By Jeff Salter
In the 29 months I’ve been on this group blog, 4F1H, I’ve already written two father’s day columns.
In 2011, it was dedicated to my father, Simon A. Salter [1920-2003] and included a poem I wrote for him while he was still living.
https://fourfoxesonehound.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/happy-fathers-day/
In 2012, it was dedicated to my father-in-law, Charles A. Williams [1925-2008] and included a poem I wrote for him while he was still living.
https://fourfoxesonehound.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/happy-dads-day/
So, I’m a bit at a loss how to tackle the subject any differently. I’m meeting new folks in cyberspace practically every day, so it’s quite possible that many of you never saw either of these previous tributes to the men who have been dads to me. I hope you’ll check out one or both … and get a sense of how I felt about these men in my life. [I never met either of my grandfathers, since both died before I was born, so I don’t have any of those experiences to share.]
My tribute to their generation
Something that is new, however, is my recently published tribute to the greatest generation, which definitely included both my father and father-in-law. In fact, some of their characteristics and/or experiences inspired characters in my new novel, Called to Arms Again. My story celebrates the spirit, patriotism, and grit of the people who struggled to survive during the Great Depression and sacrificed – abroad and at home – during World War II. It’s only $2.99 on:
Barnes & Noble,
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/called-to-arms-again-jl-salter/1115454541?ean=2940016705842
or at my publisher’s website (in a variety of e-formats) — AstraeaPress.com,
http://www.astraeapress.com/#!/~/product/category=662245&id=24198341
Angela Schroeder
Patricia Kiyono
Elaine Cantrell
Jeff Salter
Joselyn
Tonette Joyce
Four Foxes, One Hound 
Funny, Jeff, you have the original opening of my post for this week in your post:I haven’t much else to say father-wise and I never knew either of my grandfathers; both died before I was born.
I decided on a bit of a different angle,(fortunately!).
My copy of “Called to Arms Again” sits here on my Kindle for PC , awaiting a little peace on the home front!
I enjoyed the poems last year.Very nice indeed.
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Thank you, Tonette. Hope your schedule settled enough for you to soon start reading C2AA.
[Sorry I borrowed your opening lines! You know what they say about great minds …]
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How nice of you to honor the men who played such important roles in your life. What a shame you weren’t able to meet either of your grandfathers.
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Wonderful to see you here, Karen/Ariella.
All my life, as I saw other kids interacting with their grandfathers, I wondered, “what would that be like?” My dad’s dad died a couple months before he was born in 1920; my mom’s dad died a couple of months before I was born in 1950.
I had two grand MOTHERS, but one was about 100 miles away and mostly bedridden on the relatively few occasions that we did see her.
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Congratulations on the “almost” 30 months anniversary!!
I’d better check up on your previous “fathers day” posts 🙂
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Yep, our very first 4F1H post was the last day of Jan. in 2011.
Just imagine all the pithy commentary you’ve missed. LOL
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I’ve decided that one of the best things we can do to honor those who have gone before us is to remember them in vibrant and dynamic ways, not just as shadows or memories. Using those we have loved as the basis for characters that will live on…that’s a special tribute. I’m working on a story that moves a young girl from the deep south to Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, and though there’s no character in the story based on her, the setting is wholly inspired by my grandmother who grew up there and shared her love of that place with me. Kudos, Jeff, on honoring the men who helped shape you into the man you are! (So which one do we blame for your chocolate addiction?) 😉
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I greatly appreciate your kind words, Heather. Thanks.
Interestingly, my F-I-L inspired a significant character who has appeared in THREE of my novels (so far). Two are unpublished, but one of those I hope to overhaul enough to sub to AP later this year. My F-I-L did not live long enough to read the third novel featuring “his” character, but he did read — and seemed to genuinely enjoy the portrayals — in the first two ms.
What you’re doing, working a story around a time/place specific to a loved one, is very important and will be valued by not only those who knew those people/places … but by students of cultural history.
As for your question: neither my Dad or F-I-L were big on sweets … so I guess I got that gene elsewhere. Ha.
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One day, Jeff’s granddaughter, Jenna, will be able to write that SHE got her M&M gene from HER grandfather! Jeff did pass on his chocoholic gene to both of his children!!
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LOL, Denise. That would be quite TRUE. However, where did I get that gene? Must have been from YOUR mom!
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I can’t decide if they are passing blame or credit!!!
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Oh Denise, and let me tell you she’s in heaven in the US with that M&M gene !!! We couldn’t believe how much M&Ms in various forms there were to buy!!!!!! AND THE M&M SHOPS !!!! *sigh* …. unfortunately I was “only” allowed to buy a cup …
AND LOL at Jeff for blaming Denise’s mum for getting the gene …. that’s hilarious!
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well, Iris, I get the blame for everything else. Ha.
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LOL … isnt that your prerogative as a man
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pretty much
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