Alra Park’s Queenie Ruiters fulfils lifelong dream by launching first book at age 79
Just weeks before celebrating her 80th birthday, Alra Park resident Queenie Ruiters achieved a lifelong dream by launching her first book, inspiring others to never give up on their goals despite age and challenges.
A lifelong dream became a reality for Queenie Ruiters when she officially launched her first book, Go Tell Your Story, on May 2 at the age of 79, proving that it is never too late to achieve one’s goals.
Ruiters, who will celebrate her 80th birthday in just two weeks, said the journey of writing and publishing her book was one marked by faith, perseverance and determination, despite several personal challenges along the way.
“I always had this dream from my younger years to one day write a book. The message in Luke 8:47 inspired me deeply and gave me the courage to finally put my experiences into words.
“Through this book, I want to give readers insight into what happens on a journey of a life that is fully given to God. My sincere hope is that people will be encouraged not to fear spiritual experiences, but rather to understand that God walks with them through every challenge and season of life,” she said.
Ruiters said one of the biggest obstacles she faced during the writing process was her deteriorating eyesight caused by cataracts. However, after undergoing surgery, she was finally able to continue pursuing her dream.
“My eyesight became one of the greatest challenges while trying to complete the book. There were moments when I thought I would never finish because reading and writing became so difficult. But after my cataracts were removed last November, I felt like God had opened the door for me again.
“I also did not have a laptop, which made the process even harder, but I thank God for pastor Lauren Hendricks, who supported and encouraged me throughout this journey,” she said.
Ruiters added that she feels overwhelmed with gratitude and joy after accomplishing something she once believed was impossible.
“I am so thankful to God and Pastor Lauren for helping me make this dream come true at the age of 79. For many years, it seemed impossible, but today I can proudly say it is never too late to achieve something meaningful. I want people, especially older individuals, to know that they should never give up on their dreams because of age or difficulties. If you have a dream inside your heart, pursue it while you still can,” she said.
