"These are some of the rules that I have used to help me, and you might want to use them, too. First of all: Believe in God and follow his commandments; be loyal, trustworthy, morally clean, and spiritually right. Never lie no matter what, honor and love and respect your mother and father. Respect the rights and property of others. Do not covet what belongs to others, do not steal, and do not ise the word and name of God in vain." -CS1 James C. Kline
John,
I'll have you know that Quintin O'Hara was the boy I fought with, and it wasn't about Dad. He called you a "baby-killer" and when I told him to take it back, he refused, so I punched him. Gave him a black eye and broke his nose. Mom said I'm to come straight home and stay there for two weeks solid. The only time I'm allowed to leave is if I'm with her or to go to temple. But I think it's worth it for finally getting at Quintin. You might get along with him if it weren't for that. His whole family is against this damn war, and while I'm starting to hate it as well, I know you. You're a good guy, and Quintin doesn't know what he's talking about.
David's younger brother, Daniel, came up to me today at lunch. He said that you and David are in the same unit. Why didn't you tell me? Too busy reprimanding me?
Forget I said that. I didn't mean it.
You know, when you went off to basic training, I didn't think it was such a big deal. I convinced myself that you wouldn't be sent to Vietnam. When you found out David had been sent over there, I still told myself that you wouldn't be. But then, you did. I guess Mom was right by saying that I'm not handling myself as well as I'd thought. Truth is, with just Mom and me at home, it's empty. I know you were going off to college soon anyway, but at least you wouldn't have been on the other side of the world. It's a strange though, you being 3,000 miles and an ocean away. I never really thought of you being so far away before. For some reason, I couldn't think farther than a year ahead.
Mom's calling me for dinner now, so I've got to go. I'll look after her and do my schoolwork and all that. And I'll ask Jack for help if I need it. Please, watch out. I'd like to have an older brother around for a while longer.
Love,
Bernie