December 8th 1944 FridayJournal Entry-Letter from Luther Murkins Winsor

December 8th 1944

Luther, My Son,

Your letter of November 7th mailed on 8th reached me on next day after the air mail letter of October 17th-which I had just answered. There is no telling what happens. Anyway, they're appreciated immensely no matter how long they are on the way. 

Naturally you are concerned, and rightly so, about your future. Personally I have the feeling that it will all work out for the best. You will go back to school and take plenty of time at it so as to get a thorough foundation. Of that particular, precaution I'm not worried, for you have never been one to do things by halves. Your present experiences may have a bearing in

shaping your course of study in continuing your education.

My feeling is that you should follow the course that appeals to you most and that your family life must be adapted to the work you have to do in making a livelihood. Naturally you cannot make your home in the city if your work is out in the field, but you can make a home anywhere that duty calls if you pull together.

You see you have to shape conditions to your needs, but do it without "bucking against the pricks" too much. In other words take conditions as you find

them and learn to adapt yourselves to the changing environments that you encounter rather than to worry too much about changing the environment.

As I reflect back over the years of my own life I recall that the only time I "took the bit in my teeth was when i cut loose and went to college after having been out of school between the ages of 13 and 19. I had to finish 8th grade work after I entered college preparatory school and it took me 7 years of hard plugging to get my first degree, and I was 27. I did not marry until I was 31.

Anyway, except for "cutting loose" and going to school I have let nature take her course, and have never in all those years had to ask for a job.

Positions I have held have all come to me unsolicited. Maybe I could have made much more money if I had followed another course but if I had it to do over I think I should not change.

Anyway my son I would not trade the wonderful association of my family, even tho it started late, for all the wealth of the world. So, I think you are right in giving first consideration to your family life. Other things do not matter much.

We'll think it over and find a happy solution in the natural way-

I'm feeling fine, my boy, and I pray God for your safety, and that we shall all be together soon.

I just wrote to Jim at ward 20, US Army Hospital Plant 4119 A.P.O. 178. I surely hope it reaches him. If you know his present address please send it.

The Lord Bless You Always My Son.

-Lovingly, Dad-