Well, here it is November. It seems like it was about 10 years ago that my family left 909 Meadow and went forth to seek our fortunes. But it was just a year ago today.
Looking back and tracing the courses of our various lives during this eventful year, I can’t help but marvel at the things that have happened. They aren’t things that we would hope for if we had a choice. However, some day (soon I hope) we will all get together and realize that what has gone before is only part of that game called life.
It’s been an education for us – of a sort. Perhaps it has even served a purpose. I have some pretty definite ideas on what I want my post-war world to be like – how I want to live. I think my separation from Mom and Dad has strengthened us spiritually. I’m sure it’s brought the family close together.
I remember the last few days of my senior year in high school, when we were signing one another’s yearbooks. Everyone predicted I would Interpret it as you will, they weren’t kidding.
Last fall and winter I would sometimes make a mental note of the date and wonder where I would be and what I would be doing exactly one year hence. The actual circumstances make my wildest guesses look like a Boy Scout outing in comparison. The funny thing is that this is a Boy Scout outing compared to what the boys in Italy and New Guinea are going through. Well, it’s a great life if you don’t weaken.
I haven’t heard from Mom and Dad since the 25th October, when I got their October 8th letter, so you see I’m nearly a month behind on news from home.
I’ve been getting some mail though. Packages, three since the 25th have been coming right along. Now I have one each from Mom and Dad, Cleon, and Bonnie. Many thanks to all of them. They said they couldn’t do much for me this year. I disagree. They’ve already done more than I have a right to expect in these times.
I’m piling up quite a bit of candy, nuts, etc. I’ll have no problem getting rid of it. I plan to save the things that will keep until the holiday season. And I have two months yet before Christmas to finish off the cookies and such. In an emergency, my new colleagues would likely lend on a hand.
My new job and new home are becoming more familiar by the day. It won’t be long and I’ll feel just like one of the family, both here in the barracks and at the office.
Day after tomorrow is my day off, and I plan to run into the city and see what I can see.
I’ve recently seen Deanna Durbin in “Hers to Hold” and Judy Garland and Van Heflin in “Presenting Lily Mars”. Both were very good, especially the latter. I also saw a good USO show tonight. With news of work, I’ll be seeing more movies from now on.
[letterstohome copyright 2008]