Perry Stewart, Nelson's faculty adviser at Utah Valley State College, gave advice during the creative process.

"She worked hard," Stewart said. "One thing I appreciate about Linda is she takes a project and does it—at an age where she really knows her goals and ambitions."

While the book was for her class and her son, Nelson now sees the message helping other families.

"It's geared more for parents, and I'd like to get it to military families," she said. "The book opens a dialogue about a parent leaving. Sometimes parents don't consider the void in a child's life while a parent is away."

Nelson's husband returns in September but doesn't want to leave again; his helicopter was shot down a few months ago but he walked away from it.

"It's a huge concern when something like that happens," Nelson said, "but we have to hold to faith that whatever happens, happens."

Nelson received an A on the project and graduated this spring from UVSC, but the book will be a lasting memory, and a teaching tool, as her son thinks of his father serving his country in Iraq.

"I did this book mainly for my son," Nelson said quietly. "I wanted him to know how much his father loves him."

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E-mail: knelson@desnews.com

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