Virginia Foley Reynolds’ A Centenarian’s Journey: From Covered Wagon to Buzz Bombs to Bald Eagles chronicles her childhood, wartime insights, and travels. Virginia recounts her experiences during World War II as a Red Cross volunteer, where she encountered her husband. She embarked on adventures around the world and developed a proclivity for birdwatching.
Virginia’s parents met when her father had surgery at the hospital where her mother worked as a nurse. Virginia spent her formative years in Western Minnesota amidst the Great Depression. Her parents labored diligently to ensure they lived a comfortable lifestyle.
The author offers compelling recollections about her time as a Red Cross volunteer at the time of World War II. Through her service, she formed a relationship with her husband, Jack. Her evocative language and engaging storytelling offer a distinctive viewpoint on the war.
Virginia and Jack were the first American couple to marry during WWII. Military regulations forced her to relocate after the wedding. The continual fear of Nazi buzz bombs led to her PTSD. Virginia struggled to acclimate to her environment, surrounded by rats and having little privacy.
Traveling with family and friends, and exploring places and cultures, inspired her to make a difference in society. Her interest in birdwatching took her on unforgettable expeditions, but her propensity to anthropomorphize birds kept her from embracing the role of seasoned birder.
Utilizing her personal notes, Virginia’s children crafted a vivid and compelling retelling of her life. Readers gain insight into the triumphs and struggles of human existence through these pages. Virginia found serenity in observing the splendor of nature, from marveling at squirrels as a child to studying birds and lizards as an adult. Her commitment to safeguarding the grandeur of life was unwavering.
Virginia’s narrative is recounted using an admiring viewpoint, emphasizing her strength and fortitude. Her memories are cherished and imbued with a sense of achievement and aspiration. Virginia yearns for the uncomplicated connections of her youth, extolling the importance of leading a life of grace and significance.
Virginia embarked on boundless expeditions, beheld awe-inspiring sights, and interacted with riveting people. Her life story is uplifting, featuring unexpected interludes of excellence highlighting her exceptional personality. Her anecdotes are delightful and edifying, imparting valuable lessons, and exemplifying living with purpose and dedication. Virginia’s life illustrates the notion that the journey is more important than the destination.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Bella Terra Books 