Dear Daddy… Thank You

About the Book

This book is written in the fi rst person, I, addressing the second person, You. Although the book is dedicated to the soldiers serving abroad, and at home, this book is also dedicated to You, the one reading this book. You, the one who cares, the one who sits and wait, the one who worries, the one who sends care packages, the one who prayers for peace, the one we also call a Hero. This book is a personal tribute to a loved one in representation of all soldiers, male or female, young or old, who sacrifi ce and step forth in time of need, and who are our True Heroes. We Salute You. Within the pages of this book, we are invited into the world of a young child trying to grasp understanding in the absence of a loved one. Through sadness and loneliness the child prevails in strength and courage to honor the loved one. Gaining acceptance and admiration to the soldier for such unselfi sh acts of bravery, the child thereby builds on inspiration to expressions of art and letters of love. With each change of season brings change in growth, celebrating in this change encompasses our intellectual, psychological and spiritual state. Our consciousness is enlightened and our needs are fulfi lled. For a child, this fantasy-like muse leads the spirit on a journey in discovery of love and devotion. “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”, serves true in many facets, especially when a loved one leaves to serve their country. For a child, fi nding a comfort zone is crucial and working on creating a bond is more so important. Keeping consistency in communication creates structure for the child which can build to an almost rituallike bonding. Taking comfort through honoring your soldier with love and dignity, leads to a therapeutic adoration. The beauty in memory emerges to reveal moments and images of places held dearly the love we take for granted.

About the Author

At age 8, Christine’s inspiration began through each moment spent with her dad and his unit in their pre-deployment activities. His unit out of Florida was serving in Operation Iraq Freedom at the time of this book’s publication. Her expressions are vivid and descriptive, allowing us access to emotions we take for granted. She takes us on a journey where we feel her love and share in her inspiration. Christine is presently in 6th grade and enjoying middle school. She lives in Florida with her family and have since reunited with her dad.