When I first released Husband Father Brother Son, I was gratified by the reception and honored by the compliments. Each of the essays seemed to strike a chord with someone , but several of them seemed to have a life of their own. "The Sentry" was a favorite for wives and daughters to give to their husbands or dad, "Holding More Than A Hand" was definitely a father son favorite and finally, "The Little Family That Melted Away" generated response from around the world. I gave permission to several ministers to reprint the essay as long as they had my name and email address on the bottom. Apparently someone from the Chicken Soup series came across it and that is how it was chosen to be in the "Chicken Soup Divorce and Recovery" book.

What I hoped to accomplish with this book was to give a voice to the feelings that many men have but don't express. Most men I know take all of their "roles" seriously but they are not always forthcoming about what they do or how they feel. I have been particularly gratified by the understanding response of women to these essays. Many women have found that this book illuminated the thinking of the men they knew. I have also heard from men who have written or called about similar incidents or thoughts that happened to them and they thanked me for helping to explain their life.

I pray that this book helps you to live your life with more understanding, appreciation and love for the men we call Husband Father Brother and Son.

northernwriter@hotmail.com