T.L. Dunnegan: May Cooler Heads Prevail

This is a bittersweet day.  I’m joyful and mourning.  It is the day that my dear friend Teri--T. L. Dunnegan’s--book, MAY COOLER HEADS PREVAIL is being released by Barbour in its Hometown Mystery series.

Teri and I first met through our husbands.  Both were assigned to the 53 WRS--the Hurricane Hunters--at Keesler AFB in Mississippi.  It was 1976.  We met at a formal military function, recognized each other as kindred spirits and were close friends from that day forward. 

We raised our families, put our heads together to cope with our challenges, wept through our sorrows--the loss of her father, mine, and my mother.  We were there for each other in ways only sisters of the heart can be there for each other.

We began writing at about the same time, helped each other, shared those joys and sorrows, too.  We talked about everything and nothing, shared lost days where we took off, and let ourselves and our kids enjoy adventures.  So many memories.  So many years.

Teri and I talked about this book being published today many times.  Her sense of humor in her writing and her life shone like brilliant beacons.  Even in times of tragedy, she found the nuggets of humor to make things bearable.  So many memories and stories I could share.  She’s an amazing woman with unshakable faith. 

I admired and respected her.  I loved her.  Now I miss her, and that’s why today is a bittersweet day.  You see, Teri passed away in 2006.  She wrote this book but did not live to know the joy of feeling that first copy placed in her hands.  But I know Teri, and I know she’s smiling that her family experienced that. 

I’m mourning, missing her today because she was such an important person in my life and the writer in me knows how much this book and seeing it released meant to her. 

I’m joyful because she was such an important person in my life and the writer in me knows how much this book and seeing it released meant to her. 

I’m mourning and joyful because I am so proud of her and this accomplishment of her dream. 

Teri, your job was well done, and all the lives you hoped to touch through your work, will be touched.  Rest well, my beloved friend.

Love,

Vicki