Heaven in His Eyes

Rating:
Summary: A Blessing
Review: Glenn's story is truly one only God could write. You will truly see the joy of the Lord in Glenn's life. A true testimony of what God can do no matter what the obstacles in our lives. All our trials and tribulations all bring us back to HIM. Glenn's life was a true example of God's love. Through joy and pain Glenn never stopped loving the Lord. All that knew Glenn have been blessed by knowing him. The rain will always bring joyous memories of my nephew Glenn DeBusk! Thunder not only shows Gods power, but much joy to a young man....Glenn loved rain and thunder. Now when I hear thunder and rain I can't help but think Glenn has been put in charge of that!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I thought the book would be more about the boy. It is merely a diary of the mother and how much she cried. I was very disappointed and thought the story would be focused on the boy and how he felt during the last few weeks of his life.

Rating:
Summary: Son's death book of heartache, joy
Review: Losing a child is one of the most devastating events that can happen to a parent.

Helplessly watching a son or daughter grow weaker day by day while in your care is, perhaps, even harder.

Debra Hobbs was able to work through her grief by writing a book after her son Glenn DeBusk died in 2001 from a debilitating bone disease.

The book, "Heaven in His Eyes" has gotten some attention from booksellers and readers alike since it was published by PublishAmerica.

Hobbs said she dropped a copy of the book off at Borders in February, when the book first came out, and was invited to do a reading from it in May. She has since returned to do a second reading at Borders.

Borders manager Sue Skaggs said she was so inspired by Hobbs' book that she organized a book signing at the Relay for Life on July 11 and 12 at the West High track.

Proceeds from the sale of the book that weekend will go to the American Cancer Society.

"Heaven in His Eyes" is also available at Borders and both Bible Book Store locations.

"It's been an incredible thing to witness because so many people have reacted so positively to the book," Hobbs said.

She wrote of mornings when she cried herself awake and nights when she cried herself back to sleep.

She spoke of the numbness after Glenn's death and the wonder of his life.

The book is written with simplicity and courage. Never does it read as if Hobbs is seeking sympathy or pity. It is written just as Hobbs speaks of her son -- with unconditional love.

"His life was so special," Hobbs said. "I always knew that, after he died, I'd write a book about him. I started writing it five days after he died. It's a wonderful story, and writing it was an incredible experience."

Through the 220-page paperback book, Hobbs weaves her own story and that of her family, which includes Glenn's father, Marion; Debra's husband, Eric; and Glenn's half-siblings, Justin and Jolie. Faith is a major part of Hobbs' life and is a big part of the book.

The book is written in journal style, capturing the heartache Hobbs endured in the days after Glenn's death and the joy she experienced with him in life. Each chapter begins with a date and a time of day, usually early morning.

At the heart of the story is a mother's love for her son. She captures moments from Glenn's life with an uncanny attention to detail as if she had all the scenes in her head and merely had to write them down.

"One day I watched Glenn through the patio door as he was walking around in the rain," Hobbs wrote. "He was splattering his shoe in a small puddle in the rain, reaching both hands up to 'catch the rain.' "

Hobbs first discovered that Glenn was blind when he was 2 years old.

His medical problems in-creased until, at the age of 5, he was diagnosed with osteopetrosis, a rare genetic bone disease.

When he was 13, Glenn developed scoliosis and had to wear a back brace to prevent further curvature of his spine.

Eventually, he had to use a wheelchair, then became bedridden for the final year of his life.

Hobbs quit her job to care for her son until his death in June 2001, just shy of his 22nd birthday.

Soon after her first book came out, Hobbs began writing her second, which picks up where the first book left off. In it, Hobbs said, she explores the world of book publishing and the excitement of getting your first book published.

Hobbs said she was always good in English, but never dreamed she'd write a book. Six months after Glenn's death, Hobbs signed a contract with PublishAmerica.

"It's been exciting to have new people come into my life," she said.

Some of the numerous e-mails she's received from people who have read her book noted that hearing how Hobbs dealt with Glenn's death is helping them deal with their pain.

One person wrote, "I couldn't put the book down! What a gift you've given in honor of your son. I think losing a child is
probably the worst experience a mother can go through. Your book gave me great comfort."

Jaci Webb may be reached at 657-1359 or at [e-mail].

Copyright © The Billings Gazette, a division of Lee Enterprises.