My latest read

Last week I finished ,or should I say started and finished, reading Karen Kingsbury's recent creation, "Ever After". She has not only done it again she has REALLY done it! I takes a lot to move me to tears at the end of a book but this one had me in tears about a third of the way through all the way to the end! It is a great read.
Now that I probably broke rules posting that endorsement let me explain why I chose to post it. When a book, especially a novel, can move one not only to tears but into action I believe it is a good read. This creation caused me to dig deep and think. I already agreed with Kingsbury's take on the situation but I still could not put it out of my mind. It caused me to ask myself why I believed thus. Was I told or indoctrinated this way as a child or are my political beliefs valid?
After much thought I sought out some WWII veterans (I'm not biased against Vietnam vets, I just haven't found any to talk with yet) and asked them to have lunch with my family and share their experiences. We haven't completed all the gentlemen we want to talk with but so far it has been a very successful experience. I must say I did wonder how my 11 and 15 year olds would take to this. Would the gentlemen avoid the conversation because it would bring up to much pain or would he talk on for so long and jump from one thing to another so that we couldn't follow his line of thinking? My husband and I decided to run the risk and go for it. So far my children have been thrilled and stated that they found it very interesting and want to talk with more veterans.
This came with multiple blessings. Not only did we have a learning opportunity but also emotional, spiritual etc... We got to know this man and his wife better, we made a tie between 3 generations that I think is so important in this day and they said that we were a blessing to them too.
How does your child view the older folks in their life. Are they just cranky old people who are always telling them to be quiet in church, or to be seen but not heard? Do your children see the connection from the past and our nation's history to these people?
A couple of years ago I was priviledged to give the eulogy at my Grandmother's funeral. She was 95 when she passed into Glory. I had spent alot of my childhood in her company and knew much about her childhood. What amazed me as I was putting my facts together and in order for this was what she had seen in her years. She had talked about courting in a horse and buggy! Her Mom died when she was 11 and she and one sister were alone during the winter and chipping cranberries out of the ice to survive on. They didn't have a phone etc.. and couldn't get out to get help. When she passed away many of the family corresponded by email and then traveled great distances to the funeral service in very comfy automobiles. Quite a span there isn't it?
Our wonderful Lord has provided us with "Free" living curriculum in our grandparents and other elderly folks around us. Don't let this opportunity go to waste. You can be a blessing a receive many blessings! Ever notice how the Lord does that?
When you read "Ever After" make sure you have a whole box of tissues with you. It won't read like you normally expect it. Even though it is a book you will say, "Oh, how could Kingsbury do this to me?"
Enjoy!