Epilogue - August 11, 1948

[Letter from Paul's parents to his brother Carl in camp]

Carl sweetheart,

We've changed our minds about stopping off at your camp. It is almost 300 miles off our route and when we get to camp we can spend so little time with you. You'll be home about the 25th which is only ten days from Sunday. Dad and I have these few extra days and we're sort of anxious to see the country. The road to you is under repair for miles so would you please excuse us this trip. I'm sure you will not mind too much, for you are quite busy anyway, but we were very anxious to see you, and, of course, had a hard decision to make.

Paul has constantly asked us to send you some of his letters, but we thought we would bring them to you. Now I will enclose three of the last ones which are most interesting. Please, Carl, do not destroy them for they are really a diary of Paul's trip and he may wish to refer to them. I know you will enjoy them as much as we did. He thinks of you frequently as you will see. If I can I will send you a pair of sneaks size 6. We may pass a large store somewhere on our way down the New England coast. We expect to be home Sunday night. Write to us at home.

I did not exactly understand your meaning, darling, when you wrote today -- "the boys all seemed nicer to me after the wiener roast." I thought they had been nice to you before. Maybe I was just reading into the words, but you know, I so want you to be happy with your playmates.

Continue enjoying your last weeks at camp. You'll have much to tell us, I know when, you arrive home. Tell us details about your home-coming so we can meet you with bells on.

What is the custom at your camp about giving gifts to counselors? Could you let me know, for I would like to do the right thing. Your Bob seemed to be such a nice fellow.

Our love to you pussy, Mom and Dad.

P.S. We decided to send Paul's letters separately. Be sure to keep them for I value them.