{"id":223,"date":"2026-02-14T15:08:01","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T15:08:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/erikahamlet.it.com\/?page_id=223"},"modified":"2026-03-18T00:31:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T00:31:16","slug":"here-is-more-about-me","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/erikahamlet.it.com\/?page_id=223","title":{"rendered":"The author within a life mosaic."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Former diplomat for the USA \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 & Canada<\/strong>\ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Life, work, God’s gift, etc.<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

**************************<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That Jet Pilot I Married<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The magical spring was almost at the end of its strength, and we were slowly getting used to the warmer days the coming summer promised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a pleasant Sunday morning, I awoke to the smell of blossoming shrubs and flowers. In a flash, I searched my memory for what I had planned for today. A relaxing day was waiting for me, and in the afternoon, my cousin Rudy was supposed to visit us. I made some snacks with my mother, who was a chef by profession, and I must admit she baked and cooked some delicious food. I remember watching her cook many times when I was in the kitchen, talking to her. So, I did everything necessary, and then I devoted myself to my interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a motorcycle rattled into the front yard that afternoon, I knew it would be none other than the aforementioned visit because my cousin was obsessed with motorcycles. As far as I could tell, he didn’t come alone; he’d taken his brother with him. When Stefan and Rudy were with us, we always had fun, and we did that afternoon too. There was laughter and a cheerful debate in the living room. This was somewhat disturbed by the feeling that one of my cousins, the elder Rudolf, had come to say goodbye to us as he entered basic military service. This was mandatory at the time. His start had been delayed by his illness, so he was leaving now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, don’t forget to write or call us. My mother always answers the home phone, and she’ll bombard you with questions. Afterwards, she’ll call me to get the phone,” I replied, smiling, and I immediately received an answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I will definitely not forget about you. I was planning to say the same, but I wanted to ask: would you mind sharing some of your photos? Since I don’t have a girlfriend, I will at least be happy to read your letters. He looked at me, and his wish was granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            ***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It seemed my cousin, Rudy, was enjoying his new home very much. He was supposed to spend the following year serving at a military airbase, and bases without fighter jets were very different. A surge of adrenaline filled the veins not only of the pilots but also of those who worked there and watched their training, takeoffs, maneuvers, and landings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, Rudy came to work as usual. He felt well when he realized how fast time was passing, mainly because there were good people around and a friendly atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His first stop was the building where he was sometimes sent to help young pilots into their special overalls. He laced everything up as tight as the pilot needed, checked his boots, and checked his helmet. He especially liked talking to one of the pilots because this young man was born near my cousin’s home. Thus, he was pleased to see him this morning and was supposed to assist him. A young pilot seemed to be putting on his overalls and greeting my cousin when he asked, “So Rudy, how are things? Are you still homesick?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well, you know, I’m looking forward to returning home, but I’m convinced that I will miss this piece of land with nice pilots,” Rudy smiled and helped the pilot with his pressure overalls. After a while, as they worked together, the pilot was ready to walk to his cockpit. Rudy wanted to be sure everything was all right. Therefore, he leaned forward for the last time to make sure the pilot’s boots and cords were properly fastened. At that moment, some documents with photos, including the one I had given him, had fallen out of his jacket’s chest pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A young pilot walking slowly out of the room, holding his helmet under his arm, saw what had happened, bent down, and picked up my photo, stating: “Well, I can tell you, you have a very pretty girlfriend!” He nodded, eyeing the photo of a young, smiling girl with long, light honey hair, and handed it to Rudy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“She’s not my girlfriend; she’s my cousin,” Rudy replied quickly, bending down to pick up the other things that were still lying on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hmm, come on! Today, a girlfriend is not a girlfriend, so we call her a cousin. You don’t have to hide anything from me!” the young pilot laughed and joked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“No, no, seriously, I’m not hiding anything from you. This is my cousin, Erika, who gave me the photo because I asked for it, and I also wanted her to write to me from time to time, so I didn’t feel so lonely here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Does your cousin Erika have a boyfriend? How old is she? Where does she live and what does she do for a living, or is she still studying?” The young pilot literally bombarded Rudy with his questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo my knowledge, Erika does not have a boyfriend. She studied fashion and now works for a fashion company. I think she celebrated her 19th birthday,” Rudy replied, looking at his watch and adding, \u201cYou should hurry, or you’ll be late. The control tower is already waiting for you to take off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well, you said she wasn’t your girlfriend, am I right? Can I have her picture? I’d like to write to her! And can you write her address on the back of her photo?” He was flooding my cousin with questions again, and Rudy was looking at the pilot with his mouth open because, as soon as he wanted to say something, he got another question right away, so he was embarrassed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well, don’t stand here! Did you get frozen? If you have a pencil or pen, please write down the address, because I need to run and jump into my machine!” The young pilot felt nervous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust go, go ahead. Everything will be waiting for you,\u201d Rudy said quickly as he opened the door for the young jet pilot who was going to do his regular drill that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The days jumped forward, and there was a weekend in front of me again. I had been looking forward to my quiet time to think about my latest fashion design and to work on new patterns. On the first floor of our family home, I was sitting behind the desk in my room when I heard the home phone ring. There was no need to run and answer the phone there. My mom was skilled in this field. She was a person who had to know everything that was going on. Therefore, I stayed calm when I heard her talking to someone on the other end of the wire. After a while, however, my name rang out via the air. This meant my mother had already learned everything she needed about the caller and was ready to call me. Well, I’m making a bit of fun of it, but it actually worked that way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This is Rudy, and he wants to talk to you,” my mom said, shoving the phone into my hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hello, distant cousin! How are you doing? I’m sorry to ask you again, but I’m sure my mother has already interviewed you and didn’t share it with me.” I began with a funny joke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I’m fine. Time is running out, which is nice, but I have to speak to you about something,” he said, with nervousness in his voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What happened? Are you okay?” I asked, then listened to his long story. I stood there quietly for quite a while, so my mom came to check on me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Are you still here talking to Rudy?” she asked. “Yes, I’m here listening to his life flowing there,” I answered my mother, but I didn’t know why my cousin was calling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“So, I hope you’re not mad at me for that. You know he’s a decent young pilot, and he looks very handsome,” my cousin described the man, to whom he gave my address and a photo, and now I should have been prepared to get some letter from him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is possible he will change his mind and not write,\u201d I said. \u201cBut a pilot like him can be able to find some beautiful girls without writing. It is not my intention to be mad at you for that. If you do not mind and have nothing else to say, I would like to continue working in my room. This is because I am trying to figure out new patterns.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh, you girl, you go, I am so glad you’re not mad at me, so I’ll call you next week, and you tell me how everything is working there?” Rudy asked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know I’ll let you know, but I don’t think there is much to discuss with that pilot, since he was probably just playing with you. Anyway, stay safe, Rudy, and think positively, so talk to you soon.” I finished our conversation and was no longer concerned about it, as there were other things to attend to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was just three days ago that I had that phone conversation with my cousin. A letter from the same town where Rudy was stationed was lying on my desk. When I opened it, I could read:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Greetings to you. We are not yet acquainted, but if you finish reading this letter\u2014by the way, Rudy said you are very patient\u2014then you will learn more about me than your cousin has told you so far. So, at the very beginning, I will introduce myself to you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In neat handwriting that showed he had spent years at his desk, writing and completing assignments, I stopped reading for a moment. I tried to imagine all those young men who wanted to become pilots and realized that mathematics, physics, and aerodynamics were just toys for them. Sometimes I had to laugh so hard when I read the lines again. I had to admit the writer had a really good sense of humor, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I wrote back, I thanked him for a new friendship, since I knew nothing else could come from our long-distance correspondence. As for a young pilot as he is, my letters can only fill the days when he has nothing else to do on the show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            ***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, I will skip more than one year, during which we continued to exchange letters casually. I received a letter once a month, and I responded in turn, adding a touch of humor to my writing. Soon, our correspondence was complemented by phone calls. At that time, the calls were made from the home phone. Although I did not see my future with this young pilot, I was very happy to receive any letter from him. I kept telling myself that I did not belong in his world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was an evening after dinner when the home phone rang, and everyone knew right away my mom would take care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Erika, it’s for you!” my mom called, handing me the phone, but somehow, she didn’t want to leave, so my answers were very short, such as: yes, no, yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Did something happen that you can’t talk properly?” the counterpart asked on the other side, and I immediately replied quite loudly and provocatively, “Yes, my mom is here, who somehow doesn’t want to give me a moment of privacy.” I started laughing, and mom stopped cleaning and shook her head. After I said that, the young pilot laughed uproariously and added, “So say hello to your mom from me and ask her to give us some privacy.” Fortunately, mom knew it was time to leave, so she did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Erika, can you answer my question?” the young man began, his tone serious. “It’s been over a year, and you never asked me to send you my picture. Tell me why you didn’t want to see what I look like?” There was a moment of silence, and I searched for the right words to best explain everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well, my cousin said that you are a very handsome young man and also a pilot, which means that you can have ten girls on each of your fingers if you want, so I’m so grateful at least for your friendship. Clearly, I am a family girl, and I like to dress nicely because it’s my profession. However, I also enjoy embroidery, knitting, hiking, ice skating, and other outdoor activities, as well as caring for animals and helping people. I enjoy discovering new fashion patterns and figuring out what women like to wear. That’s pretty much about my personality, so I guess you’re looking for something else…, ehm, but I really value your friendship.” I bit my lip and was satisfied with my answer because I was honest, and all I had said was the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I heard him reply: “But I think you have a very kind personality.” “Well, if you want to see what I look like, you can buy the magazine ‘The World’, and in the middle of the magazine, there is a double-page spread where there is an interview with me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh, thanks a lot, I’ll definitely do that, I promise,” I was so happy that he was not mad at me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“And what have you been doing recently, Erika? I was talking and talking a lot, and now I’m pretty sure it’s your turn,” the young man replied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What was I doing recently? I was just thinking about buying myself a small aquarium, one goldfish in a round glass, but shortly after my deep thoughts, I decided not to do it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“And why?” he asked, smiling from the other side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You know, seeing her constantly swimming around and around like a merry-go-round, she can get crazy, and what am I supposed to do with such a silly fish?” I had to keep my phone away from my ear and let this young man laugh out loud until the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I love your sense of humor. I really do. I want you to buy that magazine and write me a letter soon. I may get it later since I will be TDW, which means (Temporarily Duty Way) off from the airbase.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every morning on my way to work, I passed a newsstand and bought a magazine from time to time. The magazine ‘World,’ which the young pilot mentioned, was published weekly, so I kept an eye on it to make sure I didn’t miss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, there was a day when I held the magazine and could learn more about this young, talented man. The two pages of the magazine on which a handsome young jet pilot, dressed<\/p>\n\n\n\n

in a military suit, smiled at me while he held his helmet under his arm and leant against the cockpit were in front of me. I smiled back at the photo and began reading a long article praising this young pilot. I felt a mix of emotions, and I held my breath for a while, not knowing what to say. However, I knew that this man was a friend of mine with whom I was exchanging letters, calling on the phone, and generally having a great time. As soon as I came to work, I put the magazine on the desk, and finally I could tell my friends and co-workers something more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“In the middle of the magazine, there is a page where you can see the young man I correspond with.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You mean the one you said you didn’t have a picture of?” Anna asked, leaving the rest of the room to see the photo as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh My Gosh, Oh My Gosh!” she yelled, disturbing everyone who was there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A group of girls handed the magazine from hand to hand, and Anna made a reprimanding note, looking at me straight in the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“What do you really think of yourself? Not asking him for a photo is actually an insult! She shook my shoulders, and everyone laughed. “Write to him right now and let him know I’m free. I want every photo of him, and I will also send him a thousand photos of me.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Yes, he seems to be a decent young and well-mannered man, but I think he’s in a different sphere than me,” I sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Of course, he’s in a different sphere than you because he’s a pilot,” Anna began to joke, and we all laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I am reading here that his airbase is only an hour away from where our next fashion show will be.” The voice was heard somewhere in the back from Andrea, who was waving the magazine in the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That’s fantastic. You should write to him, and he may come over to see you,” Anna suggested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I don’t think this is a smart idea after seeing his picture because he’ll believe I am eager to see him or that I intend to hunt him. I need to think about this.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Girls, girls, what’s going on here? Is the brand-new model ready? The customer will be here soon!” The cheerful atmosphere was cut short by the manager’s call, and everyone moved to their places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the day came again when I received a very thoughtful letter from this man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hi, Erika, I’m writing from a remote airbase, and I believe you will receive my letter without delay, but one never knows. In addition, I believe you have already seen a photo of someone who writes to you and enjoys chatting with you by phone. Those moments with you give me great pleasure and a sense of relaxation. I think we’ve known each other long enough to meet in person for lunch or dinner. What do you think, Erika? You have never asked me to meet you or to take you for dinner. You have never asked me to spend time with you. I really want to meet you! My pilot buddies saw your photo and loved it! They have been asking about you for a long time, knowing I keep in touch with you. As soon as this mess ends and I return to the main airbase, I’ll call you. In this letter, you can read some of my thoughts and what I was doing recently…”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My female friends and co-workers seemed more excited than I was when they found out that after the fashion show, I was planning to travel 1 more hour to meet that young pilot, who apologized for not being able to come to see me at the fashion show due to his work, but he promised he would be waiting for me at the train station after the whole fashion event. However, I was looking forward to meeting this man in person, and even though it would be just a friendship, I would be happy to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The closer I got to the stop where I was supposed to get off, the more excited I became. When the train stopped, I made sure I was at the right station and stepped out. I walked into the building, hoping to see the young pilot who was supposed to be waiting for me there. There were a lot of people in the station hall, but no one was looking for me. Since I thought he would arrive in a few minutes, I stayed for about 30 minutes. I decided to walk out of the building, assuming I would find a taxi. One was standing outside, so I asked the driver to take my order. He nodded, which meant he was free, so I told him to take me to Polabiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It only took 5 or 7 minutes, and we were there. I looked up the building number to be sure I was right, then I quickly checked the address on the letter he sent me for a double-check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Please wait,” I told the taxi driver, then I went to the building to find which floor his apartment was on by looking at the mailbox numbers. I called for the elevator, and a few seconds later, I was standing in front of his apartment. I rang the doorbell, but no one answered. I decided to leave a note saying I was there. I was about to slip it under the door when I suddenly heard footsteps coming down the stairs, and then a woman spoke to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You probably want to speak with that handsome jet pilot, don’t you? I’m Ms. Dedeckova, who lives above him,” explained the woman, who looked to be in her 60s. She waited for me to respond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh, good afternoon, Ms. Dedeckova. Thanks a lot for letting me know. Yes, you’re right. I was looking for that man because we were supposed to meet at the train station, but unfortunately, he didn’t show up,” I explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I saw from the window that a taxi was waiting for you downstairs. This young military jet pilot had to leave suddenly because his alarm box was terribly yelling, which means they had a military drill.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh, that explains everything! Thank you very much for letting me know.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I walked to the taxi, and when I got inside, I told the driver everything and said I didn’t know what to do – go to the airbase or go back home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“But dear Miss, this young boy wanted to meet you, which means it’s not his fault, so I suggest driving to the airport, right?” The driver nodded, smiled nicely at me, and waited for my positive answer. I nodded back and said, “Right.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I got out of the taxi, I had three dresses hanging on my forearm. These were the models I was working with at the fashion show that day, and I had to carry them because they were mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I wish you good luck, charming Miss, and I hope to see you again,” the driver said to me as I gave him the ‘royal tip’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very soon, I was standing on unfamiliar ground. My cousin, Rudy, was already home from his military service. I looked around, took a deep breath, and headed for the gate to the small house. There, the guard checked anyone who wanted to enter the air force area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hello, I am looking for a young man…” I began, explaining briefly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh, I see,” answered the young man who was serving there that day, stepping out of the small house to look at me, smiling nicely, and pointing to the sky with his index finger. He added, “So the one you’re looking for is right there and will land in 15 minutes. Oh, man, this dude is a devil in the sky. I really like him! So, if you want to wait for him, please go straight ahead, then turn right. There is a military park with benches where you can sit and wait. I’ll let him know that he has a visitor here.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Thank you very much. I will do that.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I set my luggage and the fashion models on the bench and started reading a fashion magazine I had bought on my way there. I didn’t even realize how fast time was running away until suddenly someone called my name from behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cErika? Is that you?’ I heard a man’s voice, so I turned around. In front of my eyes were the green-gray eyes of the pilot, a handsome young man with dark hair, I had been writing to and exchanging letters with for those long months\u2014almost two years\u2014and from whom I had not asked for a photo. I stood up and felt my knees start to buckle. I felt butterflies in my stomach. He smiled mischievously at me, and his pilot’s overalls suited him very well, along with the helmet he held under his arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Erika, you actually look different,” the young man began, and I had no idea what he meant, so I got confused. Then he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You look gorgeous!” he said, hugging me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh, thanks a lot for your compliment. I appreciate it!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Don’t thank me because you deserve it,” he replied, and immediately continued, “I’ll have to take off again. I’m sorry about that. I got just 10 minutes’ break, and then I have to jump into the cockpit. They just whistled an exercise for us.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“No worries. I understand. I’ll be fine,” I assured him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I don’t want you to leave, Erika,” he looked at me thoughtfully, and in his gray-green eyes I could sense his deep desire; he wanted me to wait for him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well, tell me what I am supposed to do. I am listening.”  And the young man was searching for something for a while, still looking at me. With his left hand, he put a strand of my hair back in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I want you to wait for me. Here is the key to my apartment. I want to be with you, talk to you, or take you for dinner, but I am not sure how long they will keep us here. Erika, I was waiting for this moment for so long. Please don’t go home right away!” He held my hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“But I can’t do that. This is your apartment with your personal things and… and…” I was about to continue my explanation when his finger suddenly silenced me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Don’t be worried about anything. I do trust you. Because of your long, beautiful letters, I think I’ve known you for years. There is a bus stop nearby. You can take bus number 24 to Polabiny, and I am sure you were already there when you were looking for me. The place he was talking about was really close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The way I see it, he started, \u201ethe next bus will be here in 10 minutes. I’d like to wait here with you, but you already know what’s going on. You can sit on the bench and wait,” he suggested. A quick glance at the bench betrayed my statement. He also looked at the bench to see what was wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I see,” he understood immediately what I was referring to. In his flight overalls, he sat down at one end of the bench and moved swiftly to the other end, wiping the dust off the bench. Then he rose quickly, dusted off the dirt on his pants, and joined in my laughter, which I could not hold. I replied, “Thank you, but I’d rather stand.” Suddenly, I felt his second hug and saw him running back to the airbase area to take his order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                ***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I opened his apartment, I carefully looked around to see where to put my luggage and my dress models. A military uniform was hung on an armchair in the living room. I walked into the bathroom and found it neat and organized. I opened the refrigerator to get some water, but there was almost nothing inside, except for one bottle of white wine on the door shelf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hmm, I guess I should do some shopping if I want to survive,” I laughed cheerfully, then added, “but where?” I looked outside each of his windows, thinking, when I saw a building across the street that was really nearby and looked like a grocery store. “Well, I am willing to check this out. If nothing else, it will be a pleasant walk over there.” I encouraged myself. I left for shopping, and as I got outside, right in front of the house, I met Ms. Dedeckova again. It was evident that she could not miss anything that was unfolding outside, inside, or anywhere. I smiled at her and immediately made her feel important by asking her if the building on the other side of the road was a grocery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh, yes, it is a very well-equipped grocery store. You will find everything you need there. I’m glad you didn’t leave right away, so you found him this young pilot, am I right?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Yes, I found him, and he is still at the airbase. Thank you for your help. Now I have to run to buy something, so have a pleasant rest of your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Afterwards, I was sitting on the sofa reading the magazine when the doorbell rang, and my first thought was: “Ms. Dedeckova?! “Of course not!” I immediately realized the handsome pilot didn’t have his keys, so I opened the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Hi, do I know you?” I smiled. “I don’t know if I should let you in.” I made a funny remark and opened the door wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Well, let me introduce myself…” he smiled back at me and got in, then he took a deep breath and asked, “Did you cook?”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, I did, but I’m not sure if you’ll like it.\u201d He walked directly to the kitchen, grabbed a spoon, and began tasting everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That’s delicious! Yum!” he said and took another bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Ehm, I think I saw you have plates here.” I gave him a gentle hint that he didn’t have to eat from the pot, and I added, “I think I made it a lot. You will have it for three days, but it stays delicious if you keep it in the refrigerator.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Yes, Ma’am, I will!” he replied, looking for a plate and smiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Oh, stop goofing around. Can you be serious for a while?” I asked with a smile, slightly slapping him on the chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I can do that too,” he looked into my eyes, trying to read something from them for a while, holding me around my waist, then gave me a nice deep kiss and repeated it by saying: \u201cErika, I\u2019m so happy you\u2019re here…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            ***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“You look different,” I said to my ‘tour guide’ in the morning, who had changed out of his dark blue military uniform into jeans and a T-shirt and was holding my hand while showing me the nearby town. As I smiled at him, I gave him a polite bow to let him know I liked how he was dressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That’s my favorite outfit, you know, men like simple stuff,” he smiled at me and pressed my hand…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            ***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, when we were newlyweds, we watched “Top Gun” together, and I asked him not to make any comments about it, since it was just a movie. It became one of my favorites, along with the beautiful music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(In 1999 – 2000, my husband studied AWC at Montgomery, Alabama, at Maxwell Air Force Base in the USA. For me, it was quite a challenge, but I handled it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2007 – 2010, we worked as diplomats for the USA and Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, we live in an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement. The rise of the Internet, smartphones, e-commerce, and instant global communication has transformed the world, delivering extraordinary benefits\u2014particularly to entrepreneurs and businesses. Information now travels at the speed of light: natural disasters are reported in real time, enabling people to prepare and protect themselves; cultures once distant are now accessible in vivid detail; students conduct research from home without spending endless hours in libraries. This is the radiant side of information technology\u2014a brilliant light that continues to illuminate and enrich society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet every bright light casts a shadow. That shadow falls directly in front of us, growing longer the closer we move toward the source. For many, technology has quietly invaded privacy, eroded genuine human connection, and inflicted deep wounds on families and relationships. I know this shadow intimately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before mobile phones and constant connectivity, my marriage of thirty years was grounded in presence, conversation, and shared moments. The arrival of smartphones changed everything. What began as a useful tool gradually became the third presence in our home\u2014and eventually the most important one. Messages were answered instantly, smiles appeared on screens while faces across the dinner table were ignored, and private conversations moved outdoors, away from me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I continued to fulfill my traditional roles\u2014cooking, ironing, organizing our lives\u2014while my husband retreated deeper into the glow of his device. Over time, the emotional distance became unbearable. Rather than remain in a hollow marriage, I chose divorce. It was not born of hatred or bitterness; it was an act of self-preservation. We parted amicably, divided our property fairly, and I walked away with my dignity intact. I harbor no resentment toward him\u2014only quiet sadness for what was lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The divorce did not break me; it liberated me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freed from distress, I turned inward. I had always avoided alcohol, drugs, or any form of escape. Instead, I listened to a voice from long ago\u2014my teacher\u2019s words echoing through the years: \u201cErika, you should write. I love your stories.\u201d One day, I sat at the computer, unsure how to begin, and somehow managed to produce the first page. That page became a chapter, then a 450-page novel, and eventually an entire five-volume literary series, The Power of the Wellndburgs\u2019 Swords<\/em>, now published in Europe and the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those decades spent raising a family, supporting my husband\u2019s military career, and moving from base to base had delayed my dream\u2014but they had also deepened it. When the marriage ended peacefully, I believe the absence of anger wounded my former husband more than any accusation ever could have. For me, it brought peace, time, and profound joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, as a published author, I share my story not out of bitterness, but as a gentle warning to corporations that celebrate endless connectivity and to individuals who have become chained to their screens: pause and consider what truly matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business or family?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Success or intimacy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Profit or presence?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*********************************<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maxwell, Air Force Base, Alabama<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(A part of my biography – all rights reserved\u00a9)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Erika P. Hamlet<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When God saved my life for the first time (1)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Winter sports brought me great joy as a child, especially in our picturesque spa town, where the snow sparkled with promise. At ten, I embraced every thrill winter offered. One day, as spring approached, I returned from school to an unusually quiet house. My parents were still at work, but the absence of my siblings and grandmother felt unsettling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With no one home and no instructions, I felt a welcome sense of freedom. I put my school bag away, quickly grabbed my skates, and went to the backyard, where a large frozen stream awaited\u2014perfect for skating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The river remained frozen, likely because the sun had not reached it or the tall trees blocked the light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I eagerly skated across the ice, creating patterns and enjoying the solitude. I was surprised to be alone, but appreciated having the river to myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Absorbed in skating, I lost track of my surroundings. After a while, I heard my grandmother’s voice but saw nothing, so I kept going. Suddenly, a terrifying scream made me stop and turn toward the sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Erika, look behind you and run! Look behind you and get out of there!” my grandmother screamed desperately. I obeyed at once, turning just in time to see the danger. Breathless, I ran as fast as I could to the shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though I had reached the bank, I hurried across the snow on my skates to my grandmother, who pulled me into a warm embrace. Together, we watched as dirty water, ice chunks, logs, and branches swirled violently, engulfing everything in their path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thaw had begun, and sunlight on the peaks set everything in motion. The river rose rapidly, creating a truly catastrophic scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“How did you know I’d be on the river?” I asked my grandmother, still scared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I knew you’d be coming home from school around this time. I checked your room, but I didn’t find you there. Then I looked for your skates, but they weren’t on the shelf. I ran along the shore, and when I saw you, I started calling your name. But after the first shout, you didn’t respond. I was so scared I thought I might lose you in that terrible water. I shouted as loudly as I could, hoping you could hear me. You can thank God for giving me a sign\u2014it’s what saved your life,” she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I could not find my shoes, which I had left on the shore; the rising water had swept them away. The experience was a profound shock, one I will never forget. I believe something prompted my grandmother to search for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That night, I prayed and promised God that I would repay Him someday. I also vowed to help anyone in genuine need whenever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

************************<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was hard to say goodbye (2)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This narrative recounts a personal experience in which I perceived divine intervention and believe that God saved me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At fourteen, I was inseparable from my brother, who was only a year older. We shared secrets and mischief in equal measure. One evening, as the sun dipped low, I spotted a chocolate bar on the kitchen table, my name\u2014Erika\u2014written on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Is that for me, Mom?” I asked<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Yes, it is for you. The neighbor brought it here as a thank-you for helping her out.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“So, you\u2019ll share with me, right?” my brother Jan asked. But Mom looked at us and said, “No, you can\u2019t have any chocolate before dinner!” So, the chocolate bar stayed on the table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Where are you going?” I asked my restless brother. “Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll share the chocolate after dinner!” I said, giving him a light tap on the shoulder as he was about to leave the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I\u2019ll be right back. I have something to do, but I don\u2019t want to miss the cartoon tonight!” Those were the last words I ever heard from him. After that, he was silent forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dinner time came, but my brother was not home. By 10 p.m., we still had not seen him. My parents went from being upset to truly worried. My father called the police, but they said boys his age often run away. Dad insisted Jan would never miss his favorite cartoon or dinner, but the police did not listen, and no one came. Desperate, my father asked our neighbors for help, and together they searched for Jan in the dark with flashlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After midnight, they found Jan. He was gone, lost to us after bleeding out alone in the darkness. The pain that followed was beyond words. My brother, once so tall and strong, now lay motionless on blankets in our front yard. My mother collapsed, and my father\u2019s eyes filled with tears he could not stop. As we waited for the ambulance to take Jan away, my father sank to the ground, clutching his chest in silent agony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next morning, I saw my father\u2014the person I loved most\u2014shattered beyond recognition. His black hair had turned white in a single night, bleached by grief. Our home fell into a heavy silence, each of us wandering through our own sorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

***<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cemetery was a mile away, but I made the journey daily, carrying candles to spend a few quiet moments with my brother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I\u2019ll never forgive you for leaving us, do you hear me? If I could have gone with you, I would have tried to help!” That\u2019s how I often spoke to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As autumn faded into winter, I kept my ritual alive, lighting candles for Jan at the cemetery. I would stand in the front yard, skis strapped on, eager to glide down snowy hills for a quicker journey. I tucked the candles deep in my jacket, certain they would shine, protected by the snow I scooped away to make them a home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Where did you set off by yourself?” Mom asked, appearing in the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I\u2019m going to the cemetery, Mom, you know that! I\u2019ll be back soon, and I\u2019ll have Sunday lunch with the family. But first, I need to go.” I tried to reassure her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Today, you should not go because they have called for a snowstorm, a blizzard. I have heard this when I was listening to the radio, and I’m afraid,” she said, and she went down the stairs, trying to persuade me not to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Mom, I have to go. Please understand, I\u2019ll be back soon. With my skis, it won\u2019t take long\u2014you know I\u2019m good at skiing,” I said, and then I disappeared into the snowy landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I made my way to the graveyard and stopped by the fence. I took off my skis and stuck them in the deep snow, then jumped over the fence to save time. At my brother\u2019s grave, I made holes in the snow for the candles. Everything was silent, covered in fresh snow\u2014it looked like a winter kingdom. I prayed and thought for a while, looking up as snowflakes landed on my face. Then I realized it was time to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Watch over me from heaven, Jan, and keep me safe,” I whispered to my brother. Then I quickly jumped over the cemetery fence and returned to my skis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suddenly, the world vanished into a blinding white blizzard\u2014a frozen chaos. I tried to follow my ski tracks, but they disappeared beneath fresh snow, leaving me lost in a sea of white. The wind howled all around, its icy wail cutting sharply into my ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Lord in heaven, please show me the way and protect me,” I prayed. After half an hour, I realized I was lost. The cold was starting to freeze my whole body. I had no idea where I was, surrounded by the raging blizzard. Tears ran down my cheeks and froze on my face as I prayed and thought of my parents waiting for me at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“God, please protect me and don\u2019t let me die! You already took my brother\u2014do you want to take me too? My parents couldn\u2019t bear it! Please, help me find my way!” I prayed with all my heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After an hour, the blizzard finally stopped, and I realized I was off course. I found the right direction, and with the last of my strength, snowy and frozen, I opened the kitchen door. There was my mother, kneeling and praying to the crucifix on the wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I burst towards her, breathless. “I’m sorry, Mom!” I cried. She turned, her face creased with worry and tears, and leapt to embrace me. “Never do this to me again, do you understand? You have no idea what I\u2019ve been through!” she said, shaking my shoulders before pulling me close, holding me tight when she realized how cold and weak I was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I silently thanked God for bringing me home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*********************<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My life was saved again (3)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I remember it vividly. My husband was away on a military exercise, and I had been alone with our children for a week. When I started feeling sick, I realized I couldn’t afford to be unwell with a three-year-old and a six-year-old already at school. I tried to keep everything normal, hoping my husband would be proud of how I handled it. When my stomach pain worsened, I initially thought it was something I had eaten and waited for it to pass. When it didn’t, I took a painkiller, then another, desperate for relief. Despite my struggle, I cooked for the kids, prepared my daughter for school, and tried to appear normal so no one would notice I was unwell. After three days of severe, fluctuating stomach pain, I decided to visit my neighbor across the hall in the same building we lived in\u2014she was a good friend. She was home with her boys and husband. Her boys were about the same age as my kids, and I often helped her, too. It was after 9 pm when I knocked on her door. She opened quietly, looked at me, and was clearly worried by the expression on my face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


“Oh my God, what happened to you?” Jarka asked.
“I don’t know what’s wrong. I’ve had terrible stomach pains for three days, and I can’t take it anymore. Can you check on my children? They’re already asleep. I need to go to the emergency room to find out what’s wrong.”
“Of course, I’ll do that. If they wake up, I’ll take care of them and tell them you’re at the hospital because you’re not feeling well.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n


I got in the car, drove to the hospital, parked quickly, and made my way to the emergency room. The nurse saw how pale I was and looked concerned. I explained my symptoms, showed her my ID, and she asked about my husband. I told her I was alone because he was on military duty, and my neighbor was watching the kids. She asked a few more questions, then helped me into a wheelchair and told me to sit.
“But nurse, I can walk,” I said.
“No, you can’t. Please, get in the wheelchair!” She quickly pushed me toward the emergency area, which made me nervous. We rushed into the operating room, and within minutes, I was being prepped for surgery.
“What’s happening? Can someone explain why I’m here and what’s wrong?” I asked, but the nurse who brought me in had already left. Someone gave me an injection and told me to count.
“Am I going to die? Please tell me what’s happening. Can someone at least hold my hand?” I cried quietly, tears running down my face. Everyone was moving quickly around me, and I remember counting to seven before everything went black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Later, I felt pain in my face, and someone was slapping me. Then I heard voices saying, “Wake up, time to wake up!” I slowly opened my eyes and saw people in white coats in a bright white room, with flowers everywhere.
“Am I in heaven? Who are these angels in white?” I asked. There was a man in a white coat beside my bed, probably the one who woke me up. Even though my eyes were open, I didn’t know where I was or who the people around me were. For a moment, I thought I was in heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The man by my bed began to speak. He said, “You arrived just five minutes before twelve,” meaning I had only a few minutes before things could have gone very wrong. He explained that I had an ectopic pregnancy and they had to do a cesarean section to treat it. He lifted my hand and placed it on the bandage. I was so shocked I couldn\u2019t speak for a while. Later, I thanked him and everyone for the flowers in the room. The surgeon who did the operation smiled and said, “Thank your husband for the flowers.” I later learned that the doctor was the hospital’s head and was on duty that night. When I was alone, I looked up at the ceiling, feeling as if I were seeing heaven, and said, “Thank you, Lord, for saving me and not taking away a mother from her children!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking back on my life as the wife of a career soldier, I realized I was truly alone and worn out by the demands of army life. I had to be ready for anything – take care of everything, and make sure things worked because no one else would help. When I saw our marriage wasn\u2019t working, I asked myself, ‘What will I really lose by getting divorced?’ The sad truth was that I wouldn\u2019t lose anything, since I had been on my own for years. When I got married, I lost touch with my work in fashion, and I had to be flexible by studying at another school to fit a job I had in the military for 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After 30 years, when I saw my husband wanted something else, I filed for divorce. We separated as friends, without anger or resentment. I told my children this is how adults should act. I chose my own path, found peace, had more free time, and especially time to write. And pay back to God who saved my life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

**********************<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I worked for 12 years for those who needed help, just as I promised.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I have believed in God and His guidance since I was a child. As I grew up and came to understand life more, I realized He had saved me three times, and I felt I owed Him my gratitude. Life moved quickly and sometimes felt overwhelming, so I rarely stopped to reflect. After my divorce, though, I finally took time to look at my life, make a plan, and admit that I had not always kept my promises. Now, I am determined to show that I have the time and commitment to give back for all that God has done for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I understood that the best way to help others is through proper education, so I decided to continue my studies and earn a healthcare certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The work was difficult, but I persisted. In addition to my job, I authored a five-volume series that my readers believe can stand proudly alongside the Harry Potter books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we grow older, our focus often shifts toward valuing our health. Unfortunately, not everyone maintains full health into their later years, and many need extra help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve had the opportunity of caring for people with conditions like Alzheimer\u2019s, Parkinson\u2019s, Dementia and diabetes, some of whom were in wheelchairs or bed-bound. Sometimes, they asked me everyday who I was , but when I lean towards to their ear and softly speak to them, they often recognize my voice and smile warmly. I always make sure to hug or shake hands softly to show them I\u2019m there for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I took care to give their medication on time, fed them, and make sure they lack nothing. I used to work privately, always showing my certifications to ensure they knew I was qualified. Most of my experience has been in Washington D.C., Chevy Chase, or Maryland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you ever have the chance to work with these incredible individuals, remember that if their behavior seems different from usual, it\u2019s due to their illness\u2014so we should be patient and respectful, never angered. Keep in mind, they were once important people\u2014doctors, lawyers, teachers, and many more, just like us. A good care is a gift we give from the heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have lived a simple life and do not need much. I know that material things do not last, and we are only on this earth for a short time. My father used to say that we were simply on vacation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I gave four years to each lifesaving, and I felt satisfied!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

-Erika P. Hamlet, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Former diplomat for the USA and Canada, published author)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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