Marilu: I have not been able to date this letter as to which year it was written. I thought at first it was 1945, but seems unlikely in the context of the letter. I can't find information about when in Iran he was suffering heart problems, but it sounds like this was written after Lu got married and entered the military but before he was shipped overseas. So my best guess is 1942. I will publish this now that I have it transcribed so it is a part of this record.
Ministry of Agriculture
Teheran, Iran
March
Luther, My Son,
I am constantly wondering where you are and how you are. I have had no word since your November letters and these I have just read again for the steenth time, for I get, Oh! so lonesome and homesick, I guess that's what you call it. Anyway, since I have had to go to the hospital a second time I have been thinking much more of you and of the folks at home than I allowed myself time to do before. My heart has been acting up a little and I have been warned to be careful and avoid emotional upsets, so I am trying to take it easy as I can. That, as you know, is rather hard medicine for Dad. But, I am having to take it and I shall pull thru OK with our Father's help.
I am proud and grateful for your faith and I shall not let you down. It is such a comfort to me, my Son, to know that you are settled in your most important step in life, and that you have made such a wonderful start. Again, I want to thank you for your faith in me and your expression of love and trust. God bless you my son and help you to carry out your ideals, and to be an influence for good among your associates. You are having your chance now to do a real mission. You never need mention religion, just live it and your companions will honor and respect you, and praise you. I am blessed to find how many people there are who know about us "Mormons" and what our church teaches and stands for. So we have to be on our toes always and live and act according to our teachings an principles, for actions speak louder than words.
I was up to the camp and gave our boys a talk. They like to hear about my travels in this country, and about the people, etc. You see, most of them are new arrivals and they look upon me as the pioneer of the group, so to speak. This is really the case because I was the first to arrive.
It is early morning, just beginning to break day, I am writing on my knees, propped up on two big pillows. I have a very comfortable bed, with good light back of my head, and shaded, as there is no dazzle in my eyes, so I prefer this position to any other. As a result I come to bed early, read a while, go to sleep and waken early. I usually spend the early morning hours writing. I have to write most of my reports long hand, so I do it here before going to the office. In this way AI get plenty of rest, which is the best medicine I can take. I hope that you. too, will take care of your health. When we are young and vigorous we are inclined to over-do-it some times, and that is not good for our later years. I am now paying for those long drives after doing a full day's work in the field. You see, I thought that my constitution was an exception, and that I could stand more than the average man. Maybe I was right at that, but anyway I have had to slow down. As for you-you had a rather poor start, but by sensible exercise and clean living you have developed a wonderful physique. Now you must continue as you have done for many years past and take care of yourself for the long and happy life you will have, when these strenuous days are over. I have all faith and confidence in you my son.
God bless you always, your loving dad.
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