Letter #430816

Brantford, Canada, August 16, 1943

Dearest Peach-Pie;

How are you feeling after that wonderful, wonderful Sunday afternoon? That little visit to see you kept me up so much that even an eight and one-half mile route march this afternoon did not bother me in the least. It was so nice seeing you dearest, even if it was just for a few hours. Well, darling, that’s another day gone that I have been away from you and I will have to make up all that time later on when the war is over. But it is only four and one half days more to go and I shall be seeing you again.

The chap who is driving us back was right on time last night so we had plenty of time. We made a couple of stops for Cokes and buy a couple of cantaloupes which we ate in camp. He only charged $.75, which was very reasonable, but I would have come no matter what it had cost. Each visit makes me realize how much I love you and how beautiful and wonderful you are.

The weather was very threatening this morning with plenty of thunder and lightning. It rained on and off all morning but cleared up this afternoon with a warm sun and cool breeze, which was O.K. for the route march. My cold has practically disappeared and will be gone entirely in a day or so. I received your letter this morning and it was nice to lay on my bed and read it. Having seen you yesterday made it seem as if you were right beside me.

The chaps who went out the window Saturday night, were let off with a warning as it was their first offense. The one chap got seven days C.B. as it was his third time. Tomorrow is our long night so I guess I will have to hit the hay early tonight and get some sleep. So I will leave you for now darling, but will be there in person in just 4 1/2 days. So good night precious.

Your adoring Goo-Boy.

XXXX/ = 4 1/2 days.

Reflection: “I would have come no matter the cost” is something Horgie reflected on re: cost of the trip home to visit Peach Pie for the weekend at a cost of 75 cents. There is always a cost in getting by day-to-day and getting to be where I want to be and doing what we want to do. However, some things are worth it no matter the cost. For Horgie it was a weekend home with his Peach Pie.

Think about 2-3 things that you can’t do without no matter the cost. Now determine the cost for those things (money, effort, etc) and add them all up. These are total costs to meet your basic needs. If you have trouble meeting your basic needs your options are; 1. Accept less, 2. Educate yourself and learn how to better meet your needs, 3. Seek out a second opinion from a professional, 4. Go without, or 5. Think of something else that works to solve your problem. Either way, figure it out. It is important to be mindful of what you can’t do without, no matter the cost. Whatever that it is for you, I encourage you to reflect on it, own it, be who you are, love who you love, set your priorities and goals, and move forward 1% better each day.