A Tribute to Our Veterans

It's Fun Friday, and I will talk about my fun weekend ahead, but first I have to take the time to wish each and every reader a wonderful, thoughtful, provocative Veteran's Day. Linda Barrett's THE SOLDIER AND THE ROSE and my A RENDEZVOUS TO REMEMBER were both released this month by Harlequin in order to celebrate Veteran's day and the sacrifices made by so many for all of us. Both Linda and I chose World War II themes, and I think you'll find there's so much interest in this time in history once again. Perhaps it's to remind ourselves that freedom has never come easily. Or to remind us that each generation has its sacrifices, whether it's a war, natural disaster, or other tragedy.

Yet through any tragedy hope will triumph. Sometimes it's there right away again, such as when we saw so many people go to New Orleans after Katrina to do what they could to help. Other times it takes longer, such as when we visit a Holocaust Memorial and hope that perhaps by educating our children this kind of atrocity will not happen again. Sometimes we have to dig for the hope, like after viewing the scenes in Darfur and only getting the tiniest bit of hope when we see the world at least become aware of the genocide. It's not always enough, but we are human, so we look for the hope. It's in our nature.

This weekend and next week I'm celebrating in style the release of my first book. I'm having a brunch in my home, and spending time with special people who have been with me on this journey. They are my sisters- and brothers-in-arms. At times life can seem like a war, and we all feel like a veteran. But I'm all to aware that I wouldn't be enjoying this wonderful time in my life if not for the veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the continuation of freedom and democracy. How blessed, how fortunate am I.

As are all of us.

Do you have a special veteran you'd like to thank this Veteran's Day?