Said Let the children come to me.
Their love inspired Him to say
Those words that live in grace today.
Rejoicefully my life is full;
In depth becoming meaningful.
So, for her love I gratefully
Say thanks dear one, you’ve enhanced me.
Thus, I am filled with ecstasy
Because a child has love for me.
Grandpa - January 17, 1979
THANKSGIVING IN A FOX HOLE
As I crouch within my fox hole, And shells around me scream,
I’m thinking of a year ago, And for a moment dream
Of tables piled with steaming food, And people filled with cheer.
And hardly realize the changeI’ve gone through in one year.
And stand erect in any place, And know that we are free.
To know there’ll be no hungryThat granaries overflown,
And lands that now are battle scarred,
With fertile grain be sown.
And as I wait, I meditate. About myself I think.
And though I’m in a fox holeAnd at the battle’s brink,
I guess I, too, am thankful. It seems so strange, yet true,
I’m thankful that today I fightFor liberty and you.
Harry S. Wright
Nov. 1943 or 1944
THE HUMBLER THINGS
Her life was built of humbler things, The joy that human kindness brings.
A glowing face in happy crowd, A sunset shine through golden cloud.
A song toned to a weary friend, Or fixing flowers she might send
Assurance when the task seemed hard, To those bereaved, a note, or card.
A glad hello to friend on street, To child a smile or sweet.
Some folk might think this way too slowBut deepest rivers slower flow.
Yes, humble deeds more longer last
“LIFE’S PATHWAY CAN BE BRIGHT”
Along life’s path the way is bright
If each will leave a little might
Of joy, for those who later tread
To help them keep their eyes ahead.
- Harry S. Wright
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I could not have finished this book without the help of many friends. From the heart, I thank the following:
Amanda Dickson of KSL Radio, the first person to call me a writer; her suggestions were always right on target. Dorian Karchmar, a fabulous agent who never skims; she not only has talent and tenacity, but also a sense of humor. Judith Curr, President and Publisher at Pocket Books; she recognized the potential through all of my mistakes and said, “Yes.” Maggie Crawford, my extraordinary editor and advocate at Pocket Books, for her patience, guidance, and wisdom; she’s a true professional. Karen Mender and Seale Ballenger, as well as the rest of the superb staff at Pocket Books; any success that this book achieves will be due in no small part to their efforts and creativity. New York Times bestselling author, James Pratt for lending his support. Screenwriter Ray Goldrup, for kind words of encouragement. Kathy Ashton, a wonderfully blunt editor who helped me get past the first revision. Earl Madsen, for seeing the vision from the beginning. My wife, Alicyn; she not only read the manuscript countless times, but she was always willing to listen. And to my grandfather, Harry S. Wright, for the memories that inspired the book.
While the inspiration for this publication came from the life of my grandfather, this book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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Copyright © 2001 by Camron Wright
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ISBN-10: 0-7434-4815-4
ISBN-13: 978-0-7434-4815-4
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