Two of Jim's brothers, Tom and Dennis, with their wives and families attended along with cousins and lifelong friends.
A heartmelting event occurred early in the evening when Swanee and Abel, high school friends of Jim's and Vietnam veterans arrived surprising Micki and bringing her to joyful tears. Quietly speaking to Micki, Abel slowly pulled a torn dollar bill from his billfold and explained that when he and Jim had deployed to Vietnam, Jim in the Army, Abel in the Air Force, Jim had torn a dollar in half and said "when we get home we'll have a beer." 44 years later Abel still carried the torn bill....on October 23, 2011 he gifted the torn bill to Micki.
Micki said she will frame it and place on the wall at her business, Micki & Larry's Sports Pub, beneath Jim's rubbing from the Vietnam Wall in D.C. a gift from Marine Vietnam Veteran Ric Ryan.
Swanee, Micki , Abel
Nicole (Jim's neice) Micki, Larry
Nicole and author Charity Maness
Author Charity Maness meets Abel and Swanee (Jim's high school friends and Vietnam Veterans)
Upcoming booksignings (books will be available for purchase at events)
November 11, 2011 at 11am Snaps Coffee House and Wine Bar, Copperopolis Town Square 785-1616
November 11, 2011 3-4 pm Starbucks Angels Camp
November 26, 2011 12-2 Once Upon a Time Book store Copperopolis Town Square 785-6828
Wouldn't have missed this for anything! This book has given our family a piece of history in Jim's and my mothers life that is priceless. I finished the book the first night, tears in my eyes as I read every page. Great Job! It was great to see the bond my Mom Micki has with the Pipers till this day.
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