Committed to provide literature that will enrich the lives of readers of all ages.

UNEXPECTED TREASURE:
The Story Behind Dirks Publishing, LLC

A celebration was brewing in April of 2008. Julie Becker’s father, Ron Ehmen, would complete his treatment for prostate cancer in just three short weeks. The first vacation with the grandkids would soon be planned. Branson, Missouri, was on the itinerary, as it was Ron and JoAnn’s favorite place to relax. But then the phone rang. Ron now had a brain tumor. The family was suddenly forced down a new path—one where emotions ran the gamut from deep anger, uncertainty, and despair to joy and thankfulness.

Dad – The Catalyst

One week later, Ron went in for surgery. It was a terrifying day, but he was in great hands. Ron was fortunate to have his long-time friend, nurse Kim Busboom, at his side when he woke up in the ICU. It was Kim’s first day back at work after more than two months off due to a broken arm. And now one of her first patients was an old buddy from Southland Distribution!

This was also the day that Kim and Julie first met. In one of their many discussions, book publishing was brought up. JoAnn (Ron’s wife) was aware of a story Kim had written, and wondered if perhaps Julie might have a connection to help Kim pursue publication. It was a children’s picture book about a little girl who takes a journey to find a new friend. Those few minutes did not lend to detail. Kim thought they had enough on their plate to think about that day, and that the book could wait.

Attitude and Belief

That first afternoon after surgery brought a multitude of emotions. Ron was doing wonderfully. He was hungry, happy, talking and of course grinning—the perfect patient. And there were a few phrases that he repeated many times: “This is a miracle. I didn’t expect all of this. Great things are going to come from this”—an unbelievable attitude, considering Ron was facing uncertainty with cancer.

A Dream—or Spoken Word?

That night was restless, as the fear of the unknown remained. Julie recalls a moment early that second morning, hearing: “You are going to publish Kim’s book.” Opening her eyes, she repeated the phrase to herself and decided to start her own publishing business—all before 5 a.m.

The Name of the Publishing Company—Julieanne Dirks.

Well, not quite. When Julie was growing up with her older brother, the two kids were a pair: “Dirk and Julie.” Dirk died in a car accident at the age of 20. And Julie had a name for a business, if she ever needed one. However, due to its length and necessity for the company name to fit on a book spine, “Julieanne” was dropped.

Pink Converse

Enter Kati Dee, the book’s wonderful illustrator. Kati was one of the many necessities that were simply “given” to Kim and Julie. She believed in their journey and jumped aboard. Kati placed pink Converse shoes on character Kerri Ann in her first illustration—a winner for many reasons.

One such reason occurred on a summer day in 2008 as Julie and her parents were enjoying a day out. They decided to meander around Target. Down one fated aisle was an entire rack of pink Converse shoes! Imagine two grown women, giddy as teenagers, purchasing three pairs of shoes, and one grown man, following in laughter. That was a shopping trip never to be forgotten. Thank you, Kati!

Treasure

The will, grace, and faith Julie’s father showed in his last ten months were astonishing to Julie. The bitterness, anger and jealousy that she’d held onto after her brother’s death were gone. And in their place was hope. The business is seen as a gift to her and her mother. It is reassuring to have her brother and father remembered in their daily lives through Dirks Publishing. And the first book is simply a stepping stone to something greater—that treasure remains unknown.

Julie’s Final Words

I may not believe that everything happens for a reason, but I do believe that great things can come from horrible situations. I am truly grateful that my father was involved with the beginnings of the business. I am sure he had great joy watching the relationship build between Kim, my mom, and myself. Kim had known my dad when she started nursing school while working at Southland, and now she was able to care for him during his last months. She even thanked me for letting her be a part of that. It came full circle!

I thank Kati, my husband, our three children, and especially my parents for believing in this venture from the start. We shall wait to see what happens from here.

And I’m sure that, somewhere, Dirk is grinning his crooked grin, and Dad is still giggling.

Established in 2008, Dirks Publishing honors those closest to the heart – our family.

The family unit plays a significant role in the growth of each person. Support and love enrich the lives of both the child and adult. We are committed to support the family unit or individual with books and other resources to help them live their lives with confidence and happiness.