Authorpreneur Dashboard – Kathy Kasunich
Always Remembering
History
Helen has only one dream in her life: to marry Mike. What happens when World War II erupts and the new lovers are forced to separate and endure a new normal of uncertainty, loneliness, heartache, and misunderstandings? How do they contend with Helen’s domineering mother who forces her to accept an engagement ring from another man and cancels wedding plans? How can they deal with meddling relatives who question Mike’s intentions? What is the antidote for all the poisons infiltrating their world? Nostalgic memories and unceasing correspondence. They must learn to adapt and remember the person who stole their heart.
From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the trails of the 42nd Rainbow Division battlegrounds during World War II, the pangs of separation and the destruction of war resonate deeply. In a story told through both of their perspectives, Mike, an outgoing, confident medic, and Helen, a diffident, humble grocer, take you on their journey as they navigate situations beyond their control.
A genuine, heartfelt tale based on a true romance, Always Remembering depicts the emotional effects and unseen collateral damage of war seen through the eyes of two average individuals. This Capraesque love story is both inspiring and poignant as it portrays the resilience of the human spirit and the power of sentimental memories.
Book Bubbles from Always Remembering
Goodbye
Saying goodbye to your loved one is always emotional. It becomes more difficult when you are uncertain if and when they will return. During separation, all that remains are their memories of each other. In their last moments together, Mike and Helen desperately cling to each detail.
Mike's perspective
Always Remembering is a romance, describing the peaks and valleys of Mike and Helen’s long distance relationship. However, it is also historical as it follows Mike, a medic, from the 42nd Rainbow division, as he leaves the United States and enters the battles of war. While Helen is stateside, chronicling her life, turmoil and feelings, Mike is relaying his experiences while in Europe. This is one small excerpt as he is aboard the ship taking him to Europe. The book continues to follow him as he travels from France, crosses the Siegfried line and eventually liberates Dachau.
While Separated
Imagine not being able to see your loved one or hear their voice for months or even years. Pre-modern technology, written letters that took days, sometimes weeks, to arrive at your mailbox was the only communication during World War II. Unlike today, with instant texts, emails and interactions on FaceTime, Mike and Helen relied on the US Postal System to receive answers to their questions. Without the ability to communicate effectively, they needed to rely on their memories to recall each other’s voice, smile, and laughter. Unable to create memorable occasions, they reached deep into the recesses of their minds and relived those hours of enjoyment, remembering why they fell in love. Memories were the key to their survival in keeping their life together alive.
