How will I survive?
from Anne Montgomery
Several months ago, my internet was finicky.
It went on and off several times each day. I considered that, since it’s
summertime, perhaps lots of people were home sucking up those internet
resources.
But then the internet went out
completely. After a few hours, I called my provider. I always get a tickle out
of the recorded message telling me that, if I’m having problems, I should go
online and check the company’s website.
“But I have no internet!” I wanted to
scream at the robotic voice that kept steering me away from contact with a
real human.
After being disconnected for no
apparent reason—maybe I said something to offend the AI operator—I tried again.
“Our wait times are currently very
long,” the voice explained.
I didn’t hang up.
“Just a reminder, you can go to our
website…”
I wanted to throw the phone but held
my ground. After a about ten seconds of silence, the voice said, “You’re still
there.”
I jumped! It sounded like an
accusation.
“Let me get someone to assist you.”
I let out a breath. After a
conversation with a real person, I learned that, indeed, the service was down
all over my neighborhood. They hoped all would be well at about 6:00 PM that
evening.
But twenty-four hours later, I still had no access to the Web. After standing around with my hands in my pockets
wondering what to do, I tried to remember what life was like before we all
became addicted to e-mail and social media and instant messaging. And I
considered the number of times each day I would run to check if I’d missed
something vital.
Ah…good old snail mail. Remember how exciting it was to get something
with your name on it?
You know…like some huge publisher
wants my newest book.
Or Netflix is interested in producing
an eight-part series on my fabulous life.
Or some impressive university wants to
bestow upon me an honorary doctorate for my literary brilliance.
Then, I had to admit that generally I
find nothing horribly important in my daily correspondences. And yet, I can’t
help myself. I remember a similar feeling each day when I was a kid
anticipating the mail, the kind with paper and ink and stamps. (For you
youngsters, Google it.) But back then we understood the mailman only arrived
once a day, a vast difference from our current 24-hour model, that has many of
us desperately seeking…I don’t know…some kind of validation, maybe.
I checked the mail on my phone—not so
easy since I have four accounts—and confirmed just how unimportant I am. I
tried to deal with my social media accounts, but dislike working on the tiny
screen, so I put the phone down.
It was in the evening that the horrible reality hit. No
streaming! There we were in Season 6 of Peaky Blinders with
no access. We were forced to try TV from the antennae, compelled to sit through
endless commercials. I wanted to weep.
Okay! I feel better now.
Yep, I’m a spoiled brat.
Later, I considered what I might do
instead of “working” online. I closed my eyes and considered the things I do
for joy: bake brownies, read a book, call a friend, play my guitar, plan a nice
meal, see what’s still eatable in the garden, go for a swim.
When I opened my eyes, I was embarrassed, because I
realized what I needed to do: Be grateful for what I do have.
Still, right now, the brownies are winning. So, pardon me
while I go mix up a batch.
Here is a brief peek at Anne's latest release.
Bud Richardville is inducted into the Army as the United States prepares for the invasion of Europe in 1943. A chance comment has Bud assigned to the Graves Registration Service where his unit is tasked with locating, identifying, and burying the dead. Bud ships out, leaving behind his new wife, Lorraine, a mysterious woman who has stolen his heart but whose secretive nature and shadowy past leave many unanswered questions. When Bud and his men hit the beach at Normandy, they are immediately thrust into the horrors of what working in a graves unit entails. Bud is beaten down by the gruesome demands of his job and losses in his personal life, but then he meets Eva, an optimistic soul who despite the war can see a positive future. Will Eva’s love be enough to save him?
Praise for Your Forgotten Sons
“Although a defty crafted work of original fiction, “Your Forgotten Sons” by Anne Montgomery is inspired by a true story. An original and inherently interesting read from start to finish, “Your Forgotten Sons” will prove to be an immediate and enduringly appreciated pick.” Midwest Book Review
“This was a quick, riveting read that really challenged me to think differently about our servicemen and women, especially those who take on the jobs that don’t get heroically depicted in the media or news…I really highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a different take on American history. I left it with a newfound appreciation for the unsung heroes.” Bekah C NetGalley
“This is the truth. It’s gritty and painful and bittersweet – and true. When you think you’ve read every perspective of WWII, along comes Bud to break your heart.” Bridgett Siter Former Military Reporter
“Anne Montgomery writes a strong story and I was hooked from the first page. It had a great concept and I enjoyed that this was inspired by a true story…It was written perfectly and I was invested in the story. Anne Montgomery has a great writing style and left me wanting to read more.” – Kathryn McLeer NetGalley
Anne Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, amateur baseball umpire, and high school football referee. She worked at WRBL‐TV in Columbus, Georgia, WROC‐TV in Rochester, New York, KTSP‐TV in Phoenix, Arizona, ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award‐winning SportsCenter, and ASPN-TV as the studio host for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Montgomery has been a freelance and staff writer for six publications, writing sports, features, movie reviews, and archeological pieces.
When she can, Anne indulges in her passions: rock collecting, scuba diving, football refereeing, and playing her guitar.
Learn more about
Anne Montgomery on her
website and
Wikipedia. Stay connected on
Facebook,
Linkedin, and
Twitter.
