On this, the second anniversary of the launch of She Called Him Raymond, I stopped into the library. I must confess, I was surprised to still find the book in the New and Popular section.
Thank you to everyone close to home and around the country, who have read this story and sent so many gracious messages, emails and letters. I am grateful to the thousands of readers who have attended presentations, book signings, book club meetings and other events, so that I could share this story and the story behind the story. A special thank you to Mary, my wife, and my family, for supporting my decision to abandon my career to work on this project.
Finally, I owe a debt of gratitude to Helen and Raymond that I will never be able to repay. Their tale of love, loss, faith and healing began to unfold in 1942. It was revealed to me more than six decades later and inspired me to tell their story. This project has been the most meaningful work of my life.
This book will always be popular and so inspiring. When I read it I not only felt the passion of Raymond and Helen I also felt the passion of you in writing this wonderful story.
Thank you for your kind words, Cheryl. You have a special understanding of the lives of those who have worn the uniform of our Armed Forces and their families.