October 21 – ‘45

Dear Mom,

Your October 11 letter came today. You said first that my last letter came just when you were sure I had been sent to the continent. Now I wonder just what made you so sure I would be shipped to the continent. I know it might have looked that way occasionally but I never was sure of anything, not ever seemingly gave the impression it was a sure thing. That must be the power of rumor and talk or something I guess!! It is a fact though, that many of my buddies did go and they had from 50-60 points – just similar to my 53 points. But fate had it that I shouldn’t go, and I think my chances of going now or in the near future are almost minimized to the state of elimination. Not, understand, that I much care; it doesn’t pay to care too much, anyhow, because fate will have its way. That’s usually discovered the hard way, but I can’t complain. To the contrary, I consider myself very fortunate and am extremely thankful. Yes, perhaps it would have been interesting for me to go to the continent and see where the war really was fought. The center of interest and excitement is now over there and many of my buddies are there. The London “Stars and Stripes” has now been discontinued and we get the Paris edition. (The London had been published for 3 years). We now listen to AFN Munich instead of London. But, this is the most important thing – I don’t want to go anywhere but home – and never did!! I won’t really be content till I step on that ship for home and can be with you all again. But, of course, you realize that perhaps more than I. You certainly are having your share of excitement getting things done on the farm for the winter. It will certainly be a new life for all of you. It certainly is very considerate of the Feylings to get in some wood – makes me wish ever so much to help.

Perhaps I’ll be home by next February or March. I’ve never known from one minute to the next what’s going to happen. But I’ve got my fingers crossed.

Well, please give my love to everyone – The Feylings and the girls (Sallie and Mabel) – be seeing you maybe.

Your loving son,

Chuck