When I was young, soda pop was a nickel, and I actually remember my first piece of gum. My grandfather gave it to me and told me to make it last because it was hard to get. I proudly wore my brother's out-grown Mackinaw coat, and most of my clothes were hand-me-downs from relatives in New York. My mother told me I was lucky to have clothes from Fifth Avenue, as my friends just got clothes from Pueblo. I didn't see a TV until about 1953 at a neighbors and it was several years before we got one of our own.

I still put my hand over my heart when the flag passes or the national anthem is played. I still love the historical songs of America's past -- folk songs, war songs, and patriotic songs. I might be a goop* in some peoples eyes, but I even cry on occasion when deeply moved with love for my country. I did when I was all by myself at home watching the horrific events of 9/11. I also prayed aloud to God to save our White House, the Statue of Liberty, and other important monuments Americans treasure. I will never forget that day.

I profoundly love America and all that she stands for. I want to give something back to the country I love so deeply. Thus, I have pledged to give all of my profits from the sale of my two novels, The Other Son and Ripples in the Water, to the foundation I founded, SOARR (Studies on American Rights and Responsibilities.) It is my humble hope that this foundation will impact the lives of young people in a positive way and will encourage patriotism and love of America in the formative years of these youth. I can think of no better way to spend the profits from my novels.