Kim Wilbanks

Have you ever finished an enormous project and felt a sense of relief and accomplishment? I have, just a few weeks ago. A dream birthed six years ago is now reality.

How It All Began

I started writing about ten years ago. My two kids had graduated from college and moved away from home, and my nest was empty—very empty. I wanted to do something creative and meaningful in this new stage of life. Friends encouraged me to write, so I started this blog.

About two years into the blog, I had an intriguing conversation with a friend at church.

My friend Mary had escaped from Poland with her family as a six-year-old. I had heard her testimony several times, and it was fascinating. That Sunday in church, she told me she was sharing her testimony again that afternoon. She mentioned her friends and family often told her to write it down, but it sounded like a lot of work. She even had a neighbor offer to do it, but the neighbor moved away and the project ended before it began.

I thought about that conversation and an idea formed. Maybe I could do it for her.

After praying about it, I asked Mary if she would like me to write her story for her and she said yes! So, a little over six years ago, we started this project. We bonded over hours spent together. She told me her life story, and I wrote it down, adding some creative touches here and there. I wrote a chapter, gave it to Mary to read, and made corrections when I got a name, custom, or event wrong. I remember writing a long story in great detail about the family maid taking Mary downtown to the department store, only to have Mary tell me there was no department store in their city. It was “back to the drawing board” several times.

Finishing Strong

I finally finished the book and sent it to the publisher. The process of editing and re-editing along with all the other things involved with creating a book, lasted several months. During that time, a photographer friend took pictures of me, Mary, her husband Oscar, and her teddy bear from Poland. Then, in a flurry of activity in the last days of 2024, Last Train From Lodz was published! It was finally done.

The day before I left to visit family in the Florida panhandle, three boxes of books arrived at my door. I’ve seen so many pictures of writers opening their box of newly published books. I could hardly believe it was my turn. And Mary is as excited as me.

If you enjoy reading true stories about real people in historic events, I think you would like Last Train From Lodz. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com. If you are local, please join us for a book signing on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Ardella Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida. Mary and I will both be there.