A Love Story
Christian Living / Nonfiction / Inspirational
Date Published: March 18, 2025
Publisher: Lucid Books Publishing
In "I've Got This: A Love Story," Mildred Marshall shares her
powerful journey of faith and resilience through a sudden, life-altering
cancer diagnosis. What began as a sharp pain one Friday evening in July 2012
quickly escalated into a Stage IV cancer diagnosis, with the odds stacked
against her. Yet, through every painful treatment and each challenging
prognosis, Mildred found peace and strength in her unwavering faith. Against
all expectations, she was declared cancer-free in February 2014. Deeply
moved by her journey, the Marshalls launched Voices of Hope, a ministry
dedicated to supporting cancer patients physically, emotionally, and
spiritually.
Mildred’s story reminds us of the strength that faith and love can
provide, even in the darkest times. "I've Got This: A Love Story"
is a testament to the healing power of grace, community, and the guiding
hand of the Great Physician.
Interview
Can you tell us a little about the process of getting this book published? How did you come up with the idea and how did you start?
This book was not a traditional journey to publishing. On July 17, 2012 my wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. They took her in to surgery that afternoon, where they removed a portion of her colon and found that 90% of her liver was infected, along with the lower part of both lungs. The surgeon came out after the procedure and his exact words were “get her affairs in order, she will be lucky to live two years.” Well the Lord had other ideas because she lived five-and-a-half years and was in remission three times. During that period we felt we were called to minister to others and so we did. We started Voices of Hope, helping to meet patients/caregivers physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Over time we decided that her story was worth sharing. Thus Mildred began to write down/save on a computer, the significant events that she had lived through. When she died February 15, 2018, I did not have the emotional strength to relive every painful day so I placed our work in one of the files in my office, where it sat for six years. In July 2024 the Lord spoke to me and told me it was time to finish the story. Thus I began pulling the pieces together and wrote the manuscript. I then researched publishers because I did not believe in self-publishing. Having never published before, why would I think I would miraculously have the knowledge and contacts now to do so. Once I spoke with and then chose Lucid Books, we set out to turn the manuscript and her story into a finished product that would change people’s lives.
What surprised you most about getting your book published?
I would say the almost overwhelming number of contacts through emails/texts/regular mail that I received. Virtually every day one or more companies/individuals would reach out to me in an attempt to get me to sign with them. I always thought that publishing companies were large, far-reaching organizations. However, in this day of internet and technology, it became apparent that anyone could call themselves a publisher and represent their perceived abilities to publish at my expense.
Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t writing.
When Mildred died, after my personal grieving period of three to four months, I still felt called to serve and minister. I initially began to help people who my Church would refer to me. Over time the number of people and the issues they were dealing with expanded. On April 1, 2021 I officially became a Licensed Chaplain under the auspices of my Church. I also expanded my “clientele” to include assisting a couple non-profit agencies in my area who serve cancer patients. Mildred and I believed then, and I still believe now, that our Lord had called us to minister and I plan to continue to do that until the day the Lord calls me home.
As a published author, what would you say was the most pivotal point of your writing life?
Without a doubt, the latter stage of Mildred’s cancer journey. When it started to become apparent that she might not survive the cancer, we wanted to get as much information as possible about events in her early life/before me “down on paper”. Initially it was not important to do so in a finished form as I could convert the words into a manuscript, particularly using the individual posts that I had done on a regular basis on the Caring Bridge website.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that is?
Our first book, “I’ve Got This: A Love Story” obviously came from adverse/dysfunctional events in my and Mildred’s lives. I have begun thinking about a second book, which would also be about some of those events . I believe it is easier to write about events such as these because one – we lived them and two by writing about them hopefully others will see themselves and their lives in a way that brings about positive change.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
As a first-time writer, I do not have a wealth of experiences/criticisms upon which to draw. However, I would say that the single-most significant experience of “criticisms” that I had to learn to adapt to was the editing process. When you write a manuscript such as ours, it is a very personal document/event. Thus when you go through the editing process, professionals will share with you their perspectives and that will produce changes. As an author you have to tell yourself that the goal here is to produce the best possible “vehicle” to tell your story, not a testament to your own personal capabilities or beliefs.
What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?
The best accomplishment that I have had so far as a first-time writer are the reactions of people who have purchased and read the book. Overwhelmingly the response has been two-fold:
1) “I could not put the book down until I finished reading it.
2) “I had to have a box or boxes of tissues next to me”.
These responses indicate that the book is having an impact upon individuals who have walked or are currently walking their own cancer/terminal illness journey themselves. That is why we did this!!
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I do not have any. Since this is my first attempt at writing a book capable of being published, and the subject is so personal to me, there was NO WAY that I would not finish it. Then it was a matter of finding the right publisher, which I was able to do.
About the Authors
Bob Marshall grew up in a row house in South Philadelphia (Rocky's
neighborhood!) before moving to southern New Jersey and later settling in
Virginia Beach in 1980, where he resides today. He holds a B.A. in Economics
and History from Dickinson College and an M.B.A. in Accounting and Finance
from Rutgers University. A certified public accountant, he has been licensed
in both New Jersey and Virginia and currently serves as a licensed chaplain
at New Life Church.
From a young age, Bob developed a deep empathy and resilience through
personal caregiving experiences. At age nine when his father was diagnosed
with MS, he became a caregiver for him, and by age thirteen he was his
primary caregiver until his father passed. In 1980, Bob married his beloved
wife, Mildred, and in 2012 became her primary caregiver during her battle
with Stage 4 cancer. Together, they founded Voices of Hope, a ministry
dedicated to bringing peace and compassion to those facing serious
illness.
Marked by resilience and compassion, Bob continues to share his journey and
experiences to encourage others. Through his ministry and writing, he
inspires hope, faith, and strength in those navigating life’s
challenges. To learn more about the author visit
www.robertmarshallchaplain.com.
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