The Letter and the War

It was a cold day in the Hamptons. It had been snowing for about three days now. It had been a very heavy snow. So heavy that school had been canceled and many people didn't have to work.

We were all in our warmest flannel pajamas and Mother was making some nice warm hot chocolate. Logs were crackling in the fireplace and the smell of fresh pine burning filled the room.

All of a sudden, the doorbell rang. The housekeeper, Annie, ran down the stairs and opened the door.

"I have a letter for Mrs. Bradshaw" said Mr. Clark, the mailman.

"Thank you" she replied.

"My pleasure Ms. Annie"

We all knew that it had to be something important. It was snowing too hard for it not to be.

Mother walked in the family room where my sisters Caroline, Sarah, Emily, and I, were watching our brand new twelve inch, black and white T.V.

"What is it, Annie" Mother asked.

"I don't know, Mrs. Bradshaw" she replied. "But I think it may be something regarding the war."

"Well let's open it up and read it" said Mother.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Enclosed, were six different letters combined into one. Each of them was addressed to a different member of the family. The letter read:

Dear Girls,

I know I've been gone for quite some time now. I just wanted to let each of you know how much I love you and miss you. In this one long letter are six shorter letters, one for each of you. I love you all very much.

Beth,

You have been my wife for twenty seven years now. You have been there through thick and thin. You always give me strength and have always supported me in everything I have done. You are a great wife and mother to our children. I am very proud to call you my wife. I love you more than words can say and I miss you very, very, much.

Caroline, my first born daughter,

Throughout your entire fifteen years, you have been a great blessing. You are really growing up and turning into a beautiful young woman. One day when you are older and married your husband will rightfully be able to say that he is the luckiest young man alive. I am very proud of you and I can't wait to see you and your sisters again. I love you.

Sarah, my second born daughter,

You are so caring and