An Open Letter to a Dear Friend Olof Eriksen
Posted: Monday, October 13, 2008
by Sandra E. Graham
My Books and Articles
I couldn't sleep that night, tossing and turning, trying to find a more comfortable position-there are none. Why can't you take your arms off and hang them on the wall when you go to bed at night? Who said that? I think it was George Carlin on an old Saturday Night Live show. As we get older, finding a comfortable position to sleep is a thing of the past-your shoulders ache, your hips ache, your back aches, and your arms-there is just no where to put your arms!
And so it goes, I blink at the blinding light of the monitor and my tired eyes begin to burn as I log onto the Internet to read my emails. I have several that I delete without opening-spam-mail that has somehow gotten through the safeguards that I have paid big bucks to my provider to filter out. Then one catches my eye-a request for a book review from some new and unknown author.
I'm not sure I want to read a book right now, but I do have a little time on my hands-maybe that's why I'm not sleeping well; I'm just not getting tired enough to sleep. Of, course, reading a book isn't exactly stretching any muscles or burning any calories. But it would be something to distract my mind from the everyday humdrum of twiddling my thumbs.
The book is a memoir written by a Norwegian immigrant who has come to the United States in the mid-fifties full of the hopes and dreams of creating a new life for himself in the New World of milk and honey.
I accept the challenge and take on this unknown author's new book and not looking back I enter a world of heart-breaking reality. The life of a young boy, deserted by his mother, taken from a father that loves him, and forced into a boy's home full of unspeakable horror, fills my mind and heart with a sadness such as I have never known.
This boy was you, Olof Eriksen. And through your book and subsequent communications with you, I have earned a dear and true friend. You were puissant enough to fight your way out of a situation that would have brought much stronger men to their knees. America gained a most valuable asset when you came to her shores with bright eyes and a head full of even brighter ideas. Although, you initially found America to be a hard land, filled with harsh realities, you once again drew on your inner strengths to create your own niche in the world.
Through this book I became to know the man behind the memoirs of an immigrant and I am truly honored to call you a friend, a very dear friend, Olof. You have been through so much and brought so much honor to a country that placed a statue in its harbor with its engraved message to "give me your tired, your poor, and your huddled masses."
May you continue to find joy in this world and earn your rightful place in the next.
Your true friend,
Sandra E. Graham
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Sandra E. Graham, author, AMOS JAKEY and NICOLINA published by American Book Publishing. I also write book reviews for authors through Book Pleasures. Visit my website for more information on my books that are in print now and reviews I have written.
http://www.sandragraham-articles-books.com
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More commentsGreat article. Well written and shows how friendship can be very important to someone. When you have a true friend hold on to that friendship with all you have.Sue G.Thank you so much, Sue. The power of friendship can work wonders. When you have a good and dear friend, you should cherish that friendship with all your heart.Sandra
Sandra, this article is great and very moving.I liked it from the start because I can surely relate to your aches and pain while lying in bed. I rarely attempt to sleep in bed anymore. Back a number of years ago, we purchased a new recliner. And at the time I often had to get up at night to ease the aches I had developed and I started sitting in the new recliner. I soon discovered that the chair was contoured perfectly for me and when I leaned it back a little, all my aches and pains disappeared! I moved it into the bedroom so I'd be near Nadine and I have slept in it since, almost like a baby sleeps. If you have those problems regularly, you need to shop around for a well fitting recliner and learn how to enjoy sleep again. God bless you and yours.Thank you, Joel. I have been considering a new recliner--but, right now our budget is stretched. Someday maybe.Sandra
Hi Sandra,I too was impelled to buy Olof's book. As I read I can emphathize, cry and laugh with him. I only hope that one day I will be remembered to be as caring and tenacious as he.God blessThanks so much, Michelle. It was a wonderful book. If you enjoy reading about people, you might like to read my books, also.Thanks again,Sandra
Thank you, Grannie, for letting me borrow Olof's book. It is great. I love it and I love your article about him. He sounds like such a wonderful person.Love you, BrittanyThank you, sweet Brittany. I'm glad you like my articles.Grannie
You are a fount of inspiration and bubble with energy and hope, and your words are a true source of strength for life's journey! I have a new article on prayer. I hope if you read it, you will enjoy it!Thank you, so much, Walter. I'm glad you enjoyed the article. I'm going to read yours now. Thanks for reading and commenting, I love to write and I love to write what I think people would enjoy reading. If you like to read about people, you might like to read my books--check out my website.Thanks again,Sandra
Great article about 'friendship'. It is so nice to know that friends are appreciated and loved.Wonderful article.anonomousThank you, anonomous. Glad you enjoyed the article. Please feel free to check out my website and my books and other articles.Sandra
These are touching sentiments as is normal for your writing style.Thank you so much, Robert.Sandra
I think we all know about sleepless nights. Thats when I do most of my work too, when I can't sleep. This was a great article and it must be very special to your friend. I hope he appreciates it. Friends are hard to come by.Barb J.Thanks so much, Barb. Glad to see you back.Sandra
Friends are very important to us all. Thanks very much for sharing your friendship with us.Chuck.Thanks again, Chuck, for reading and commenting. Glad you enjoyed the article.Sandra
another great article. Keep them coming. I sure do enjoy your writing.Thanks so much, Arlene. Glad you enjoy.Sandra
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