Mimi Gough was very lucky to rediscover all the letters that her Dad sent to his family during his military service in World War II. And the book she has written, From Fledgling to Flyer, published by Maine Authors Publishing, shares those letters with us.
This book includes a lot more than those letters. Mimi actually tells stories throughout the book that connect us with her family, herself, and for sure, her Dad.
Mimi is a world traveler, having visited 40 countries, enthusiastic teacher, history buff, and a storyteller. She has written newspaper columns with travel tips and destination related articles. She claims that because of all the traveling, she lost her Maine accent. So sorry to hear that Mimi!
But perhaps that is a good thing. It reminded me of how ineffective I was in Italy speaking Italian with a Maine accent.
Mimi’s Dad spent time at several training centers and became an airplane bomber. As World War II progressed, he ended up in a plane that actually dropped bombs on Japan the day before the nuclear bombs were dropped there.
As she read her Dad’s letters, Mimi came to many realizations. They were well described in this paragraph:
And what did I discover? Quite simply, that my father left me a greater gift – more than anything he ever said in his letters – a profound gift that all along, he really has been with me every step of my life. I realized that I have lived my life doing what was right, and to me that meant being honest, ethical, loving, and giving. Life will never be easy, but joy can be found every day, if you just look for it. My father has been my parking angel, my conscience, and my guide in life. He only stood next to me for 14 years on earth, but his spirit has been right there with me ever since.
Well said Mimi. Thanks for sharing your Dad’s wisdom and stories with us.