I am grateful to the many readers of She Called Him Raymond, for their gracious and encouraging comments expressed at events, or by email and social media messages and posts. However, I was particularly moved by a recent message and photograph I received.
Seventy three years ago, Helen and Raymond married on her eighteenth birthday, September 6th. Exactly one year later on their first wedding anniversary and Helen’s nineteenth birthday, Raymond lost his life when his B-17 crashed while on a mission during World War II. Four years after his death, Helen brought him to his final resting place, the lovely Woodland Cemetery in Ironton, Ohio, the little city that Raymond grew up in and loved. Raymond no longer has any family in Ironton. As September 6th came and went, I was saddened that no one remained to tend to his grave. Then, I received an email from Sally Arden, a retired teacher from Ohio.
She graciously has allowed me to share, in part, her message to me and the photograph she shared.
“I’m overwhelmed by your book and its timeless love story. Last week I went to Woodland Cemetery and asked a woman working there if she could help me find where Raymond was laid to rest. She gave me a map and within a few minutes, I was standing by his grave. Through the beautiful and descriptive writing of your book, I feel like I know this man.”
Roses were Helen’s favorite flower. Mrs. Arden placed roses at Raymond’s grave on the anniversary of Helen and Raymond’s wedding and sadly, the date of his passing. Thank you, Sally, for your kind words, as well as your beautiful and heartfelt gesture on this special day.
Sally Arden’s actions are moving, as have been so many of the memories associated with Helen and Raymond’s story. Whenever their story is read, they are remembered. That is something you made possible, Ray.
You are gracious as well, Barb. Thank you!
Where can you get this book?
Hi Joy. It can be ordered at a local book store, if you’re lucky to have one where you live. You can order it (hardcover or softcover) at Northshire.com (free shipping) or Amazon.com. There is an ebook available through Amazon and an audiobook available through Audible.com, Amazon.com and iTunes. Finally, if you would like a personally signed copy, you can send a check for $19 (softcover) or $29 (hardcover) to, Bwabwa Publishing, 7 Rolling Green Drive, Wilton, NY 12831. That includes tax and shipping. Thank you for asking.
This love story as well has touched my heart. I am from Ironton, Oh. I married my husband at 16 and turned 17 and he was 18. We have been married 27 years and are very happy with 3 grown sons. I would love to know where Mr. Stephenson is buried to visit his grave and apply a US Flag when the other’s have faded. As I do my Uncle’s who fought in the Vietnam war. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with the world.
Hi Melanie. Raymond is buried in Woodland Cemetery in Ironton. His grave is on a hillside, accompanied by other courageous soldiers who gave their last full measure of devotion for their country. Thank you for your message.
I too am moved by the actions of Sally Arden. I’m also grateful for kind people like her. Knowing they are out there paying attention to things larger than themselves help me remain optimistic about our future. Thank you Sally.
John G.
Given our political climate and the other negatives that dominate the news and media, it is nice to be reminded of the kind and thoughtful people in our world. Thanks for your message, John.
Such a heartwarming story. So glad you shared. I will have to visit his resting place and take him some roses I grow.
Thank you, Sherry. That is very kind of you. Raymond’s family would be moved by your thoughtfulness.