Nov 25, 1942 Dear Mother + Dad --
Thanksgiving eve -- and since tomorrow is a holiday -- I'm taking off time to write a few letters.
I'm so glad you are finally getting that nursing course, Mother. I know you have been thinking about it for some time -- and goodness knows, you may have good use for it -- tho, we hope not. And you won't have any trouble studying, I know.
So Lib finally got a preacher too. These ministers -- I don't understand how they do it. But Bud is a nice fellow, and Lib and he should make a good pair. There goes another of my old standbys. I'm more of a bachelor than ever. So there will be no one to trot around with but the younger generation -- and I'm afraid they won't appreciate the gray-haired old guy I'll be by the time this is over.
Poor Dave -- but he'll have to make the the regular army for discipline -- so he may be better off than I was, at that. I imagine we'll have a lot to talk about when we get together again. I'm glad Jr. made the band. Now best of it. The Air Corps is nothing compared to I suppose they are all happy again. I bet the poor kid heard he was to be transferred and didn't know where too.
I know you enjoyed Aunt Va's visit. I only wish I could have been there. too.
I've been pondering what to do about Xmas presents, Xmas cards, etc. It is almost impossible for me to do any shopping in Fayettsville -- and it is impossible for me to get wrapping material to send things home. I think probably the best I can do is to have you do my shopping for me. You buy presents for me to give Alice, Aunt Stella, Grandma, Cousin Emma, and for yourself and Dad. Then let me know the cost and I'll send you a check. I just don't know what else to do. The problem is particularly difficult since I shall probably be moving out of here just before the holidays.
I don't know what to do about Xmas cards either. If you think it is allright, I won't send any. For to send to one & not all, wouldn't be right, and it would keep me going for a week to remember everybody. Could you just include me in the card you + Dad send?
I think too, that it would be best not to send Xmas mail to me here. So pass the word around. I certainly won't be here after Dec. 18th -- and mail before that will be undependable because of the rush. I suggest, that if you do have anything to send, you wait til after I go to Sill + then send it there.
Any mail arriving at Bragg after I leave will undoubtedly be a month following me. And I shan't be able to carry any packages or presents with me.
I have hopes for a pass -- 3 day -- when I get out of Center School. I'll probably get it Monday or Tuesday and definitely have to be back Saturday morning. It should give me about 30 hours at home. So don't make any big plans for the week of Dec 12-18. On the other hand, I may go to Sill on the 12th -- in which case you want see me until April.
Let me know what you think about the Xmas business and don't forget what I said about mail. I don't want to have a lot of letters, etc following me across the south.
Yours,John