I pray your Memorial Day weekend was blessed and in the midst of your relaxation, you took a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday.
With that in mind I am pleased to bring you today's Treasure with author, Sarah Sundin....
More Than a Letter Opener
Most
people wouldn’t notice my letter opener, but it’s rich in meaning to me.
When my
grandfather, Fred Stewart, retired from a long career in business, he wanted a
new hobby. He took woodcarving classes, discovered he had a gift, and soon
began winning awards. More importantly, he enjoyed the work and the joy it
brought to others.
When I started pharmacy
school, my grandfather was tickled. During World War II, he’d served as a
pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the US Navy in the Pacific. He’d always been
fascinated by medicine and was delighted that his granddaughter shared his
interest.
One
Christmas he carved me this letter opener with the pharmacy symbol. I treasured
it from the beginning.
My
grandfather passed away in 1992, eight years before I began writing, but he is one
of the main reasons I write novels set in World War II. You see, Fred Stewart
was a storyteller. While so many veterans didn’t talk about their wartime
experiences—for good reason—my grandfather did. He told harrowing stories. He
told heartbreaking stories. And he told hilarious stories. My grandfather loved
to laugh and he loved to make others laugh.
Because of
my grandfather, I decided to focus on the Navy for my third World War II
series, Waves of Freedom. The heroine in Anchor
in the Storm is a pharmacist, and she unravels a mystery—the pharmacist’s
mate on the hero’s ship may or may not be involved. I like to think my
grandfather would be tickled.
The letter
opener on my desk reminds me of the grandpa I adored as a man of integrity who
loved his family. It reminds me of my chosen profession. And it reminds of why
I write novels set in World War II—to honor the real-life heroes who served.
Awww, Sarah your letter opener is definitely something to treasure!
Sarah Sundin
is the author of eight historical novels, including Anchor in the Storm. Her novel Through
Waters Deep was named to Booklist’s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10
Years,” and her novella “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in Where Treetops Glisten was a finalist for the 2015 Carol Award. A
mother of three, Sarah lives in California, works on-call as a hospital
pharmacist, and teaches Sunday school. http://www.sarahsundin.com
Here's a sneak peek into Sarah's latest novel, Anchor in the Storm!
For plucky
Lillian Avery, America’s entry into World War II means a chance to prove
herself as a pharmacist in Boston. She loves the wartime challenges of her new
job but spurns the attention of society boy Ens. Archer Vandenberg. As Arch’s
destroyer battles U-boats along the East Coast, Lillian uncovers a black market
drug ring. Arch and Lillian work together on the investigation, but can he ever
earn her trust and affection?
Hope you enjoyed today's Treasure! Tune in each week for more Tuesday Treasures, Thursday Thoughts and Saturday Spotlight.
Until next time...take care and God Bless.
PamT
6 comments:
What a cool gift from your grandpa! And it's nice that you shared similar interests! I'm sure the way you've paid tribute to him through your writing would have made him proud! Best wishes in all of your writing endeavors.
What a delightful story behind your treasured letter opener!
Congratulations on your impressive recognitions, Sarah, and what a treasure indeed--your letter opener. I think the 40's to be a fascinating period to write and read about. Indeed that was the greatest generation...and the clothes are terrific too. I look forward to your books.
What a great story, Sarah. My father-in-law served at the very end of WWII in the Pacific, and I remember him telling stories of the trip to Okinawa on a "liberty ship." I love that period of history too. Your book sounds fascinating. Wishing you much continued success!
Thank you, everyone!
Great blog! Your book looks very interesting, Sarah. Must pick up a copy!
Kim Hornsby
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