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Notes from the Road |
Day 1 - Lexington, KY
I awoke at 5:15 in preparation for my first day of my book tour. Last night my publisher, Jed Lyons, had a book signing at his home. Contributor Maureen Orth (pg 169) and her husband Tim Russert, Cindy Buck (pg 22) and her handsome husband and two sons, Janet and Bill Cohen, Sally Bedell Smith, Gloria Borger, Ann Compton and many more good friends were there.
I landed in Lexington, Kentucky and my good friend, Jean Ann Banker, whisked me away to meet Headley Bell, Alice Chandler's (pg 32) son. Mrs. Chandler's dad Hal Price Headley, co-founded Keeneland 70 years ago this month, and was the first president. Today was also a historical day because the horses were running on the new Polytrack. Keeneland is a special place; the ambience is unique and is magically steeped with tradition. It was a beautiful blue sky and the brightly dressed jockeys atop the majestic horses were electric. Headley even took us into the paddock and the winner's circle where we witnessed a race.
We then met Mrs. Chandler at Joseph Beth bookstore. People were thrilled to see her and have so much respect for her. We both signed books. I even signed one to "Will," purchased by his wife who is soon to give birth to their first child, a daughter. I'm sure this book will inspire him to be a great dad just like the ones written about in "Love You, Daddy Boy."
Off to Memphis, Tennessee tomorrow!
Day 2 - Memphis, TN
As the dew was evaporating from the rolling green hills around Lexington, Kentucky, I took off and flew over Keeneland as it was waking up to another day of racing.
I arrived in Memphis, home of the civil rights museum, Graceland and corporate office for FedEx just in time to go to Davis-Kidd bookstore. Debbi Fields (pg 78) didn't bring her wonderful Mrs. Field's cookies but did bring her beautiful daughter, Jessica! Dr. Benjamin Hooks (daughter Pat Hooks Gray pg 115) was out of town and could not join us. Bill surprised me and flew in from Washington. A woman who bought the book yesterday wrote a chapter in the back of the book for her Dad and presented it to him at my book signing. It was the first time I had seen the blank pages filled in. It was very special day.
Off to Knoxville, Tennessee!
Day 3 - Knoxville, TN
Today I flew over beautiful Mt. Leconte, the third highest peak in the Smoky Mountains National Park. The scenery below looked like a patchwork quilt, full of fall foliage color. I also went to the University of Tennessee and made a quick stop at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and thought of the Lady Vols led by Coach Pat Head Summit (pg 210) -- the most winning coach for any men or women team.
Later I went to Books-a-Million on Kingston Pike. Bill and I met new people and a few friends that we have known for many years including Leonard and Karen Brown and their son. A young man in the book store asked me to sign the book he was reading, The Odyssey. WBIR TV Channel 10 stopped by the book signing. I finished the day with an appearance on "The Style Show" with Moira Kaye and Michele Silva.
Off to Chattanooga tomorrow!
Day 4 - Chattanooga, TN
Today I went to Books-a-Million in Hixson, Tennessee. My friends from Chattanooga, Patsi and Kirk Walker and Lauren and Michael Lebovitz were there. WTVC Channel 9 stopped by the book store as did state representative, Bo Watson. But the biggest thrill came when Rosalie Ritzema and her daughter arrived. Fred Ritzema, a husband and father, received a new heart 18 years ago and Bill was the surgeon. He later attended his daughter's high school graduation and walked her down the aisle at her wedding. As Rosalie said, these were moments they would not have shared without his transplant. Now there's a story for my second volume!
I also did WDEF TV, "News 12 This Morning" with Rachel Oesch. She showed me a book her two daughters had decorated for their Dad, Ty, and had written in the pages in the back. They even put brightly colored hand prints inside the book! What a great project. They will give it to him for his birthday!
Off to Murfreesboro, Tennessee!
Day 5 - Murfreesboro, TN
Bill and I arrived early at Hastings bookstore where we were greeted by Brenda Shaeffer who offered us a great cup of coffee in their coffee bar. The beautiful store was a bit empty and I was afraid no one was going to be there. Exactly at 7 pm the store was full of people! State Representative, Donna Rowland was there. Many people brought their children. The three cutest stair-stepped boys lined up and each looked through the books -- they especially liked the photo of Darrell Waltrip (pg 241) in his NASCAR jumpsuit! They reminded me so much of our sons. Meredith Hilleary came by with her new little girl and bought a book for her husband, Van. Beverly and Byron Waites, two of Bill's wonderful relatives on the Cate side of the family, joined us. Howard Wall, a dear friend, bought five books, came back and bought another, and another and another! He kept thinking of people to give it to!
Tomorrow is Nashville!
Day 6 - Nashville, TN
It was so good to get home just in time to celebrate our middle son, Jonathan's 21st birthday! Bill and I took 12 of his best college friends to a wonderful steak restaurant.
We had a packed book signing at Davis-Kidd Booksellers and totally sold out of books within the first hour! Many Frist family members were there and all of my girlfriends. Barbara Mandrell Dudney (pg 71) and her wonderful husband, Ken and Gracie Rosenberger (page 196), her Dad, Jim Parker, her husband, Peter and their two handsome sons were there. Of course, Mary Barfield Frist (pg 15) was in attendance with her fabulous husband Lee, and many many grandchildren.
I asked each of them to read from their chapter. Barbara, read about the time her Daddy brought her new sister home, which she was not happy about! Gracie read the heart wrenching story of when she had her automobile accident which later resulted in double amputation and how her Daddy was so instrumental in her recovery. And Mary read about her father, Dr Thomas Frist, kneeling at night with them to say prayers -- something I had never heard until I read her chapter. I can just see the 6'4" man on bended knee with his children…
It was so relaxing to be with family and friends.
Day 7 - Houston, TX
After a great weekend with Bryan for parent's weekend, where we met his wonderfully engaging friends and their parents, we flew to Houston, Texas to continue my book tour. I arrived at my book signing at Barnes and Noble, where Johnny Rovell had a perfect spot picked out for me. Leslie Huff brought her buddies from Clear Lake. Genie Atmar Renaudin, my former college roommate, came by, along with her mother and sister, Anne. I was so happy to see my friends Jenny Jackson, and Carol Casimir. They all knew my "Daddy Boy".
We then rushed over to meet Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (pg 122) at a luncheon where we both signed our chapters. Her photo of her as a little girl is one of the cutest (pg 123)! I then drove to the Bush Library where Bill and I met contributor Barbara Bush (pg 25) and President Bush 41 and toured his presidential library at College Station, Texas, home of the Texas Aggies. Bill was the featured speaker at the William Waldo Cameron Forum on Public Affairs at the George Bush Presidential Library. My sister, Trisha and Ike Thomas, and her two sons and their wives, Ryan and Anne and Texas Aggies Justin and Kimberly Thomas, all made it to the library and lecture!
Day 8 - Stafford, TX
After a quick run and a phone interview with James Clark of the KJDL AM Morning Show in Lubbock, I stopped by Mary Ann Voigt's house to visit with her mother, Ann. I washed clothes before we all jumped in the car and headed for Stafford, Texas. We were met at Borders Book store by Leslie Huff and Walt's parents, Walton and Mary Huff. Many of her friends came by and we had lots of laughs. I then headed for the capital of Texas, Austin.
Day 9 - Austin, TX
I landed after midnight into Austin, the capitol of Texas. The stars were shining in the big Texas sky. I got up early and drove to Lakeway to visit the grave of my best childhood friend, Marti. The drive through the hill country brought back so many happy memories. Marti's mother, LaJean, and sisters, Susan and Laurie, joined me at my book signing. Marti's husband, Mike, along with two of their adorable sons (it was James' 16th birthday) and his new wife Sharon and her two boys attended the signing. For the first time on my tour I had three McLaughlins-Kae, Marianne and Carol Marie, with her very patient daughter, Gwen (I spoke a bit too long for a 5 year old!)-join me! Bill and I visited with all these wonderful people along with Colleen Devine from Barnes and Noble, who made this entire book signing one of the best!
Day 10 - Ft. Worth, TX
I took off early from Austin and flew over the Texas Longhorn stadium and the state Capitol. I landed and went directly to TCU, in Ft Worth, Texas, where I was met by Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. After a quick lunch, including current Kappa president, Martha , I spoke briefly to some very bright and energetic students, and many bought books for their dads. I had to stop at Colby Hall, where my "Love you, Daddy Boy" letters first started. I even knocked on the door to my old room and met Katie Anderson from Lufkin, Texas. I couldn't help but notice the photo of her and her Dad on her dresser so I am going to send her a book!
I then rushed to see my mother, Kathryn McLaughlin, and signed books in their library. A special friend of mother, Mel, was celebrating her 95th birthday! They are the most active retirees, playing dominoes, bridge, and even line dancing.
I then met my TCU buddies at Borders, where I had a book signing. A lot of my friends and family, including my sister, Trisha Thomas, came all the way from Granbury, Texas. Frank Fitts, one of Bryan's friends from SMU, came to the signing as well. Once again, we totally sold out of books!
Day 11 - Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
Before the sun came up, I joined Heywood and Rick on FM 95.9 "The Ranch"-a raucous show that covers politics, current affairs and is truly the alternative to country music stations. Heywood asked me specifically about my dad and his commitment to his mother long after she had ceased to recognize him. It was a very sweet comment that I appreciated. I had a ball being on their show! Check out their website, www.959TheRanch.com. I then drove to Dallas and met Nancy Perot Mulford (pg 151) to sign books for a fantastic group of Texas women hosted by Sarah Perot and Sarah Seay.
I then had a signing at Borders Books. The most fantastic man, Nathan Chick, from the store, met me with a latte and gave the most touching introduction of my book, mentioning his own father. My cousin Mac McLaughlin and Pat came and did quite a bit of Christmas shopping! Two childhood friends, Debbie and Barbara, were there and my good buddy, Morgan Cox, came with the most gorgeous flowers. The surprise guest was Ross Perot, who came to support his daughter, Nancy Mulford. She read from her chapter as her father proudly watched her. Certainly a time for the "Love you, Daddy Boy" tissues! What a great night!
Day 12 - Lubbock, TX
I flew into Lubbock looking out over the cotton fields like my family has been farming for four generations. I'm always amazed how flat and treeless Lubbock is, but the beauty of the big sky is breathtaking, with the scattering of pumping oil rigs.
I had lunch with ten McLaughlin family members and then drove by our old house with mother and Trisha and took a photo with an American flag, remembering how we used to march around on the 4th of July.
We then went to the book store. The heartwarming moment for me was when ten of my mother's good friends came. They were all couple friends of my parents. My junior high school principal, Mr. Andress, Coach Lowrey, and our librarian, Mrs. Rinehart, also came. Many childhood friends-Bunny Bennett, Bill Tarbox, Roger Key, and others-stopped by. It was great fun going down memory lane!
Day 13 - Concord, NH
It was hard to believe that the trees were past their peak as I flew into New Hampshire today. The fall color was spectacular, just like a painter's palette. I stopped at a pumpkin patch that was serving apple cider and every color of gourd possible.
I then went to downtown Concord to the most charming bookstore yet, Gibson's, a small store owned by Michael Herrmann, who met me at the door. I sat in a comfortable upholstered chair (with a library motif) and spoke to a handful of visitors, every age and possibly more men than women. One woman bought a book for her father that she was going to have every daughter and granddaughter of her Dads write in, a gift for Christmas. A local radio came and recorded it and mentioned that he was soon to be an empty nester, as he was taking his daughter to look at colleges. Of course, I told him to treasure every moment! (pg xii) The biggest surprise was when Michael Hermann let me pick out a book to take with me on the road and he guided me to Thirteen Moons, a novel by Charles Frazier…what a special man, who really knows and loves books.
Day 14 - Manchester, NH
Bill and I woke up early and took a quick run in the crisp air through the fall foliage. We then met our good friends, Barry and Jean Ann Banker, from Nashville, Tennessee for lunch and a tour of the state capitol.
We met Linda Lucey at Barnes and Noble in Manchester. She was so thoughtful and engaging. I signed a book for her father, Jeremiah. C-Span 2 Book TV filmed my book signing. Nathan Robbins, a father of two from Epping, New Hampshire, listened intently, and asked several questions, such as what I learned in the book that could make him a better father. What a great dad!
We had a late dinner and met Dr. James Staube. I told him briefly about my book. Today I woke up and had an email from him that said he had gone to my website and was going to Barnes and Noble in Manchester to buy a book because he realized the importance of having a strong role model for his children!
Day 15 - Milford, NH
I woke early to call into the Woody Woodland WSMN radio show in Nashua, NH. He obviously had read my book, as he mentioned many specifics from chapters such as Hillary Clinton (pg 42) and Billie Jean King (pg 127). He even had read Mary Frist Barfield's (pg 15), one about Bill's Dad, and how he would say prayers with his five children at night by kneeling on the floor by the bed. He told them that the Lord doesn't listen to a lazy man's prayers.
Jean Ann and I then went to the Toadstool bookstore in Milford, NH. Lois Ava-Barnes met me at the door. The store is a charming small store full of book lovers. Juanita Dangel, who attended the signing last night at Barnes and Noble, came back for five more books after she and her daughter Katie bought two. Nancy Foster, a New Hampshire Union Leader reporter, stopped by for a photo and interview. Jerry Reilley, a very bright retired college professor, who also worked at the Toadstool, kept us all entertained with his engaging conversation. Lois was so sweet and let me pick out a book -- I got Stephen King's Lisey's Story. Another great day!
Day 16 - Portland, ME
After exercising with Jean Ann, we drove up the Sea coast of New Hampshire through Rye Beach and stopped in Portsmouth for lunch. We went by the Moffatt-Ladd House and Garden where William Whipple who was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, lived. We continued up the coast to Portland, Maine stopping at a Methodist Church that was having a fundraiser by selling pumpkins (see photo!) We then walked around Portland, Maine before going to the University of Southern Maine's library. Kelly, the wonderful manager of the book store, had some delicious platters of cheese, olives, and crackers. Many women shared stories of their fathers. A real treat occurred when one of the US Senators from Maine, Olympia Snowe, came by. I really appreciated her visit!
Day 17 - Nashua, NH
After saying good bye to Jean Ann, we had a pretty drive from Portland, Maine to Nashua, NH where I joined Jennifer Horn on WSMN Radio. She played a tribute to our returning Marines that was a perfect lead in to my book segment due to the fact that part of my proceeds go to Operation Eagle's Nest, a foundation at Fort Campbell, Kentucky for families of our military men and women. We had a wonderfully thoughtful chat about Love you, Daddy Boy. Jennifer has five children, writes for the Nashua Telegraph Newspaper (see her story on the book in the Sunday October 22nd issue) and has her radio show. I'm not sure where she gets all of her energy!?
Kathy Puglisi and Melissa Groff met me at the front door of Barnes and Noble and we got a pumpkin spiced latte. Michelle Capone, with whom I had had lunch, came by between Cub Scouts and other children activities. Jennifer Horn also stopped by, treating us with a Godiva chocolate bar. Bernard and Bernadette Plante brought me an adorable basket full of New Hampshire syrup, pancake mix and other goodies. The store was full of families, due to the fact they were having a special pajama party. An adorable little girl, Julie, stopped and asked, "Are you an ARTHUR?" She had bright and inquisitive eyes. I explained that there were seventy AUTHORS in the book. I gave her some tissues and a bookmark and asked her to follow my daily blog. I hope she does!
Day 18 - Des Moines, IA
I was glad I had packed my winter coat when I got off of the airplane in Des Moines, Iowa. The temperature was forty-one degrees, but the sky was clear and a beautiful blue. Bill met me and we went to the Barnes and Noble where Molly Olinger-Topf greeted us with a big beautiful smile. She had really worked to make a special book signing. Channel 9 recorded my reading. The audience was full of interesting people from all over. I read the chapter Cindy Sidey Buck (page 22) wrote about her Dad, legendary Times magazine writer, Hugh Sidey. He was a 4th generation newspaper man from Greenville, Iowa. Cindy's story is one of my favorites. As she says, "Some things don't last forever. It is the gifts from the heart that are the ones remembered forever." How true.
Day 19 - Ames, IA
I stopped by Channel 8 TV in Des Moines for an interview with Mollie Cooney and Marcus McIntosh-two very charming interviewers with daughters of their own. I then toured the most unbelievable miniature doll house collection I have ever seen (www.salssite.com). Reverend Will Billow, the chaplain of our son's school, had flown to Des Moines to not only attend my book signing, but also to see his sister, Sally Wallace, and her husband, Sam. Sally has built the houses and furniture, many depicting Harry Potter. Words cannot explain how fabulous this collection is!
I then did a radio show with Steve Deace on WHO-the same radio station that "Dutch" Reagan, yes, President Reagan, was a sportscaster for and was known to announce the Chicago Cubs games off of a ticker tape!!
I then took a quick drive to Ames for a signing at Hastings. A huge sign out front welcomed me. Missy, Anna, Danelle, and Marisa worked so hard to make this special. Fall flowers on a red damask table cloth with a green chair were set among a cluster of small tables in the café. It was a very warm setting with, again, a wonderful mix of people. Several people had heard me on the radio and had come from work. An Iowa State student, Kiera, from England got a book for her Dad, Mark. Other people included a young mother, a biochemist and a couple who had been married over fifty years. The man who listened most intently had raised his daughter alone. He proudly told the crowd that she was now a cheerleader at Iowa State. Another great night.
Day 20 - Chicago, IL
After two great days in Iowa I headed for Chicago. Barnes and Noble was in a very "hip" part of Chicago. Katey Schwartz met me with my book in her hand. The store was bustling with people of all ages. The theatres next door drew a large group of people to the store. A big surprise was when Ron Gidwitz appeared. A few people recognized him. What a good friend he was to come on a Friday night, with his son, and buy a book for his beautiful wife, Christina. Several mothers and daughters came by on their way to a movie. A friend from the past, Nick Smith made my night by being there. Home tomorrow!
Day 21 - Washington, DC
I nervously entered the National Press Club right on time. As I walked down the hallway to my booth I saw signed photographs of Presidents, Senators, and prominent journalists. The room was full of people AND books! Ninety-nine authors including David Maraniss, Ray Suarez, and Bill Cohen were there autographing their books and buying each other's books. I was bit intimidated that my "Love you, Daddy Boy" book was in the middle of such established authors. "Will anyone stop at my booth and buy a book?" I wondered. As the time flew by and the evening came to a close I only had three books left, I had bought each of our sons a signed book and Bill bought three additional books.
I chatted with Senator Byron Dorgan, Helen Thomas, and many others. C-SPAN was busily filming while every age person was browsing the booths. My youngest visitor was two year old Madeleine Broome, who with a bottle in hand proudly pulled every tissue out of two of my "Love you, Daddy Boy" tissue packages! Lily Russell, a ten year old adorable girl who was adopted from China, got a book for her father. I shared Secretary Elaine Chao's story (page 34) with her. Elaine moved to the United States at a similar age. Lily's mother, Beth, just completed her book, Forever Lily, about adoption.
Bill was like a child in a candy store, enjoying the mental stimulation from the many fascinating books. He was happy to chat with Medal of Honor winner, Robert Foley. I left wondering why I had felt so intimidated. A lesson in life!
Day 22 - Charlotte, NC
The last time I was in Charlotte was in 2004 when Bill and I went to the NASCAR races. One of my favorite memories was standing above the track while Bill waved the starting flag. I can't imagine the thrill of the drivers such as Darrell Waltrip (page 238).
Stella Thurston had a beautiful luncheon for me with nineteen women. The food was wonderful, the day was beautiful, but most of all the conversation was warm and poignant. She had us go around the table and share a story about each of our Dads. Stella mentioned how tall, dark and handsome her Dad was. The word "integrity" was used more than once. Stella said that her Father taught her the three C's -- the love of Church, Country, and Community.
I then went to Joseph-Beth bookstore. Upon entering the store, I found it to the most stimulating and wonderful store. It had a children's reading room, a café, beautiful displays, and was overall the most welcoming store I had been to. Jamie Thurman, from the store gave me a book, WOMEN'S LETTERS: America from the Revolutionary War to the Present, edited by Lisa Grunwald and Stephen J. Adler including one by Peggy Noonan, also in my book (page 156). Alvin Reed brought his two sons, Jacob and Jeremiah, to get a book signed for their Mother, Donna Reed, who is expecting her third child. Good friend Lauren Steele came by with his daughter, Laura, who had just home from Auburn, and his wife, Fran. Of course Laura got a book her Daddy! Another great book stop.
Day 23 - Greenville, SC
Jean Ann and Barry and I drove from Charlotte, North Carolina to Greenville, South Carolina to meet Pat Timmons, Frances DeLoache Ellison and her mother, Bond DeLoache for lunch. We overlooked the Falls of the Reedy with its creative "swinging" bridge.
After walking through the charming redeveloped downtown area, we headed to meet contributor, Gracie Rosenberger (page 196, www.standingwithhope.org) at the Open Book book store. Things were sure active in this small family owned store. Duff Bruce, the store owner, welcomed us. Gracie was joined by Peter, her husband, Grayson, her son, and her in laws, Dr. Beryl and Mary Rosenberger. Her college roommate at the time of Gracie's car accident, Nancy Strode Comish, drove from Charlotte to see her.
Channel 4 came and filmed us chatting to Bond DeLoache for the nightly news. Bond bought a few books for her family. Brandi Farmer Koontz, who helped Bill get elected in 1994, stopped by. She was adorable and now has little children. It was great seeing her. The electricity was in the air, which is always the case when Gracie is around!
Day 24 - Columbia, SC
After taking one last walk through the riverfront in Greenville, Sabrina and I drove to South Carolina's capitol, Columbia. The bronze dome was gorgeous and I reflected on the Des Moines, Iowa shiny gold dome. Each state capitol has a beauty and personality of its own. It was hard to believe they were putting up the big Christmas tree and decorating it. It seems like it was just yesterday that Jean Ann and I were in New Hampshire visiting a pumpkin patch for Halloween. This week is Thanksgiving and Christmas will soon follow. How time has flown by on my book tour. This is the last formal day of the tour, and I have loved every minute of it. Sabrina has not only been efficient, but fun to be around. We have had lots of laughs!
We arrived at Books a Million and were greeted by the most beautiful, professional and perfectly dressed (see photo!), Jacqueline Bouvier Lee. She had a perfect spot for me to sign books. A second cousin of Bills, Sarah Waites Hennig, had purchased nine books and had me sign them for family and friends. Her parents, Byron and Beverly Waites (see notes from the road, Murfreesboro) had joined me in Tennessee. This makes over twenty-five McLaughlins and close to that many Frist family relatives attending a book signing. What a time to give thanks for family! Ginger Huggins, whose husband, Chip, is a Representative, had a couple of books signed.
Drake Jarman, a fantastic young man from Nashville, and a graduate of Wake Forest, came to get a book signed for the newly elected Lieutenant Governor, Andre Bauer. Drake is a wonderful friend from Nashville and I suspect has a future some day in elected office. Cavin Heath from NBC WIS Channel 10 popped in for a quick interview and some footage for the 11 o'clock news. After a hug from Jacquie, Sabrina and I headed for the airport to unite with family for Thanksgiving.
Day 25 - New York, NY
Bill and I flew to New York after spending Thanksgiving with our three sons and family in Tennessee. My only regret is that the boys haven't been able to meet me on my book tour. As fate would have it, Harrison left on a business trip the day we arrived in New York, so he was not able to join me.
We arrived at the Hearst Tower a few minutes early. The newly renovated forty-six floor tower is truly incredible. From the outside one can still see the six original floors of the building. As we entered the grand lobby with the two-story cascading waterfalls and bustling of people, I had a tinge of anxiety, not too different from the feeling at the National Press Club. I was quickly warmed, when I saw a huge red poster on an easel of "Love You, Daddy Boy." We took the elevator to the 44th floor to find my good friend, Cathie Black (page 18) who is president of Hearst Magazines. I am so proud of her as I'm sure Jim Black, her Dad, would be also -- as she says in her chapter, "proud as punch."
The view was incredible due to the clear sky. We were quickly joined by good friends, YS Chi, Liz Peek, Faith Geier, Lucy Lamphere and contributors, Mary Higgins Clark (page 39) and husband John, and Bob and Suzanne Wright, whose daughter, Katie, wrote a chapter (page 248). A group of young professionals from Hearst joined us-all energetic, interesting and making a difference at such an important organization. (Yikes! Some were my sons age!) Many Hearst executives were there, such as the CEO of the Hearst Corporation, Victor Ganzi ,who has twin daughters, Victoria and Danielle. Of course he took two books! Other magazines represented were Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire, Redbook, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, and Seventeen to name a few. Helen Gourley Brown was even there from Cosmo International. When she shook my hand and commented on my warm hands, did she call me Pussy Cat!? What a fun evening!
After the reception we stopped by Rockefeller Center to see the tree (the lights had not been turned on) and the ice skaters, and then strolled past the Saks Fifth Avenue Christmas windows, all places we had visited twenty-six years ago when Bill and I were dating! No place is more fun that New York at Christmas time.
Day 26 - Washington, DC
I was thrilled to hear that people at the U.S. Capitol had purchased my book, and wanted me to sign it for them, many for Christmas gifts. Although, as I thought about it, the book does have Democrat and Republican Senators and First Ladies of the United States! A menagerie of people stopped by which was great fun for me. By the strangest coincidence, at the same time I was there, the Lambersons, a family from Fort Campbell, were visiting the Capitol. Dana, and her children Evan and Kelsi, had lost their husband/father in Iraq. Bill and I were honored to have them visit the office. I told them that some of my proceeds from the book are being donated to Operation Eagle's Nest -- www.operationeaglesnest.org -- which is in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I showed them Leigh Ann Hester's chapter (page 117). She is from Fort Campbell also, and is the first woman to receive the Silver Star for combat action. Evan and Kelsi were so proud of their Dad, as was everyone they met. Of course, I gave them a book. Bill told them that they had made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Evan then gave me a bracelet with his Dad's name, SFC Randall Lamberson, date of death, April 10, 2006. I put it on the same arm that I have worn my Daddy's watch every day of the tour. We all hugged goodbye. Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about their strength.
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