Bill came to Canada as a baby, from post-War Holland. When I interviewed him and his wife at their home months ago, they showed me something remarkable.
During the three weeks Bill spent in Ottawa as part of the Freedom Convoy, he was given numerous messages from members of the public. Some were written on post-it notes. Some were four-page typed letters. Some were inscribed inside pre-printed ‘thank you’ cards or on commercially printed Valentine’s cards. Many were drawings by children.
After Bill returned home one of his daughters arranged these messages in plastic sleeves in a large red binder. On the spine she wrote ‘Opa’s Convoy Letters.’ (Following the Dutch tradition, that’s what he’s called by his 19 grandkids.)
From the moment I first saw this binder, I’ve believed it to be a treasure beyond price. Want to know what ordinary people said to the truckers? Here’s the evidence in pencil, in ink, and in a rainbow of artwork colours. Folks expressing their profuse thanks. Folks pouring out their hearts.
This is my first children’s book. It is not political. It is a sweet bedtime story that tells a true, honest tale. When Opa went to Ottawa, what happened? People brought him gifts and told him he was a hero.
It’s now available through Amazon as an 8.5x8.5-inch paperback, or as a Kindle ebook. Please do me a huge favour and purchase a copy today:
Congratulations Donna - ordering my copy now!
At the bbq Dan Scott showed me his book of letters and I was impressed with it. Before Christmas my daughter Tanya said she was ordering a children’s convoy book for her two kids - told her to order 4 and have two sent to BC to other Grandkids as well - on Christmas Day saw one and wasn’t impressed. I will be ordering 8 for each of my Grandkids (aged 1 to 14)