God can we survive all that this life deals us.

What does family mean to you? Tell us about your family.

Family is everything; they are how I survived. However, family isn't just about biology, there are friends that are closer than family. They are the ones that pick you up and help carry you when you can't find the energy walk alone.

Charlotte Liptack is the author of Hope Abides: My Journey Through Grief now available for pre-order on Amazon.?