Every once in a while you get an email that really makes you feel good about the things that you have labored to accomplish in your life. Today, I received a message from a young man who lives in my hometown of Green Tree Borough, which is a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In it, he expressed how much he enjoyed my book “Onward Christian Soldier” and that he was happy to discover that two of my titles were available in the local Green Tree Library. He also stated affection for Stonewall Jackson who was “a courageous Christian,” and he added that the librarian had said some nice things about me.

Now I share this story not in a prideful way, but in a most humble and thankful one. The boy’s name is Brian, and he reminded me of myself when I was his age. As a kid, the GTL was one of my favorite places to go. I took out EVERY book on the Civil War that they had, and I know that my mother had to pay more than one fine for a Bruce Catton title that I refused to give back. Brian’s enthusiasm for the subject is evident, and I hope that he continues to pursue it as his generation represents the historians that will be writing about our time.

It is truly a blessing to receive praise from your peers and other adults, but the experience is much more humbling when a kid like Brian takes the time to pat you on the back. Thank you for your email Brian. I will continue to do my best with you in mind, and I only hope that I can give your gracious accolades justice.