Paul Nichols lives in Loudon.
The solar eclipse of April 8 united our country for a brief period amid the vile turmoil here and across the planet. The short respite was welcome. This celestial phenomenon brought feelings of togetherness, goodwill and wonderment for most who viewed it, even if outside the path of totality.
My wife Mary and I observed the near-total eclipse with an unobstructed view from the picnic table at our home, though hundreds of thousands traveled on our nation’s highways and skyways for the chance to view the total eclipse. In 2079, when it occurs next, all but the youngest humans will be feeding plant roots.
I recently finished reading Kristin Hannah’s newest #1 best-selling novel, “The Women.” It was difficult to get through this story of a young woman’s journey from the luxury of her conservative family home on Coronado Island, CA to an Army Evacuation Hospital as a young nurse caring for the horrific combat casualties of America’s War in Vietnam. In my thoughts all through the 464 pages was a nurse I knew who had endured similar trauma. Those who had come home to unspeakable hostility from much of the public and from the VA. Unappreciated and treated as if they weren’t really there. They were, in fact.
When the land mine exploded seriously wounding five of us Marines in the I Corps region of Vietnam, we were medevaced to a field hospital in Phu Bai. I have the greatest admiration and respect for all nurses, corpsmen and doctors from my experiences in Phu Bai, at the big Danang Hospital, the Clark Air Base Hospital in Luzon, the hospital at Andrews Air Force Base, for months at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital and back to Camp Lejeune for my eventual discharge. Red Cross Donut Dollies in Vietnam must also be included, thanks to their psychological support.
Years back, I read the memoirs “Home Before Morning” by Lynda Van Devanter, “Even the Women Must Fight” by Phan Thanh Hao, and “Last Night I Dreamed of Peace” by Dang Thuy Tram. These accounts, in addition to Kristin Hannah’s novel, provide gripping testimony that’s often tragically overlooked. No wonder that it took Hannah several years to write her important book.
April has long held Earth Day designation, National Poetry Month, and now Kristin Hannah’s powerful novel depicting the traumatic and daunting care provided by a vital segment of wartime caregivers.