The Healing of
Windwalker
Battle Hymn of the Republic - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
My dad was my model for Buddy. As you will see in the book, the war stayed with him for a long time. The story about his nightmares and the stories about his hunting and marksmanship abilities are true. The story about the skunk at school is true and the story about throwing me into the trash can is also true. The stories about the school principal and what happened at school, and the story about the sun glasses is true.
When dad as in the sixth grade he left school so he could help provide for his family. He was brilliant in so many ways. He could repair any car with just his mechanics manual. He was able to repair radios and TV's by taking a correspondence courses.
Dad loved music and taught himself how to play the Harmonica and to make it talk. He also played the violin and guitar.
Buddy, Honorable and Courageous
He was a painter by trade. No one who knew him ever asked him to sign a contract because his word was his bond. If he gave a bid it was solid, and even if he lost a lot of money, he never went over budget.
When I was eighteen Dad came down with leukemia, which was not uncommon for people living in Uravan who were smokers. The day he passed away my mom kissed him on his forehead and just the pressure of her lips left their prints in the shape of her lips. He was the greatest man I have ever known and is the reason I am the man I am today. His influence can be seen in Walker's life.
Scenes from WWII that remind me of my dad.
Harold James Chadd
Kathy, The Stabilizing Force In Walker's Life
These two women, Joan and Laurie, were my inspiration as I developed Kathy's character and personality. Joan, in the first picture, was my inspiration for the early life of Kathy. The story about Kathy's father, brother and sister are based on true facts. The stories about her foster homes are based on true events.
The part in the book where the Bishop was reading scriptures to his wife as she was dying from Ovarian Cancer is true.
Laurie, in the second picture, should write her own book about the trials she has had in her life. She is the strongest and most forgiving person I know. Laurie spent many years working with the Washington State Department of Children Services until she retired. Both Joan, if she was alive today, and Laurie would tell you that the trials they have had gave them the spiritual strength to become the people they were and are today.
The section in the book about Kathy's four babies who died was based on another couple and the trials they went through. When they found out they couldn't have children they tried to adopt. I was surprised to find out how difficult, expensive and heartbreaking adoption can be.
With the lives and personalities of my dad and these wonderful ladies, and events that have occurred in some of my friend's lives ever prominent in my mind, I believe I was able to make the characters of Buddy and Kathy come to life.
