I hope you're hungry by the time you get home, because the freezer is stuffed to the gills with everything that we've been saving for you. You have a lot of catching up to do.
Kallie and I went Christmas shopping this morning and Bill has gone to pick out the most beautiful tree he can find. I also bought the biggest ham that you have ever seen for Christmas dinner.
Since it won't fit in the freezer, we have it in a box and buried in the snow out in the back yard. I just hope that we get to eat it before the Thompson's dog does.
Kallie even has Fred dressed up special for the Holidays. They keep playing this song on the radio again and again, 'I'll be home for Christmas', but I sure wish they wouldn't. Every time it comes on I think of my boy and I get all teared up.
We are all so excited to see you again. There has even been some talk of a big Welcome Home party for you at the church. Just about everyone knows already that you'll be coming home soon, so be prepared.
Wait till you see my amaryllis. Six big beautiful blooms of red and white. It looks just perfect for Christmas.
Be careful. I'll see you very soon.
Signed, Mom.
*****
TELEGRAM
December 22nd,
Department of Defense, Washington DC,
United States of America,
It is with the deepest sympathy that we regret to inform you ...
Having received mortal wounds during maneuvers, Private first class ...
*****
My Dearest Son,
December 26th.
I'm not sure if this will reach you before you make the final journey home. It feels so natural writing to you now that I couldn't think of a better way to let you know how I'm feeling.
I want you to know how very proud of you I am. I love you and will love you more with each passing day. I know that I have to be strong right now, but it feels as if a large piece of my heart has been torn out of me.
It hurts so much sometimes, I don't know what to do to make it stop.
Bill has been a great comfort to us. Everyone has been positively wonderful. So very kind, so very generous, but I would give it all back, just to be able to hold you and hear your laugh one last time.
Kallie has taken this really hard. In time, I know she will heal and this all won't be quite so painful for her. You two have always been so close, that this separation won't be easy for her, you know.