Words from the Heart

In a poignant collection of emails, holiday greetings, memoirs, and poetry, the author evokes a myriad of human feelings. The text is divided into three parts: a series of emails, a collection of seasonal greetings, and a potpourri of writings ranging from anti war poetry to memoirs and eulogies for deceased loved ones. In Part 1, the author faces an imminent tragedy: the loss of his wife. For approximately three weeks, he informs friends and relatives of his wife's ever changing medical condition. He tries to remain strong in the face of despair as he intersperses various nonmedical observations with the grave condition his wife faces. In Part 2, the reader follows the author through 25 years of Seasonal Greetings. The initial six are somewhat long seasonal missives often ending in a heartfelt message to family and friends. From 2008 and thereafter, the greeting often begins with a childhood memory. (Note: the author grew up in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago where his family owned a hardware store, first opening in 1923.) The reader views these vignettes through the lens of the boy's observations as he reflects about events in his life, especially the cold winters of Chicago. In Part 3, the reader is presented with evocative written pieces which are often born of a feeling within the writer as life unfolds for him. Three emails to his son compel the writer to share what is important in life. Often the memoirs of deceased loved ones mirror the cycle of nature. Harold "Harry" Hoferle was born in Chicago, growing up in the Lincoln Square neighborhood on the northwest side. He graduated from DePaul University for both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. He taught English at Weber High School in Chicago for seven years serving as English Chair for the last three years. He later taught children with Learning Disabilities at Maine East High School in Park Ridge, Illinois, for 27 years, retiring in 2001. One hope of the author is that the words from his heart will touch the heart of his readers.