Love You More Than You Know
Mothers' Stories About Sending Their Sons and Daughters to War
by Janie Reinart | Mary Anne Mayer
- Format: Softcover, 240 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 inches
- Illustrations: 42 black-and-white photographs
- ISBN: 978-1-59851-055-3
- Price: $14.95
Click for: Reviews | Free Sample
Description
In these stories, 45 mothers of U.S. service men and women open their hearts and share what it feels like when your son or daughter leaves home to fight a war.
Some were stunned when they learned that their “baby” had enlisted. Others had long been familiar with military life. But all of these mothers knew their world had just changed the day their child called home and said, “Mom, I'm being deployed . . .”
They discovered the strange mix of pride and fear. The anxiety of not knowing exactly where in Iraq or Afghanistan your son is, whether your daughter is facing mortar fire or enduring heat and boredom. Elation at the arrival of the briefest postcard or email message. The daily dread, when returning home from work or a trip to the grocery store, of seeing a government car in the driveway and two soldiers at the door . . .
Anyone who reads their stories will admire their faith and courage—and better understand the sacrifices made by our U.S. service men and women and their families.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book will be donated to ReMIND.org, a Bob Woodruff Foundation initiative for injured service members and their families, and to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.
Reviews
- “Packed with images and moments that resonate with the reader long after the stories are told . . . offers a powerful statement about the sacrifices made not only by those who serve, but also by those left behind.” — Cleveland Magazine
- “A book for all mothers, fathers and Americans regardless of which opinion of the war you may hold since it speaks to the enduring sacrifices of parents for their children, of young soldiers for their country and to the nobility of the human spirit when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Military families often understand the gravity of service, but not everyone has a member of their family, or even a friend, enlisted in the military. For the latter-mentioned, the book is an equally perfect read -- one to help carry on appreciation for veterans beyond the recent holiday acknowledging them.” — coolcleveland.com
- “Personal feelings about the war itself are not even considered - they are meaningless. These women write about love and deep, relentless pride in their sons and daughters. They tell of their experiences as well as their connection with various support groups and other mothers . . . It is at the same time an easy read (less than 250 pages of down-to-earth "normal" writing) and one of the hardest books you will ever read. You will feel a portion of the pain and the pride these mothers experience. You will be glad you chose to read this book.” — clevelandwomen.com
- “A book you can't put down . . . incredibly riveting” — WGAR FM Radio
- “Proud stories, hopeful stories and mostly love stories. They're all stories that Americans, whether they have children in the military or not, should read. We all know someone who has enlisted or the parent, spouse or friend of someone who is serving our military and fighting for us. And in that way, those soldiers become our sons and daughters.” — Currents
About Janie Reinart
A storyteller, educator, and freelance writer, Janie seeks ways to give people a voice to tell their own stories through prose and poetry. She and her husband, Ed, are grateful for their five children and grandchildren. Most weekends, you will find Janie praying and singing with the choir at Holy Angels Catholic Church. More About Janie Reinart
About Mary Anne Mayer
Mary Anne and her husband, Stan, reside in Medina, Ohio--a long way from Fort Greely, Alaska, where she was an army wife. Committed to the arts, Mary Anne enjoys teaching and co-directing junior high plays and musicals at St. Francis Xavier School. She and Stan have three children and delight in being grandparents. More About Mary Anne Mayer