By Robert McCormack
I grew up in Cherry Tree, the son of Clovis and Virginia McCormack, a coal miner and a schoolteacher. Although I left Logan in 1966, I will always cherish my years growing up there — especially Logan High School and my one year of teaching at Chapmanville High School. Through the years, I would visit often. My son, Army Master Sergeant Robert S McCormack of Camp Dawson at Kingswood, WV, loved to accompany me on visits there. Now, thoughts of visiting there seem very empty. Recently, I published a book about my son, “Love, Robb – A Soldier’s Story in His Words.”
I had the privilege of raising my son and daughter from the ages of 10 and 12 as a single parent. My book explores themes of identity and love, as well as the challenges of parenting, and offers insights into the realities of family dynamics and personal growth. Robb wrote very long notes on Christmas, birthday, and Father’s Day cards. His letters from Afghanistan and texts in recent years tell his story in his own words. My book is a story of love, service, marital disappointment, sobriety, and a father/son relationship. Following Robb’s death in 2023, I felt compelled to write his story. I perceive this as a contemporary novel that explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. It follows the protagonist, Robb, as he navigates the challenges of his personal life, including romantic entanglements and familial dynamics. It also presents disappointment within the context of marriage, as well as emphasizing the importance of communication, empathy, and the willingness to work through challenges to foster a healthier and more fulfilling partnership. Delving into Robb’s introspection and his quest to understand the nature of love in various forms blends humor with deeper emotional insights, making it relatable to readers who have grappled with similar questions about love and relationships. Through his experiences, the novel examines how love can be both uplifting and painful, highlighting the intricacies of emotional connections and the impact they have on one’s identity and life choices, as well as addressing themes of sobriety and recovery as part of its exploration of love and relationships. Robb grapples with his struggles with addiction and the impact it has on his life and the lives of those around him. Overall, it presents a thoughtful exploration of what it means to love and be loved in today’s world. I trust that sharing Robb’s story can help others who may be navigating their own journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.
Love, Robb: “A Soldier’s Story in His Words” is available on Amazon.
