Read Saving Sam (The Wounded Warriors Book 1) Online
Authors: Simone Beaudelaire,J.M. Northup
Dear Readers,
I am proud to say that I served honorably in the United States Air Force. My family has a strong tradition of serving our country, particularly in the United States Army. This gave me a unique understanding of the details in our story SAVING SAM. In addition, since I separated more than fifteen years ago, I did further research to ensure the facts in our story were accurate.
I wanted to include links for any reader interested in learning more about Security Forces and the elements of the military mentioned in this book.
Simone and I hope you enjoy our Wound Warriors series. We hope that it is entertaining while honoring the men and women who have sacrificed so much so we can don't have to. We are proud to say that a portion of all the proceeds gained from this series will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project! (
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
)
Sincere Thanks,
J.M. Northup
I would like to thank my readers. A writer is nothing without their readers and I thank you for allowing me to do what I love!
Thank you to my friend and colleague, Simone Beaudelaire. Your friendship and tutelage are more valuable than you know. I am grateful to have you in my life and I am honored to work with you!
Thank you to our amazing publishing team at Creativia – Miika and Petteri Hannilla.
I want to say a special thank you to my beta readers: Dale Northup, Kirsten Hammood, and Barbara Strong-Nelson. I appreciate your generosity of time and your honest, direct feedback.
And, of course, I want to thank my loving family: Dusty, McKayla, and Katerina!
I would like first and foremost to thank our troops. While I've never served in the military, I recognize that freedom isn't free. So for your service, your sacrifice, and all you do to keep us safe, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My beta readers and Creativia publishing. Thanks, Miika, Petteri and our family of authors.
I would also like to thank my co-author, JM Northup, without whose encouragement and military expertise, I could never have completed this book.
Dear Mrs. Dominguez,
My name is Jack Nelson. I don't know if you know who I am, but I served with your late husband, Jorge and your cousin, Ray. I was their squad leader in Afghanistan. I'm not sure why, but I felt compelled to contact you. I hope it doesn't make things worse for you, but I thought you should know your Jorge was a hero. Not only did he die bravely, but he saved a lot of lives, mine included.
Jorge was a great man and I'm really sorry he's gone. I miss him, as I'm sure you do as well. He wasn't just a good soldier, he was a valued friend; my friend. That being said, if there's ever anything I can do for you or your children, please don't hesitate to ask.
Take care, Mrs. Dominguez. I pray for you and your family every day.
Sincerely,
Jack
Dear Jack,
Thank you for writing and yes, I know who you are. Jorge always spoke very highly of you and though your letter made me cry, I was grateful to have received it. Of course, I cry every day anyway, so don't blame yourself. I miss him so much. It will be many days before the sun comes out for me, but I don't mind the rain. I know it is a part of life.
Sometimes, I felt like the Jorge I knew was another man when he was on duty. It does my heart good to know the man I loved… no love (that will never change) was the same no matter where he went. I worried how war would affect him, change him, but I should have realized he was stronger than that. I guess I was the one being weak?
You tell me my Jorge was a hero, that he died to save others? I have no doubt you're right. His heart was always too big for this earth. I was blessed to know him, to have had two children with him. He always was my hero, and I'm sure he will be a hero for our children as well. I've no doubt the pride they'll feel when they are old enough to know what happened to their courageous father, to understand the sacrifices he made.
Thank you for your prayers. For a while there, I didn't much want to pray, but I'm thinking maybe that's wrong. Everyone suffers sometimes. I shouldn't be so surprised that my turn came. Instead, I should be thankful that my Jorge is out of danger and no longer in pain, watching over us from paradise.
Anyway, thank you for your letter and your thoughtfulness. I'm sure my children, Elena and Andres and I will manage, but it was very kind of you to offer your help, if ever we should need it. Is there anything I can do for you? I noticed your address is for a hospital. I pray you heal quickly.
Vaya con Dios
Marithé
Dear Marithé,
I hope you don't mind me using your first name. You signed your letter that way, so I took the liberty, but if you feel that's inappropriate, I understand. Marithé is an unusual name. It's beautiful, but I've never heard it before. Does it mean anything?
I don't blame you for worrying about your husband. War has a way of scarring a person, even when the wounds aren't visible. Still, you're right – Jorge was an upstanding guy and everyone really liked him. Even troops who had difficulty getting along with anyone else got along with Jorge. He just had a way about him, you know?
You're observant to have noticed my return address. I've been a patient since that day, when Jorge… I got hit in the leg with some debris during the bombing. I'm okay though. God knows it could've been worse. I appreciate your concern, but I'm hoping to be discharged and shipped home soon.
Speaking of home, my family lives in San Antonio, not too far from you. My parents work at the Christ the King Lutheran Church which is right by Randolph AFB. My father Malcolm is an associate pastor there and my mother Shonda works in the office. If ever you find yourself in need, they will gladly assist you – just tell them you're a friend of mine.
Jack
Dear Jack,
Of course, you may call me Marithé. It's my name, after all, but I promise, it isn't as exotic as it sounds. It's short for Maria Teresa is all, though I'm glad you like it.
It's a small world. I know the church you speak of. I currently live in the military housing offered at Randolph AFB, but we'll be moving off base next week. Thankfully, I found a cheap two bedroom apartment just outside the gates. It's nothing special, but it's all I can afford on Jorge's pension. I'm looking for a job, but it is hard to find something when I have a three and five year old and I haven't worked since high school. I'll figure something out though. I always do, somehow.
I hope your injury – which I don't believe for a minute is as minor as you say, by the way – is healing. Take care of it, and don't push yourself too hard. As I told Ray, you survivors have to heal and become strong again. It gives everyone hope.
Be well and God speed!
Marithé
Dear Marithé
I hadn't thought about your having to move. It's hard enough to lose a spouse, but now you have to uproot your entire life? I'm glad to hear you've found an affordable apartment in your current area, but I feel for your struggles. That being said, I hope you don't mind, but I spoke to my mother and she'd like you to meet with her. She said the woman who works in the office with her is relocating (they are military also and her husband just got PCS orders) so she's in need of a new bilingual assistant.
My mother said she can start you off at $9 an hour and though that isn't much, they provide free daycare on site for Andres. In addition to the daycare, the church has its own school. As an employee, you'd be able to enroll Elena in the kindergarten program there. I hope you will consider this opportunity.
I hope your move goes well. I would offer to send some friends to help you, but I know the military will pay for the movers. At least that will make the transition a little easier. You and the kids are in my prayers.
Take care,
Jack
Dear Jack,
I can't believe you did that for us! As soon as I received your letter, I contacted your mother and she hired me on the spot! I can't thank you enough. I just hope I don't disappoint you or Shonda. It's been so long since I've worked outside the house.
Your mother gave us a tour of the kindergarten. She thought it might help Elena with the transition and I think she was right. Elena is very excited to start and we have begun to mark a calendar to count down the days together. Elena wanted me to tell you she said “hi” and “thank you” from her and Andres. I have enclosed a picture she drew for you.
How are you feeling? Your mother mentioned you had suffered from a terrible infection caused from your leg wound. I knew things were worse than you made them sound!
Thank you again! You are a God-send!
Your friend,
Marithé
Dear Marithé,
I really didn't do anything. I just got you the meeting with my mom – you did the rest! My mom said you were a bright and kind young woman. She thought you would fit in well with the congregation, as well as the staff. I think she's right!
I don't want you to worry about me. I am well on my way towards recovery. The doctors gave me some good drugs. Besides, you know how mothers are about things. It's not as bad as she made it sound, I assure you. Please, you have enough to worry about, so you don't need to be bothered by my problems.
I thought the picture Elena drew was great. Please tell her I said “thank you” and let her know I have it tacked up next to my bed so I can look at it every day.
Warmest Wishes,
Jack
Dear Jack,
The move went well and I almost have the apartment unpacked already. I tried to do things as quickly as I could in order to return our life to some sort or normalcy. What the kids need most is stability. I feel like I can give that to them now – thanks to you and Shonda.
Elena and Andres both seem to enjoy the church daycare. Of course, Elena is telling everyone how she will start school in a month because she's, and I quote, “a big kid now.” She is continuing to count the days and now that the supply list has been published, she's anxious to go school shopping! She tells me she has to have a pink box to hold her crayons. Which reminds me, I have enclosed another picture from her and this time, Andres did one for you as well.
Oh, Congratulations! Shonda told me you finally got your orders! I am so happy to hear you'll be shipped home soon. I look forward to meeting you in person. Perhaps we can get a cup of coffee together sometime?
Sending warm thoughts your way,
Marithé
Dearest Marithé,
Please thank the children for me. Their pictures and your correspondence have helped me through the tough days. Seeing your strength gives me strength and seeing your faith gives me hope. That is a great gift!
My mother is very fond of you. She said Elena and Andres are simply angels. Mother can't get enough of Andres' chubby cheeks, apparently. Ha ha! She said Elena has a lovely singing voice and you're considering signing her up for the children's choral group. I think that would be great! I look forward to coming home and hearing her perform. Does she know any songs from QUEEN?
Of course, I would love to get coffee with you, but why don't we pick a place with a play land, like maybe McDonald's? It will be nice for the kids to have time to play while we visit. Speaking of, I have enclosed gifts for them. They're nothing big, but I thought they might enjoy some coloring books. I got Disney Princesses for Elena and I thought Thomas the Train might interest Andres.
Warmest Wishes,
Jack
Dearest Marithé,
I want to apologize right off for the briskness of this letter. I wanted to get it to you before I shipped out this afternoon, so you had my contact information for when I am State side again. I will be staying with my parents for a while so be sure to look me up when you get a chance.
Thinking of you and the kids,
Jack