“I think I know what she means,” Jim said quietly. “Perhaps, when the time is right, these journals should be published, as a kind of memorial to your grandparents.”
“A memorial?”
“Think about it,” Jim said. “I’m sure you heard your grandmother talk about the years your grandfather was away, how hard it was to keep things going on the farm.”
“Of course, but… Oh! I see what you mean,” Alice said. “And, I think Cousin Lily has some letters that Nana wrote to Lily’s mother, who was Nana’s younger sister. I’m sure I could borrow them, or get copies.”
“The book could tell both stories, the soldier in the trenches and his family back home, how they coped with a different set of circumstances, all brought on by the war,” Bertie said.
“I think you’d have a best seller,” Harry said.
There was a minute of silence as they all looked at Alice.
“Let’s do it,” she said. “But I want to read them first. And Jim, I want you to help me get this all typed up.”
“You could even use a picture of where he wrote it,” Harry added. “It’s kind of like a private dugout down there.”
“Good idea,” Jim agreed.
Harry got to his feet. “And I think we should leave you to make your plans. But please keep us informed on the progress of this project. I’d be very interested in reading a book like this.”
Jim hobbled to the door with Alice to see them out. “Thank you for coming. Send us the bill for your services.”
“No bill,” Harry said. “This was just helping a couple of friends.” We just happened to find a little more than we expected.
“We won’t forget this,” Alice said. “When the book is published, you will both get copies.”
“That’s payment enough for me,” Harry said.
“Me too,” Bertie said as she and Harry went to their respective vehicles. “See you at the office.”
“Don’t forget my muffin,” he answered and heard her laugh as she got into her SUV.
