While trying to decide on a topic for the blog, I scrolled through some of the previous posts to get a feel for what’s already been said so I wouldn’t repeat or rehash old news. What I discovered when reading posts written by former and current military personnel, is that while I’m very much a supporter of the amazing men and women of the US Military, and while I’ve read extensively about what they do, how they do it and why they do it, there is nothing in my background or experience that could ever truly make me understand the military way of life.
It’s a unique and highly honored club and it’s right that those of us on the outside looking in couldn’t possibly ‘get it’. Couldn’t possibly know what you’ve been through – both good and bad. Couldn’t know what you’ve learned, what you’ve cherished, what you’ve feared and what you’ve loved about your commitment to country above self.
I’m awed and I’m humbled by what you all give up. You leave your homes and everything you hold dear for long deployments into hostile and foreign environments. You leave knowing that when you come home, nothing will truly ever be the same again. You’ve lost months, sometimes years with your children, your spouses, you’re extended family and friends. You risk much. And you do it willingly.
And for just this short post, I want to say thank you. Not a generic, ‘I’m so grateful for the sacrifices you make for us,’ but a heartfelt, deeply sincere thank you for doing something I don’t think I could ever do, for giving up things I’m glad I’ve never had to give up, for being strong and stalwart and providing inspiration to a nation of Americans, who need something good to aspire to.
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Cindy, you’re support of me during my deployment showed a truth depth of caring! All of our soldiers benefit from heartfelt support and yours helped me in ways I don’t think I’ll ever be able to articulate enough.
So thank you, for caring enough to trudge to the post office and drop boxes in the mail!
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Trudging to the Post Office is HARDLY in the same category as trudging off to war! But, I’m still trudging in my own little way.
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Cindy, I am such a huge fan of yours that I’m gobsmacked we’ve posted on the same blog.
As a writer who served and is now married to an active duty Airman, I want to thank you for creating so many heroes who have served, in all their glory and flaws. You’ve written stories that kept me awake at night simply because I could not stop reading.
Thank you for writing what you do and for your support.
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Lisa – gobsmacked?? Love that one. Thanks for the very nice words but even more, thanks to you and your hubby for your service! You make us all proud.
Hugs
CG
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What a bummer that I’m late reading this post. I wrote an email to Cindy awhile back about her characters and the realism that she portrays in her books, and I was floored that she responded back. It’s still saved in my inbox:) I’ve been a military spouse for almost 11 years now and I’ve met many interesting and diverse folks along the way but it wasn’t until recently that books reflected our lifestyle in any sort of flattering or accurate way. This is definitely a hard way to live and being military presents some unique challenges for married couples, if children are involved. What I enjoy most about military romance is the depth of character and the difficult situations. It cracks me up that these guys can face down terrorists armed to the teeth but run screaming from a relationship with a strong woman- the journey is always so much fun! Cindy does a fantastic job with her characters because they always get the HEA but it might not be a traditional one and I appreciate that- which is what I emailed her about. Her reply was to say thank you and to thank my husband for his service to this country- it was such a sincere note and meant a lot to us both.
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Anna – I remember your e-mail. I was very touched by it. Thanks again for reiterating what all writers love to here and that is that we are keeping it real yet making it entertaining.
Hugs
Cindy