Page 21 - Reader's House magazine

that history is not just about events, but about people: their love, sacrifices, and enduring humanity. Throughout her literary journey, she has maintained a strong connection to her roots as a proud wife, mother, grandmother, and storyteller, drawing inspiration from the lives of those closest to her. In this exclusive interview, Eleanor takes us behind the scenes of her creative process, her inspiration for The Heart of a Soldier, and the legacy she hopes to leave through her writing. Whether you’re drawn to history, personal reflection, or simply the honest truths of life, Eleanor D. Alspaugh’s words promise to engage and inspire you deeply. yet realizing he might never return to her. Al- though deeply in love, he was selfless, loving my mother enough to encourage her to keep living life, having fun, even dating. Dad stated that he would not marry her before leaving for the war as he did not want her to have to spend her life caring for him if he returned severely injured. What challenges did you face while researching and writing about the historical context of your father’s service in the “Super Sixth”? As I started writing The Heart of a Soldier, I faced numerous challenges. I was a work- ing wife and mother, raising three children, What inspired you to write “The Heart and had achieved my desired position as an of a Soldier,” and how did you approach Assistant Vice President, with an abundance combining personal letters with historical of responsibilities and writing assignments research? that accompanied that title. I was also secretly Having saved my father’s letters written working on my first book, writing nights, weekends, and vacations, what would eventu- home during World War II, my mother had of- ten asked me to read the letters. I preferred just ally be my first award-winning book, entitled enjoying our visits and reminiscing of times The Mommy-Go-Round. Oh yes, and there when my father was still with us. However, was one more ‘little hitch’ to my plan for this once they were both gone, the letters became book. I was a business major and as far from a lifeline to me, a way to reconnect with both a historian as one could get. I had to face facts my parents. As I read them, I felt moved by and postpone further writing or research until their story, and wanted to share the letters with about 15 years later, when I grabbed at the others, particularly my family. Knowing how opportunity of an early retirement. My dream busy the world we live in is, I truly doubted of writing this book was still in my heart. that even my own family would find the time How do you balance writing about deeply to open each envelope, see the personal notes personal family stories with ensuring Eleanor D. Alspaugh captivates historical accuracy and broader appeal? readers with heartfelt storytelling, fusing historical insight and emotional depth into timeless, inspiring narratives of love and resilience. tucked inside and read the letters filled with his experiences and heart. I also could not help but wonder what was going on in the world around them as they corresponded. It was then that I began to envision a book that included Dad’s letters and some from my uncles, but D R A F T Eleanor Alspaugh’s The Heart of a Soldier is a moving blend of personal letters and historical context, capturing Sgt. George Donald’s bravery, sacrifices, and enduring love during World War II. Through intimate correspondence and supplemental research, the My writing comes from my heart. My first very personal book shared a naïve working book offers a heartfelt tribute to mother’s initiation into motherhood. It was the Greatest Generation and their fun, sometimes challenging and perhaps, in lieu of therapy, I worked through my thoughts, wartime experiences. feelings and observations as I wrote that first and citizens faced during World War II. As a book. I later wrote a second book, When D is result, I tried to draw readers into their long- For Deployed, again heart driven as I watched ago reality. I encouraged people to imagine my son-in-law deployed, and his wife, my what their lives would be like if subjected to daughter, and their young daughter try to those same prejudices and struggles, not to continue their everyday life yet stay close to mention the danger faced in battle or even ex- him, despite being worlds apart. As for The tensive training. I do hope that readers of The Heart of a Soldier, I was always aware of my Heart of a Soldier will better understand the father’s heroism and the medals he received hardships people endured during World War for his service, but that was family history. II and the lasting love of family that helped also the history occurring as they wrote their When finally reading his letters and immersing soldiers survive. letters. I felt others might enjoy the letters myself in World War II history, my heart was and learning about this historic time that my touched as I was transcended in time, touched parents and so many others had lived through, by my parents’ love at its beginning, and presented in a personal manner rather than an began to see the challenges and struggles they impersonal history textbook. The book shares endured at home and away as he fought in this their story and at times, my thoughts as I war. Together, it all gave me a much better entwined the letters with extensive research of understanding of the impact on their lives, significant World War II events and circum- their hopes and dreams and I realized that so stances, in addition to sharing the combat many other lives were also put on hold as they path of my father’s unit, the Sixth Armored faced similar challenges at home and around Division of General Patton’s Third Army. the world. How did your father’s letters influence your understanding of his experiences during World War II and his relationship with your mother? My father’s letters shared the perspective of a wartime soldier, determined to do his duty, What message or lessons do you hope readers take away from “The Heart of a Soldier”? Everyday life is known to have stress and challenges. As I researched and wrote this book, I read so much of the various challeng- es, dangers and difficult circumstances soldiers Can you share any details about your upcoming projects, such as the sequel to “The Mommy-Go-Round” or your next children’s book? Occasionally, you will hear someone com- ment that parenting never ends. Well, let me assure you, that is absolutely true! I still find humor sharing life realities that parents expe- rience as their children grow up, marry and eventually become parents themselves. The joy of parenting seriously includes so many unexpected situations that no one warns you about, so stay tuned! Both the sequel and my children’s book are making progress. Hopeful- ly, the chaos of parenting and grandparenting will not hold me back too long! Stay tuned! Reader’s House II 21