Keeping in Touch

Hi, Don: Well, here it is a Sunday in the sunny but cool Garden City. Have been thinking constantly of you so thought I'd get a line off to you and see how you are doing. Are you still at the gates or were you rejected there? Of course I jest, and know that the gates were opened automatically when He heard you were on your way. You did explain to him that you would be waiting for me so we could travel the Somme together before we got ourselves settled in?

I don't know how long I'll be sticking around here before I can get there to see you so if you would rather not wait but instead go ahead in and catch me later, you do that. I'm sure you have some folks you want to spend time there with. Of course in particular, your Pa and mother and Joe. Please say hi to them from me and make sure you say hello to Cpl. Bailey for me. I don't know whether I can get back to the St.Pierre Cemetery ever again but assure him I'll stop by and see his marker should I return. Oh, and maybe even look up Canon Scott for me and tell him I said it is a Great Day for Heaven, Boys, now that you've got Holy Ness up there. Not happy times down here but a Great Day for the legions of Holy Him.

I have The Somme Cross in front of me. It is hanging from the Toc H symbol, forever to remind me of my bestest friend in the world ever, and the holiest of places I have ever stepped foot in. Maybe we can stop there on our tour. You will be pleased to know that Canon Paul blessed The Cross in memory of you and your ministry and for all those who gave their lives in The Great War. I, admittedly, broke down and had to hurry out of the church.

I was back at church today having missed last Sunday. I was a little too emotional after the service for you on the Friday to make it to church on the Sunday. And I must tell you what a delightful man is your friend Blair Crescent Ray! He was not very well at the service but like the trooper you must know him to be, he made it through. He wrote that he was going for a blood transfusion yesterday so I'm hoping he is feeling much better. Oh, yes, I sent him a copy of the book Snapshots from the Home Front. I'm sure he will get a big kick out of it. I regret that I waited so long to send you your copy. I know you saw it but I don't think you had time to enjoy it. Maybe I'll bring a copy along with me. We can read it when we settle in for a night in the Brickworks outside of Albert. I digress. I said a prayer for you in church today but sometimes I think that anybody who spent so much time on The Hill as you, and who was cultured within the halls of Edith Cavell School is far beyond reach.

I have not written Mel yet. I will do that soon. That's a promise. Poor Mel looked lost at your service. I know he will deeply miss you.

Oh, I wrote your obit for the Gun Pit and TOG has given it front page. It's all bullshit of course but I did get in a mention of your Western Hill roots. I would mail a copy to you but I would probably wind up in the Norris Wing if anybody sees me putting the label, "To, HN. Heaven, Ontario, UT (up there)".

Spot is now on thyroid pills. His is on the low side so maybe the pills will get him around the park at least three times before he sits down and looks at me. I think maybe he is just bored because when I take him to the beach he is a ball of energy and foolishness. Right now he is completely exhausted from this afternoon romp at Municipal Beach and is sawing wood on my couch as I type (key). Which reminds me, how is Pal doing 'up there'? I bet his breathing is perfect and not a flea within 6 million light years. Say hi, and let him know I think of him often.

Oh, look what I found when going through my HN files. You chasing some school girls at the War Museum. What a great day that was.

Well my dearest friend, I'm thinking I should close this for now. It has been great talking to you and I hope if you are not too busy up there that you won't mind if I keep in touch now and then. I won't attach any special thingies with this because I wouldn't want to sully your image.

Good bye for now.

Your pal,

Me (on the right)