Several years ago I sat down with about 100 hand written pages in a spiral notebook my father had written during his morning coffee. His journaling was prompted by progressive vision loss, he knew he was going blind. I took his reminiscences and added historical context and through long discussions expanded his ‘vision’.
When reading a completed paragraph back to him he often responded, “that’s it, that’s right damn it.” And in the process I became my father.
This book is worthless as a work of literature. However, 100 years from now, or anytime in the future, when someone wants to know about the plight of the common man in the 20th century, it will be priceless.
5.0 out of 5 stars History Comes Alive and Blesses the Reader
Once in a blue moon, along comes a book that is made extraordinary by the teller of the tale. Written by 94-year-old Raymond M. Saunders, (now 95), BLESSED, I’M SO DAMNED GRATEFUL, is a book every household should have. What better way to experience a century of history than through the eyes of one of its sons. Saunders shares the beauty of life lived simply, with purpose, and with foresight. Above all, his tale is one that proves the beauty of the celebration of family in its most honest form.
show moreSaunders doesn’t tiptoe around sensitive issues such as the murder suicide committed by his great grandparents which left a family of six orphans behind. Nor does he wax eloquent on the subsequent rise and success of his grandfather in the cattle business in Iowa. Rather, he has written a story penned for his family that begs to be shared in a larger audience.
Throughout the reading of BLESSED, I experienced something that doesn’t often happen – that is of “hearing” the author speak. Throughout each page, each era, each memory, running through my inner mind was the voice of a man who has lived life to the fullest and recognized the lessons we are meant to learn.
Saunders decided to write some memories for his family when his eyesight began to fail in the early 1990’s, and he introduces each chapter with a vignette into his day on the Iowa farm he still lives on today and grew up on for 95 years. Then, prompted by a memory, he begins a journey into the past that is rich with description.
Especially noteworthy is Saunders’ honesty with human foibles. Accepting them, recognizing them, and working through them. The world as a whole can learn from this unique historical memoir that documents the wide and varied changes in technology, family values and world events over the past 95 years and more.
A unique portion of this special book is the numerous, well-preserved documents and photographs that illustrate the different events Saunders portrays in his written legacy.
If only all generations had such an engaging, forthright historian willing to share the history of our immigrant families I believe our country would find deeper value and meaning in our every day lives and recognize the importance of living life.
My only regret is not being able to meet in person Raymond Saunders. I would willingly sit at his feet for hours and listen to whatever tale he cared to share. A natural storyteller, Saunders has blessed America with this story, and I’m more than grateful to have had the honor to become engrossed in history made alive through the voice of an Iowa farmer.
Interview with Raymond M. Saunders and Craig M. Saunders, co-authors of Blessed, I’m So Damned Grateful is online at the Hands for Hope Website under Book Reviews.
5.0 out of 5 stars MEMORIES
Author, 94 year-old Raymond M. Saunders, is not just a man, but a piece of American history. You cannot truly understand that statement until you have feasted on his life’s story and that of seven generations before in his newly released book, “Blessed, I’m So Damned Grateful.”
As we begin the journey we are told of his great-grandparents immigration from England to America and the terrible violent murder suicide that occurred leaving six orphaned children. He then begins to share the different events and encounters with some well known figures in history that family members had, their journey in America, and how it shaped the future of his family.
We travel along to our author’s life, share with him his hopes and dreams as a child, a young man and an adult, watching not just his life unfold, but also that of America.
We rejoice in his victories, cheer him on in his battles through his lives journey, and sigh at the struggling growth of our wonderful country, as we are reminded of the great depression, several wars and the many growing pains she encounters. The pictures and personal family records that are included in the work add a very nice touch and help to bring the experience of the read to a more personal level. Good job.
Mr. Saunders is open and frank in his recollection of his lives memories. No life is free from pain, challenges or sorrows, yet the author has taken the very essence of what living is all about and conveyed it to this work. It isn’t how big a house you live in, or the model of the car you drive; it is the sharing of friends, family and God. There are many threads that make up the fiber of a man, and through his writing one realizes they have the choice of what threads they will allow to make up their fiber and to mold their character.
Blessed: I’m So Damned Grateful, is more than a book of someone’s memoirs; it is a book on living’ a book on being thankful for the very gift of life; a families journey that continues on. Enjoy and be reminded what really is important.
Shirley Johnson/Senior Reviewer
MidWest Book Review
show less