Yesterday Bob and I went to a book signing at Prairie Edge store in Rapid City. It is an annual event that I have attended before for my other books, but we did not have 6 below in the middle of the day on previous signings. All of the other authors were there, but the crowds were rather thin. Most who came were bundled up from the elements and had braved the cold to take advantage of autographed copies of local author's books for holiday gifts, or wanted to partake of the hot food and beverages that the store provided.
Part way through the day an elderly couple stopped by. He had a cane and her face wore years of living among the many lines crossing her cheerful face. The couple did not appear overly dressed for the cold. The husband wanted to share his stories of his service to his country during WWII. After all, it was December 7th, the anniversary of the beginning of the war with Japan. The wife urged him on, hanging on his every word as if it were the first time she had heard his story. After encouraging him to finish his tale of service so many years ago, the couple walked off to meander through the store, taking their time to enjoy the many splendid displays in the various rooms.
Later in the day, as we were winding up our time promoting our books, the couple strolled back by our table. The woman saw me and quickly said, "I so enjoyed our visit with you. What a pleasant day we had."
My admiration was as much for the faithful wife as for the husband's service to our country. Seventy years after her husband shipped out from Hawaii to occupied Japan, this remarkable woman was at his side, ignoring the bitter cold, helping to keep his story alive for all of us later generations.
As the two left the store, the day no longer seemed so cold.
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