Thank You for Your Service

You know why seeing people say "Thank you for your service" either online or in person (like at an airport) means so much to me?

Because my husband is a Vietnam vet, and I remember what it was like for them when they came home. And it wasn't a kind thank you.

My hubby talks about how horrible it was being somewhere people were actively trying to kill him, but also being worried about how they would be treated when they came home. 

They didn't only come home to hostility and insults, but indifference. Instead of being welcomed, some people spit on them and called them baby killers. The were blamed for a war they didn't start and had no control over.

You know what I admire? How they made sure that our troops coming home from subsequent conflicts weren't treated that way. They helped our country separate the war from those sent to fight it.

The first time I saw in real life that welcome and the words "Thank you for your service," I cried.

So, yeah. Thank you for your service. And I thank the family members left to handle everything at home while you were gone. 

IWSG - November 2026

    

Click here to find out more and to see a list of other IWSG blogs.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

The awesome co-hosts for the Nov 4th posting of the IWSG are

Kalpana, Kim Lajevardi, Rebecca Douglass, Jennifer Lane, and Cathrina Constantine!

I'm going to pass on the optional question this month because I don't really focus on a theme when I write, so I don't know how to answer it. 🤪

I thought I'd share a humorous experience with my recent releases. Seriously, I don't know how rapid releasers do it.

The final book in my Huckleberry Falls series (Keith's First Noel) released on October 20th. I was really excited that I had it ready early. I have another book (The Chef's Christmas Kiss) that's part of a multi-author project that releases on November 10th, and I had it ready early too.

I was so proud of myself!

So I contacted my narrator about the audiobook for Keith. I sent her a cast of characters as a reminder since it pulled all the characters from the first five books, and she'd done all those audiobooks.

And then I sent her the manuscript for Chef!

My narrator was so confused. 

Have you ever had releases close enough that you got them confused?