Chapter I of "Me and the Girls" (Tranh)

CHAPTER I of “Me and the Girls”

(Letter undated)
Dear Mr. Hunt,

How are you? I am fine.

My name is Tranh, my nickname. My real name is ________. I am thirteen years old.

You might know my step father, __________.

I am a freshman at Lanier High School.

Nothing has happened to Lanier, I guess. I'm new around here. I have only been here about four months.

I am sorry this is not so informative.

Yours sincerely,

Tranh




(Answer Undated)


Dear Tranh,

Don't ever be sorry for writing an old man when he asks you to. Maybe your letter had more information in it than you realize. For example, I would guess you had been educated overseas someplace in a non-English speaking country. Maybe Thailand or that neck of the woods, but if not, then Eastern Europe, possibly Russia or one of it's satellite countries.

I love your handwriting and think it shows a lot of self control or a strict self discipline. I would say by the use of your nickname, Tranh, that some people at Lanier High School are having a hard time pronouncing your name which should be pronounced "_______" I believe. Am I close? At any rate, I hope you learn to like Lanier as much as I did.

If my memory serves me correctly, Sumner Avenue, where you live, is a nice tree lined street.

Your step father's name, ________ , does not ring any bells nor does the name __________ I'm afraid, unless you are related to the poet.

Well, I've decided to take a trip back in memory lane to 1948-49, when I was living at the Annex in Newport News, Virginia - a decidedly substandard military housing project we lived at when I was in the second and third grade. The housing consisted of long rows of wooden barrack-like apartments that held four families per building. It was government subsidized housing (read that low rent) and a lot of military families lived there.

We walked to school by walking out the back door and taking a right on the sidewalk which ran the length of apartment buildings about 1/2 mile. On the left was a huge easement ditch about thirty-feet wide that was always filled with mud and water but could be waded across at some point as long as it hadn't rained recently. I mention this because it has a bearing on my story. On the other side of the ditch there were more apartments like ours.

My brother's friend, who lived across the ditch, was one of the first families to get a television in the neighborhood in 1949. It wasn't much to look at because it only had a five or six-inch diagonal screen but it was a great drawing card to pack the room on Saturdays. We would gather at his house to watch Howdy Doody or the wrestling and boxing. I can still see the one eyed man with the silk top-hat on the National Bohemian cans of beer. I hear the man singing "Say mister, how are you fixed for blades..Ya better check..Gillette Blue Blades we mean?"

Mom used to tell us that someday, we too would have a radio like that with a moving picture. For the present we had to make do with listening to Buster Brown who lived in a shoe with his dog Tyge. The Shadow, The Fat Man, Green Hornet, Inner Sanctum and Tonto and the Lone Ranger were other favorites. In short, it was the radio for entertainment or games like Parcheesee or Monopoly. Sometime we would make up guessing games and take turns asking if it was animal, vegetable or mineral. Home entertainment was what you made it.

The housing authority said they would furnish the paint if we wanted to paint the outside of the apartment. All families in each building had to agree. My father was gone so there was only my mother and us kids. My mom made a game of it by making it seem like fun and getting all the neighborhood kids to pitch in. Tom Sawyer didn't have anything on her, no sir!

A bedraggled kitten showed up on our doorstep one night and it was sickly. Mom tried to nurture it back to health for several days but it didn't look like it would survive. Since it had just rained and the ditch was full, she decided to place the kitten in a burlap sack with rocks and throw it in the ditch. That night a scratching at the door revealed that the kitten had somehow clawed its way out, swum to shore and to our doorstep once again. Mom didn't have the heart to try drowning it again so continued to nurture it and succeeded in bringing it back to health. She never again tried to get rid of kittens that way.

My paternal Grandmother came to live with us for a while but began hallucinating so my father returned on leave from his assignment, and signed the necessary paperwork to have her committed at a Sanatorium in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then he went back to his ship and left my mother to make the arrangements for travel to the Sanatorium.

We went by limousine and it was a gorgeous trip with stops for souvenir shopping in the mountain stores and eating in restaurants.

On the way back, the chauffeur, with whom I suspect mom was having a dalliance, stopped off at a farm and my brother and I looked at the various animals while a meal was prepared for us. After the meal, we went home to the Annex.

Shortly thereafter, we packed our suitcases (we didn't have any furniture of our own) and caught a Military Airlift Command Aircraft from Newport News, Virginia to Miami, Florida and thence on to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The flight was very noisy and bumpy and they made you sit in webbed seats with your back to the window.

If you can put up with my wandering style of writing, I'd love to hear from you again Tranh.

Your friend,

John




2 February 1989

Dear Tranh,

Well shucks, if you want to think I'm 30 something, go right ahead, I don't mind. Had all my letters to you students been read aloud in class though, as I thought they would be, you would be aware that Julius Caesar and I had something in common. He died on the Ides (15th) of March and I was born on the same date, only in 1940. That should answer one of your questions and put that depressing subject to rest.

You would also be aware of the fact that my father was in the U.S. Navy and that we traveled to his duty station whenever we could. That is why I have moved so much and had such interesting experiences. I've chronicled those experiences into a book to be published later this year and have started on another already.

From your letter, I gather that you too, are a military dependant and have traveled far and wide. The discipline I detected is a byproduct of being brought up in a military family. You should have gotten a better education than most if you received some of it overseas.

West Germany is a nice country but I was only there for three months before they had to medevac me back to the states for my heart operation in 1979.

After convalescing from that operation, the Army sent me to the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia. So you see, I too, am familiar with the town of Hinesville. I was there from January of 1980 until October. I was discharged from the Army from that Fort.

You are a very interesting girl Tranh. As you say, we seem to have a lot of things in common. You appear to be a romantic (not unlike me) with your sight on the future. If you can maintain your curiosity about the beauty in life around you, perhaps you can keep your sanity in this ever-changing world of ours. You have a poet’s soul and a good talent for drawing. Don't waste them.

My brother, too, had a talent for drawing. Unfortunately, his wife died of alcoholism in 1984 and he turned to drink. I helped move him and two of his youngest boys from Virginia to here in that year, and got the boys registered in school and my brother dried out. He fell off the wagon again later so again I helped him get dried out. The last time it happened, I gave up. I heard from him about two years ago. He had moved with the boys to a place in Michigan. I don't know where he is today nor can I help him any further. He caused quite a disruption in my own family while he was here. I don't want to go through that again.

Try to keep in touch with your sister, Brenda, whenever you can. She sounds like she is going through a pretty rough time also. That is a shame for such a young girl to become estranged from her family. I hope she is okay in Tennessee and she does marry the man of her choice in April, as you suggest she plans to do. She will need someone in the family to confide in from time to time. If that person is you, it will bind you closer to her.

The kitten that almost drowned in the Annex back in 1949, was given a name I'm sure. After forty years, though, I cannot recall what it was. I have five cats now, a cocker spaniel, and two parakeets. Their names are Harry and Angel (parakeets), Lauren (dog), and Knobby, Little Knobby, Misty, Rusty, and Toby; the last being the only male cat.

If you wish to visit when you are eighteen, you may do so. Please don't make any promises this early though. That time is still a long way away for you and a lot could happen in the intervening years to change your mind. I might not even be around then.

Planning for college this early is a smart thing to do, but be prepared to make changes later. I attended a local college here in Augusta after my discharge from the Army. I had to drop out because of my health. So you see, I have no formal degree. The atmosphere of a college campus is vibrant even for an old dog like me. If I could do it over again, I would get the college education before going into the service; it rounds out your personality and you don't have to go through the crucible of life getting that done. Let's face it, life will round out your personality, but there sure are a lot of hard knocks to overcome first. Go the college route if you can.

As for recommendations, it's nice if you can afford to go to the same college all four years. This is ideal where the college of your choice also teaches your major. If, however, the financial picture will not allow a four year matriculation in one establishment, remember that the first two years are usually devoted to core curriculum subjects anyway, and that you can take them in a local college while living at home. This is relatively cheap. You can then transfer, if necessary, to another college to complete your major.

Your drawing is exquisite! I especially like the one at the bottom of the page, the old Oriental gentleman. You do have a flair for art! Drawing in ink is hard enough but you seem to be able to do it quite well. Was that a portraiture of someone you know?

As you know, I've spent a little time in the Orient and have a Korean wife and daughter. I suspect you're oriental also, judging by your name, and your choice of subject to draw. Is this correct? If so, may I be so bold as to ask what nationality? Do you speak any language other than English? It is a requirement for college you know.

I think I've answered all your questions for the moment Tranh. I've even posed some questions of my own. Please do write back. I enjoy corresponding with you.

Your friend,

John



24 February 1989

Dear Tranh,

I am mad at myself! I got your letter earlier today and powered up my computer and loaded the word processing program and began writing you a letter. I was on the second page, almost ready to go to the third page when I got a message that I would have to reset the program and start over again. I had failed to save the letter periodically while typing it and so lost the entire thing. Now I must began again and try to rewrite the letter from memory (which isn't that good to start with). You can bet that I will save this one after every paragraph so that if I have to reset the program, at least I won't have to begin from the beginning of the letter.

Don't be ashamed to brag about your intelligence! If you don't toot your own horn, nobody will know you’re around. I found that out rather late in my military career. A lot of times intelligence goes unnoticed. So bang them on the head if you have to; let them know you're around. I knew from your first letter that you were intelligent. Guess that means I'm bright huh?

I'm happy to hear that you have reestablished contact with your sister, Brenda. I'll bet everyone was surprised that it was a December wedding and not an April wedding. How is your mother taking it? Those two need to patch up the rift between them because Brenda only has one mother and will miss her. Your mother will probably have to bend a little but reuniting the family will be worth it in the long run.

So you now have a new brother in law. Did you know him before your sister left or did she meet him in Tennessee?

My book should be published in late March or early April. I should receive the proofs in about three weeks and the cover drawing also. If they are satisfactory, I'll sign the contract and it should be on the shelves by May or June. As for the title, I suggested "My Life in Your Hands," "Letters of Reminiscence," or "Letters from John." The final decision rests with the publisher.

There is a big difference between being barred from reenlistment and retiring. Your father, ______ , probably did not have twenty years of active duty at the time of discharge so is unable to draw a pension. I, on the other hand, had over twenty years active duty when my disabilities forced my retirement. I can collect a pension plus I get a seventy percent offset from the Veterans Administration for tax purposes and collect social security also.

Besides my obvious propensity for the written word, my other talents are/were numerous and diverse. I have enjoyed some skill at bowling, roller skating, basketball, baseball, volleyball, football, soccer, badminton, ping pong, pool, handball and squash. That is only a few of the things I was good at. I considered my skills at these to be average to above average. As a matter of fact, I carried a 187 average in bowling when bursitis in my right shoulder forced me to quit. I almost took up hustling at pool to make a living; I was a roller skate instructor at one time.

I learned ping pong from a Vietnamese sergeant in Kontum in 1969-70. He was really good. He would stand about six feet from the end of the table and return my slam by catching the ball about a foot off the floor on his side and slam it back across the net at me. I seldom beat that man but I did have two or three wins for the eight months I knew him.

Be sure to read the fine print on any contract that the drawing representative offers you. It never hurts to be too careful before signing, and as a matter of fact, if your family can afford it, have a lawyer look at it. I know you are a talented girl but there are an awful lot of people who go around offering contests and then follow it up with an offer of schooling. Sometimes, these programs of instruction are a scam to bilk you of your money. Good luck but please be careful also.

You never have to worry about me giving up hope of a long life. The desire is there because the longer I live, the more interesting life becomes. I am also a realist however, and I know you can only put just so many patches on an old tire. While those patches hold, though, I'll be getting the most out of this time allotted to me.

Your brother can go through college under the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. He would take his normal elective subjects for the major he plans to get plus additional military subjects. It is a good program because the government will pay the tuition and some expenses for the whole four years and even, in some cases, for additional post graduate studies. It is true that he will have to devote two to four years to the military upon graduation, but he would do it as an officer, and who knows, he might find that he likes it. An officer's life in the military offers a lifestyle which I did not enjoy but did observe, and believe me, it has its good points.

Tell your friend Laura that no disrespect was intended by naming my dog Lauren. The names are different after all and besides, I did not choose the name, my daughter Jean did. Actually, the dog was given to her when it was six weeks old by her boyfriend. Jean is nineteen and a freshman in college and has a part time job also. So you can guess who takes care of the dog during the day. That's right, mom and dad; mostly mom though. Of course, the dog sleeps in Jeans' room at night.

I can still speak a smattering of Spanish, French, Korean, and some German. I couldn't carry on a conversation, mind you, but I could probably make my basic needs known enough to survive. I, too, took French in school, but found little use for it in later life. I might have been able to use it in Vietnam if I had kept up my proficiency, because as you know, many Vietnamese speak French. Your mother or grandmother probably does also. Is that why you took it in school?

Did you watch the Grammy Awards the other night on television? I watched the first two hours but got sleepy so went to bed. If you like music, I know you watched it. Of late, I have taken to listening to a lot of country-western (Randy Travis won a Grammy) and listening to the songs of my youth (1950's and 1960's). Old people do that you know? The older you get, the more you think about your younger days. I did have a nice surprise when I heard Whitney Houston for the first time during the Awards. That girl has a future ahead of her. She really blew my socks off with that song she sang; a very talented girl that. I shall have to get some of her albums.

Sad to say, I don't recognize the name of your favorite singer, but that isn't surprising if she is a contemporary singer. Most of them are unknown to me unless they are in the country-western field. I would guess that is the influence of living down South with the rednecks for so long.

If you really must know my favorite colors, I like most pastels. I'm a conservative type mostly, my car is light blue, and blues, browns and grays attract me more than anything else. Maybe a psychiatrist could make something out of that......Take care, and write soon.

Your friend,

John





06 March 1989

Dear Tranh,

You're right, it doesn't do any good to get mad at an inanimate object like a computer. It was the operator (me) I was mad at. I made a mistake with that session on the computer, but I learned from it. From now on, I save what I type every paragraph or so.

Chester must be a local fellow if you met him before he and Brenda went to Tennessee. He probably has relatives there so decided to settle in that area. It sounds to me like you went along with Chester, Brenda and her friends to Savannah during the summer following her graduation. Maybe Mom sent you along to act as chaperon.

My daughter, Jean, took her vacation with her boyfriend at Myrtle Beach. I didn't have a younger daughter to go along as chaperon so had to trust we had given her the proper guidelines along life's paths. Fortunately, nothing happened to her, but her close friend who went along, ended up pregnant. She will have the baby sometime this month. The doctor said 15 March (my birthday) but who knows? Her parents are going to adopt the baby and she will try to go back to school. She is still seeing the young man but they won't marry yet and perhaps never will now.

I joined the Navy in 1959, spent four years, got out in 1963 and joined the Army in 1964 and retired in 1980. Most of this is chronicled from my birth up to 1965, in my book (which you say you are going to read...and I hope you buy), so I won't go into detail here. I plan to write another book (sequel) covering 1965 to the present. I want to wait to see how this book sells first.

As for the skills I developed while learning the various sports I outlined to you, they were developed over a long period of time (let's face it, I'm pushing 50). Give yourself some time to develop those skills and don't be discouraged if you don't succeed at first. Try as many sports as you can also. You might be surprised because almost everyone has some sport he/she excels at with practice.

Yes Tranh, I had two tours of duty in Vietnam while I was in the Army. I plan to detail some of my experiences I had there in my other book but will give you a slight preview here.

In 1969, I landed at the airport at Cam Rhan Bay, and after an initial three days, was further flown to Pleiku in the Central Highlands. This was the headquarters for my battalion, the 43rd Signal Battalion. I spent about a week there and then took a convoy up Highway 1 to Kontum. This is where Charlie Company was located. It was a small compound on the Northern perimeter of a Special Forces "B" camp that trained RF and PF troops (Regional and Popular Forces).

For the first three months, I worked various details, such as picking-up the Montaignyards that worked on the compound from their village. We would pick them up in a deuce-and-a-half (truck) in the morning, and bring them back at night. These were the house girls, waitresses for the mess hall, laborers to dig trenches or fill sandbags or tend the latrines. The house girls would be loaded on the truck after collecting the men's soiled clothes and we would drive to a river to wash them. Mostly it was a supervisory position to make sure the workers knew what jobs they had to do during the day. When I wasn't doing this, I was checking claymore mines on the perimeter and the firing devices in the bunkers and towers.

After three months, I took over the operation of the AN/GRC26, Radio Teletypewriter Set and the two subordinate enlisted personnel who operated it. They needed lots of training because we were just the commander's back-up method of communications. He used mostly FM (frequency modulated) radio to communicate.

I taught my men how to touch-type and increase there accuracy. I also sought out a member of the 525th Military Intelligence Unit and convinced him that I could get his messages out by secure means (encrypted) over my radio set faster than the method he was using. This gave us a lot of radio traffic to send and receive and made our jobs much more meaningful.

It was during this tour also that I was promoted to E-6, Staff Sergeant, and began taking cryptographic equipment to Qui Nhon for repair. This necessitated traveling on all types of aircraft and all over the country. I spent a lot of time in the air on Hueys, Chinooks, Light Observation Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft such as the C 131, C 130, B 29, and even Air America (a reputed CIA airline).

I hope all of this isn't boring you Tranh, but remember, you did ask. I'm going to tempt fate and continue to tell you about my second tour in Vietnam now. Bear with me, I won't go into too much detail.

In late 1970, I was at Fort Carson, Colorado but I decided to go back to Vietnam in order to get an ITT (inter theater transfer) to Korea. That's where I really wanted to go. I volunteered for a second tour of duty (something I was told never to do, volunteer).

This time, I landed at Tan Son Huit airport just outside of Saigon (now called Ho Chi Minh City) and was sent to Bien Hoa and assigned to the 5/77 Field Artillery. This outfit had four fire support bases in addition to Base Camp and each FSB had two eight-inch guns and two 175mm guns which were self-propelled and a "Bofours Gun" which fired 40mm grenades, rapid fire, from four barrels.

The guns were so big that, when they were fired, the concussion vibrated the fittings off the walls of the radio teletypewriter sets (AN GRC 122) that I had on each FSB. My equipment had to be constantly repaired.

In addition to maintaining these radio sets, I was responsible for two radio relay sets on top of a mountain called Nui Chow Chan near Quan Loc. The roughest trip, though, was the FSB we had near the Cambodian border at a town called Go Da Ha. We had to go through Tay Ninh on the way, but Go Da Ha was scary. Sometimes the villagers would wave and sometimes just stare at you as you drove by. We knew the VC or NVA were around so just kept the throttle down hard.

After about eight months in country, we inventoried all our equipment and turned it over to the Vietnamese in preparation to standing down (leaving country). We moved to Long Binh for the last month-and-a-half of that tour. I went to Korea with a short stopover of three days in Japan.

That will give you a brief idea of some of the places I've been in Vietnam, Tranh. I don't want to go into it in depth because if I ever do write the other book, I want you to buy it to read.

Drawing designs or pictures for T shirts can be a good career also. When I was selling home brewing kits in 1985, I had a customer who opened her own shop selling personalized T shirts. The last I heard, she was still in business, which is more than you can say for me. Congratulations on your art work being accepted for this endeavor. I know it gives you a great sense of accomplishment.

The Insight Program you mention sounds something like the program that the American Legion sponsors, they call it Boys State. Of course girls can go too. It is a good program to teach our youth how government works. Have fun next month, but don't forget to write.

Your pal,

John



24 March 1989

Dear Tranh,

Thanks for the birthday wish. It was an uneventful day, so it suited me fine. Now when anybody asks me my age, I have to say 49 instead of 48. That's the only difference. I'm just one step nearer the half century mark and my final destiny. Golly, when I say it that way, I sound ancient!

Gee whiz, girl, you sure are hard on yourself! I'm sure you are not a nerd nor are you ugly. I don't know why girls your age tend to think of themselves that way. My daughter felt the same way too but she is really a knockout. Crystal said almost the same thing, but when she sent me a picture of herself, I could see that she was a beautiful young lady. Maybe you are all just fishing for compliments? Rest assured that we are always more critical of ourselves than others see us.

Jean (my daughter) is on Spring break right now. She plans to go to Edisto Beach this weekend with Lanny, her boyfriend, if the weather is nice. It has been raining a lot lately (we need it), but it is starting to clear up. The weekend is supposed to be nice so I guess they will be able to go.

Lanny has been working full time at a Nissan dealership (Jean works there part time) but will start college this next semester. He is planning to major in computer technology so Jean, who has planned on majoring in Biological Engineering, is now changing her major so that she can take the same classes as Lanny. Ain't love grand? Oh well, both are good fields of study but I wish she wouldn't be so intent on being with him. If they ever break up, it will hit her very hard.

Yes, Jean's friend had her baby Wednesday night about 9:30 P.M. It was a girl (they had both wanted a girl but the father had wanted a boy) and she weighed 7 pounds and was 22 inches long. Mother and baby are fine. She has decided to keep the baby instead of her parents adopting it. Good thing too because her parents are separating. Rene (Jean's friend) and her boyfriend, Scott, plan to marry in the near future. He too, works at Nissan with Lanny. I think Rene plans to continue with college but I don't know how she plans to work that out. Perhaps her mother will care of the baby. She is Vietnamese also and Rene is Amerasian.

Is Chester in the military? You say he was stationed in Tennessee, and that word has a military connotation to me. You say you met him but it's not clear to me if it was in Rhode Island that this meeting took place. If your mother has not met him, I can understand why she might be a bit perturbed at Brenda running off and getting married. That would be enough to shake-up any parent. It is something that has happened without her knowledge or approval and that would bother most parents. I suppose she should try to make the best of a bad situation at this time. If she remains bitter and unforgiving towards her daughter, it will only alienate them further.

Crystal said there was a dance at the school last Friday (17 March). Did you go to that one? The frolic you mentioned sounds like it might be fun. I hope you go to it because even if you don't dance, you will probably have fun. If memory serves me right, when I was your age, we had dances at the school also. A lot of us boys, and yes, girls too, did not dance, but we did meet, talk and drink punch and eat the goodies laid out on the table.

By now, you should have come to realize that boys and girls who are fourteen and fifteen years of age, have a very difficult time adjusting to each other. Some can adapt faster to the change in status than others. Believe me though, all are anxious to meet and explore these new sensations they are having. Heretofore, it has been boys having boyfriends and girls having girlfriends. Now the rivalry to find friends of the opposite sex is starting to intensify, and will even split up friendships of long standing. Mark my words!

Please do write and tell me how you like the Insight program. It should give you a very good idea of how the government works at the different levels. I don't know why you would be edgy about going. You are not going to be tested on what you learn are you? Just relax and enjoy the trip. Make an adventure of it.

I heard some exciting news last night and today. It seems some scientist have discovered how to fuse the hydrogen atom and produce energy (electricity). They use sea water and from what I understand, it is a revolutionary new procedure and will be relatively cheap but most important, will not produce radioactivity such as is caused by fission. It looks as if clean and cheap energy can be made for the world in our future. These are remarkable times aren't they?

I heard from the publisher again today, but it was only to let me know the status of my book and inform me of the plans for promotion. The title will be "My Life in Your Hands." He says the proofs and cover will be done shortly and I will get them and a contract to sign. As I said before, it will be late April or May before publication and probably June before it is on the bookshelves. I will send you a copy gratis just for being a steady correspondent. You will then be able to read all the letters your friends wrote and how I answered them.

I ordered another drive unit for my computer last month and I got it last night. It is a 3 1/2 inch disk drive as opposed to a 5 3/4 inch drive like I have now. I attempted to install it last night but I think they sent me the wrong unit because the power connections don't match and when I tried to connect them, there was a ppfffsssst sound, a flash of smoke, and a burning smell in the air. I will send the unit back to the company with an explanation and hope they can rectify the situation. If it cannot be resolved, I will just have to wait until I get enough cash reserves to buy a new computer. I've grown beyond this one I think. I can give this one to Jean for her room. It will be ideal for her if she changes her major to computers. She has a rudimentary knowledge of how to use this one now but I have to bail her out of trouble from time to time.

I guess I've monopolized your time enough for one evening Tranh. I'll say good night for now. I hope your life is filled with joy always and only good things come your way.

Your friend,

John




22 April 1989

Dear Tranh,

It's been almost a month since I heard from you so I thought I'd write to see if you are okay. I know you went to the Insight Program this month so have probably not had time to write to an old man like me. How did you like that program? Did you enjoy yourself?

I'm sure you learned quite a bit about how our government is supposed to work. Would that it were so...that the government worked as smoothly as the textbooks say it does. Unfortunately, such is not the case, but you will learn that in due time from exposure to the actual thing. It will be up to you and your generation to make the necessary changes to insure the government runs without corruption and is fair to the little man. Heaven knows, my generation has its share of four-flushers sitting in Congress at this very minute. Not all the cards are in yet, but take Jim Wright (Speaker of the House) for instance.

Did you manage to make the Freshman Frolic Dance which was held on 7 April? How did that go? I saw a cartoon in this morning’s paper which called that dance to mind. I thought of you and some of the other girls who are writing me and experiencing the trepidations of forming new liaisons with the opposite sex. I hope you will appreciate the humor of the situation implied by the cartoon.

This is just a short note to let you know I'm still here. Write when you get a chance. I always enjoy your letters.

Your friend,

John




6 May 1989

Dear Tranh,

You and several others have corrected me on the date of the Frolic. I don't know why I kept thinking it was 7 April. I guess you had mentioned the dance at Insight being on that date and I got confused. That happens easily to us old folk you know.

Now that the Insight program is over, I guess you know that it takes a lot of paperwork to run the government. If someone can find a way to circumvent the need for all the paperwork and still get the job done legally, they would make a fortune.

I'm not completely sure that I understand the difficulty about you going to the Frolic. It sounds to me like your parents object to your date being seventeen. Having been through that debacle with my own daughter, I can understand why they worry. In November 1988, when you first wrote me, you gave your age as thirteen. That being the case, at most, you are now fourteen. It's natural for parents to worry about a daughter that age dating a boy of seventeen. Perhaps they have nothing to worry about. Some girls do mature emotionally, physically and intellectually at an early age such as yours. Parents can't help worrying about things like that though because they love their children and want to protect them.

In a few years, an age difference of three years will not seem like such a threat to their daughter. Now, however, they worry. Please try to understand that. I know it must be a heady experience having a boy of that age wanting to go steady with you. At the risk of sounding like an old fuddy-duddy though, I
would ask you to respect your parents wishes until you’re a little older. It's the rare fourteen year old girl that can handle an emotional involvement and it's not easy for a seventeen year old boy either, so please be careful.

I hope I haven't hurt your feelings or lost your friendship by saying those things. It is only because I do value your friendship and I do care for you that I want to give you the benefit of my counsel. I understand where your parents are coming from also.

Well, if you've reached this page without throwing my letter in the trash, maybe I can continue in hopes that you will still write to me.

Yes, you had told me about the art contest but at that time nothing had been firmed up. I'm glad to see that your parents were able to afford to enroll you in that program and I'm sure you will excel in it.

You do keep a rather busy schedule don't you? I was aware of the term paper coming due because Susana asked me to suggest a subject for her. I did so, but she chose to do another. Your subject of comics should prove interesting. From your letter, it looks like you will be assigned a comic to write about. You say "With luck I might be able to get Charles Schultz, doubtfully." Is that how it works, the teacher tells you what comic to write about? That's kind of yucky isn't it? Why don't they let the students choose the comic?

I gather you will be going to Hinesville in July to get some stuff out of storage. From what you say after that information, it looks like you and your father and others have cooked up a reconciliation between your mother and Brenda. I'm happy to hear that. I hope the meeting comes off well, and all part on a friendly basis. After all, what's done is done and cannot be undone. Doesn't that sound profound though?????

You would lose a bet if you bet that I did much more than write for excitement. I do write to many lonely girls and boys, and others, and sometimes I just write to cheer people up. For example, there is a little girl in the hospital who just underwent a bone-marrow transplant. She had leukemia. She will be living in a bubble (plastic, sterile environment) for the next six weeks while her white corpuscles increase enough to fight off infections which might invade her system. That is going to be a very lonely little girl (about 7 or 9 judging from her picture on television) and I thought a letter from me might cheer her up some. If you or any of your friends would like to cheer her up some, her name is Heather Carswell and you can write her at Shands Teaching Hospital, 1600 SW Archer Street, Gainesville, Fl. 32610. I'm sure she would be glad to hear from you.

To update you on the book, I heard from the publishers today. They will not come to my terms and their terms are too expensive for me to be able to afford on my income. They have made an alternate proposal, though, that sounds like it has promise. They will edit my book for publication and send me a list of publishers who do publish for a share of the royalties. They want $450 for editing fees and if I get a publisher who doesn't charge, an additional $500. The book must be published within a year or they will not charge the additional $500.

This sounds like a good deal but I have no idea how much publicity another publishing house would give my book. It stands to reason though, that if they are publishing on the premise that they will share in the royalties, they should do all they can to promote the book. I believe I will do it this way. It is the only way I can afford to do it at this time. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee I will find a publishing house willing to publish my work. I will just have to trust I write well enough that the work will be accepted. Wish me luck!

Last week, the neighbor came pounding on my door and she was quite excited. Seems there was an opossum roaming the area and she had a broom in her hand chasing it. She wanted me to get something to kill it. I took one look at the poor defenseless critter and figured I was a match for it. Even my cat, Knobby, was just watching it amble across the front of our property.

Now 'possums do have some mean looking teeth and will use them if cornered. Maybe Knobby had an encounter with one earlier and that's why she wasn't bothering it. I choose to emulate her example and just watch it. As I walked toward the 'possum, she ambled on ahead of me, all the time heading for the woods at the back of my property. Some kids started to give chase but I warned them off by saying the animal might be rabid. The 'possum made it to the woods and the neighborhood returned to normal for the remainder of the day.

Such was the extent of my foray into adventure for last week. Don't I lead an exciting life?

Write soon.

Your friend,

John





26 May 1989

Dear Tranh,

I'm happy to see that you care enough to continue to write to me. I was a bit afraid that you might be upset with me for trying to give you some advice with regards to dating. Normally, I don't try to give advice but you worried me when you hinted that you might be seeing the young man without your parents’ knowledge. A girl can get hurt that way. I speak from experience because my daughter did that too, and she was hurt very badly. As you say, we learn from our mistakes, and sometimes, that is the only way we can learn. Occasionally though, the advice of an elder person or parent is based on experience and they are giving it so that you wont be hurt.

Having said the above, and leaving you with the enclosed cartoon, I will now digress into my usual meandering style.

Kathy has just written to me and says she is about to put the finishing touches on her term paper. You too, must be near to finishing, and the date must be drawing nigh. I think I understand why you picked Charles Schultz now. If, as you say, he is a graduate of your art school, he would be a good source. Have you written to him? I'm sure he would be more than happy to help a student from his alma mater if you explained the situation to him. Who have you chosen for your interview? Perhaps your teacher at the art school would be able to give you some background on what it takes to be a cartoonist. Then too, there are many types of cartoonists (political, satirical, comedic, etc). Maybe you could get some tips from the newspaper cartoonist or a person who draws cartoons for greeting cards. If I'm not mistaken, there is a famous card company right there in Lanier. Those are just some ideas and perhaps they come too late. Good luck on the term paper anyway!

Tell Brenda I said congratulations. Has she a preference for the child's sex? Do you? Will it be the first time that Brenda and Chester have visited his parents since the marriage? Did they know about it beforehand or was it a surprise for them also? Gee, I'm nosy, aren't I? If you choose not to answer the above questions, I'll understand.

Little Heather Carswell, whom I told you about, has not answered my letter as of yet. I've since found out that she is eleven years old and lives in Augusta, Georgia. She was flown to Florida for the operation. A man, who has a private plane, takes her parents there every week. I suspect that Heather has been inundated with letters since the appeal was made on the television. That is probably why she hasn't answered yet. Did you write to her also? I'll be sure to let you know if I hear anything else on her.

As you know, I have two parakeets. We have their cage hanging in the kitchen. Once in a while I feed and water them and change the paper on the bottom of the cage. When it comes to clipping their wing and tail feathers though, I let my wife do that. Like the cockatoo you mentioned, they too, like to bite when they are handled. Those nips hurt! Sometimes the darned birds don't want to let go either! That's why I let the wife handle them. Luckily, they haven't gotten loose to fly around the house yet. That could be a bit touchy, what with anywhere from two to five cats and a dog in the house. Can you picture the bedlam?

It's strange! My wife can handle those birds and rabbits and grasshoppers and praying mantis and lots of other strange creatures. When it comes to worms or snakes though, she is terrified! I say it's strange because she works in the garden all the time with her bare hands and every once in a while, the air is split with a screech which can be heard a block away. Generally this is because she has touched a worm and that sends shivers up and down her spine. The screech will stop my heart momentarily and then it starts to palpitate very rapidly. I try to stay in the house when she is working in the garden.

Toby brought his first kill home from the woods last week (He is the youngest cat I have at one year of age). It was a mole and he played with it for about ten minutes (as cats will do) before he killed it. Yesterday, he brought a green snake home. Now this snake is perfectly harmless and in fact beneficial to man. You can't tell my wife that though.....you got it, same reaction as when she encounters the worm!

I haven't seen any more possums lately, but I know they're out there just waiting to enliven my life some more. Thing is, I don't know what else is out there. They say the alligator is making a comeback. I've seen one at a lake at Fort Gordon, and when you see one, there are bound to be more around. This
bothers me somewhat because Butler Creek runs in back of my house about 300 yards on the other side of the woods. So far, no one has sighted any gators, but if I start losing cats, I have a suspicion of where to start looking.

I have installed another drive unit on my computer. It is a 3.5 inch drive unit whereas my original drive is 5.25 inches. The installation is correct but I'm having trouble setting the correct configuration so that I can copy from one drive to another and vice versa. Does that confuse you? Suffice it to say that I don't know what I'm doing. Anyway, I have a call in with the manufacturer (PC Enterprises) to help me out with this problem. I should be hearing from them soon. Computers are loads of fun when you know what you're doing, unfortunately..... I'm going to say bye for now Tranh. I think I hear my bed calling me for a nap. Us oldsters have to do that sometimes during the day. Sort of like charging the batteries, ya know? 'Til next time then,

Your friend,

John





6 June 1989

Dear Tranh,

I haven't heard from you so will be unable to have a tête-à-tête with you at this time. I did come across an article in Reader's Digest which called to mind our initial correspondence. I thought perhaps you might find it interesting, so I made a copy of it and will include it with this letter. I hope you enjoy it and can make some use of the information.

Another little jolt of wisdom came my way when reading Peanuts in the Saturday paper a few weeks ago. Knowing your affinity toward the cartoonist, Charles Schultz, I cut out the cartoon for you also.

One of my favorite cartoonists, Dik Browne, who drew Hagar the Horrible, died this past week. I shall miss that cartoon. Speaking of which....

How did you make out on the Term paper? I think school is out for you as it is here for the kids in Georgia. Besides going to Hinesville in July, have you made any other plans for the summer?

The rains have finally come to our area again. It's been raining every afternoon for the past three days and it has been overcast and raining all day today. We can use the rain but it sure does make it uncomfortable having to stay indoors. Even the outside cats have inside privileges during inclement weather. My wife sees to that!

Events on the World Scene seem to be monopolizing a great deal of my time. I've been watching television to keep abreast of the changing situation in China. It is deplorable that the government has chosen to crackdown on the civilian populace who are clamoring for a democratic form of government. A lot of lives have been lost and I'm very much afraid that a lot more blood will be spilled before it's over. The Chinese communist have never relinquished power without bloodshed and I don't expect they will now. I do think the people will prevail over the government, though at a great loss of life. Unfortunately, freedom is costly, a fact which our forefathers found out and which we in the military community (retired and active) have been aware of for some time.

Russia too, is experiencing a lot of upheaval in their government and its satellite countries. Once people have a taste of the democratic ideals, it is hard for them to return to old ways. Mikhail Gorbachev has let the cat out of the bag with his Glasnost and Perestroika and it will be hard, if not impossible, to put them back.

Poland has had its first election in forty years and the forces of democracy (Solidarity) appear to have a firmer grasp today because of it.

The Ayatollah Khomeni of Iran has passed away and who can tell what that foretells for the future of that country.

What do all these things portend? Who knows? There is a great deal of change going on throughout the world. It appears that at least two of the World Giants of Communism are groping towards democratic ideals. All of the NATO countries of Europe are supposed to be consolidating their economies by 1992. No longer will passports be necessary to go from one country to another in Europe. It is said, that move alone will make Europe the leading economic entity in the world. The U.S. and Japan will be playing catch-up.

Don't we live in momentous times though? It is both fascinating and frightening to watch. Contemplation of things to come would only be speculation on my part, but I do look forward to greater and more peaceful times. Now if we could only clean up our act, where the environment and ecology is concerned, I'd rest easier.

So much for today's discourse, I think I'll call it quits. Until next time then, I remain

Your friend,

John





8 June 1989

Dear Tranh,

Wouldn't you know it! I mailed off your letter on the 6th and I get a letter from you on the 7th! Well, at least we must be on the same wavelength because it appears we were thinking of each other at about the same time.

No change in the weather here, and my health is pretty much the same. You mentioned something about me having all those pets, making my life merry (the actual words used by you are "life must never get dull," and then you ask me if I would prefer the dullness. Shame on you Tranh! I thought you knew me better than that! Actually, my feelings are pretty much explained by the cartoon "Winthrop" which is enclosed.

What with my animals, writing to friends and espousing various causes which I believe in, I stay fairly busy and contented. If I didn't have these activities to occupy my time, life would indeed be dull around here.

I believe I gave you some erroneous information in my last letter. I said the cartoonist Dik Browne had passed away. That would really irritate him if he were to get wind of it. Actually, it was the guy who does the B.C. character, I think his name is Mort. That was/is another of my favorite cartoons.

While we are talking about cartoons, take a look at the enclosed cartoon by Horsey. In my estimation, that is a great political/satirical cartoon which speaks very eloquently of the situation in China today. Would that I could express myself with half so much power and with so few words.

The bird you drew is obviously a pelican. In all the time I've lived here in Georgia, I've only seen two fly by my house. We are quite a way from the sea but they fly up the Savannah River from the Atlantic coast and some of them do make it to this area. We are more apt to see egrets and crane here though. We are also on the migratory route for ducks and geese because I see and hear them in the Fall and Spring, going up and down the coast. Sometimes, they will rest over on Butler Creek which runs behind my house on the other side of the wood.

We have a lot of red-tailed hawks in the area and I've even spotted some pileated woodpeckers from time to time. They are supposedly endangered but when I called the local chapter of the Audubon Society to let them know where the birds were, they didn't seem concerned or even send out a spotter. We are far enough South to even get the occasional hummingbird. The most common birds are the cardinal, red headed woodpecker, bluebird, robin, dove, pigeon, mockingbird, thrasher (Georgia State bird), grackle, crow and buzzard. At night, I hear owls and quail (bob white) but seldom see either.

Well, here I've rattled on for a page and a half almost, and haven't even begun to address the subjects brought up in your letter. That's downright unsociable isn't it? I'd better get crack'n right now!

I'm proud of you being able to know enough to call a halt when you realized that John wanted more than just a kiss. You are at an age when you are very vulnerable to your emotions. It is natural for you to be attracted to boys and to feel flattered that an older boy is interested in you. A lot of Junior and Senior boys will try to take advantage of Freshman or Sophomore girls by trying to "put the make" on them, figuring the girl will be flattered and let the boy do whatever he wants. I don't know John so I cannot say that he fits in this category of boys, but please don't fall into that trap.

I know the peer pressure is great for a girl of your age to have a boyfriend; a "steady" to relate to; someone you can confide in and tell your girlfriends about. You are wise in wanting an "open" relationship. That would be the honest and healthy way to develop a good bond with any boy. If John were more nearly your age, I'm sure your parents wouldn't have any objections to your seeing each other. As it is, that relationship seems to be a dead end street.

My suggestion? For what it's worth, find someone your age or close to it. whom you like and who can be around you without losing control of his emotions or forcing you to lose control of yours. In today's society, it only takes a moment of uncontrolled passion to ruin a life. Remember that, and you take control of the situation and don't let it get out of hand.

As for John, I don't see any reason why you cannot remain friends and still talk with each other. That is of course,unless he went further than you indicate in your letter. If that is the case, my advice to you is steer clear of him completely!

I don't know when you get out of school in Lanier. The kids here got out of school on 2 June. I was aware of the term paper being due on 7 June. That was yesterday so you should have turned it in by now. Do you know how you did? I was really surprised that you switched to The Safety of Power Tools. Anyway, I hope you did well.

I'm a bit confused! I had thought you said you were going to Hinesville in July to get some stuff out of storage and would visit with Brenda at that time. In one of your letters, you did say that Chester and Brenda would visit his parents. Is that the visit you are saying Brenda cannot get leave for? I take it she is working then? Or did she join the service also? I'm sorry if I seem so confused, but I am. Chester is in the Army, is he not? Is it he who cannot get leave until after the baby is born?

No, I do not have an Apple IIE. My computer is already outdated by today's standards. I bought it in 1985, the year the company went out of business. Naturally, the salesman didn't tell me that was going to happen or he would have lost the sale. It is an IBM PCjr and I purchased it with the color monitor and remote keyboard. I have since added 640KB of additional memory, an NX 1000 Star Printer, 2 joysticks, a 1200 Baud Modem and an additional 3.5 inch drive unit. I haven't worked all the bugs out of the additional drive unit or memory. I'm working with PC Enterprise, the company that took over from IBM PCjr, and is making the expansion units available. Now that I have you thoroughly confused, I'll move on to less complicated subjects.

Heather Carswell, the girl who had the bone marrow transplant in Florida last month, is due home here in Georgia today. The doctors say the operation was 100 percent successful. I saw her playing outside on the hospital grounds on the news last night. She has lost all her hair, but it should grow back nicely in time. The main thing is that she has a new lease on life. She never answered my letter, but that's not particularly important. Perhaps she will, now that the crisis is over and school is out. If she doesn't, it's enough for me to know that she should lead a normal life from now on.

As for the poems, you should know that it isn't my specialty. I have written some poetry but it has been many years since I actually studied that art form. I will be more than happy to look at yours though but I would be afraid to offer a critique after all this time. When I was editor of my school paper, I reluctantly printed a teacher's poem although I didn't think too highly of it. I kept several copies of that paper and years later, while re-reading it in the attic, it brought tears to my eyes. The guy (teacher) had talent I hadn't been able to recognize at the time. So you see Tranh, I may not be the best judge of good poetry.

I do know good prose when I see it though. You are talented in that area. Your vocabulary is large and you know how to express yourself very well. If you keep your hand in, you cannot help but to get better with the years.

Along those lines, I hope now that the Term paper is finished that you are able to catch-up on your studies in Art class. Will you continue those studies throughout the summer?

My book is being edited by Vantage Press and will cost me $450. It should be finished this month and they will send me the edited version and a list of Royalty Publishers for me to submit it to. If it is accepted for publication by one of them (it will be!) within one year, I will owe Vantage an additional $500.

Something you should understand about my book, it covers from 1940 through 1965 and it does not have the stories about Vietnam. I am holding those in reserve for the sequel or second book. I may even have enough material for a third book. I will hold number 2 and 3 book in abeyance until I see how "MY LIFE IN YOUR HANDS" sells.

Yes Tranh, those same people who were making absurd remarks about Vietnam, probably have never been there. Very likely, they are repeating gossip and have no idea of what the country or its people are really like except for what they see on television. Don't you fall into that trap! Validate what you see in print and only believe half of what you see on television or hear on the radio. You'll be better off and more informed that way.

War is not pretty, nor glorious. It doesn't show mercy to people in or out of uniform, nor to the land upon which it is waged. Vietnam was and is a beautiful country. Even with the war ravaged landscape sliding beneath the skids of the choppers I flew in, I could tell the country was beautiful. I've flown all over the Central Highlands and the Delta regions around Tay Ninh, Saigon and Quan Loc.

The scars of war littered the landscape but could not denigrate from the beauty that was Vietnam. Perhaps I'm a romantic and I succumbed to the spell of the Orient. I know there are many another GI who would gladly go back to Vietnam to live if it weren't in the hands of the communist. For that matter, there are a lot of dispossessed Vietnamese who would love to go back also. Perhaps one day that will be possible.

Please try not to be so judgmental of people Tranh. There are many countries that have differing customs which might be mutually repugnant. For example, we in the U.S.A. generally take it for granted that a handkerchief should be used to blow ones nose. I was appalled the first time I saw a Korean man hold one nostril closed with his finger and blow the mucous discharge from his other nostril. When I later asked a Katusa (Korean soldier serving with U.S. Army) why this was done in public, he asked me why I carried body waste in a cloth in my pocket. If you think about that for a minute, you can see that we too, have some strange habits. The moral of that story is: be lenient in your judgment of different cultures.

I suppose I've been rambling on for these, lo, many pages and you have been growing constantly more and more bored. I guess it's time to let go of your ear (eyes), and let you rejoin whatever activity it was you were doing prior to my interruption. Have a nice day then, and keep me in mind.

Your friend,

John




24 June 1989

Dear Tranh,

Your letter of 19 June arrived today and I could tell immediately that you were upset. Things sure look like they have taken a turn for the worse for you. Now that you are out of school and some little time has passed, perhaps the situation doesn't look as bleak as you painted it in your letter. Anyway, if talking about it will help, I'm willing to discuss anything with you.

It is always sad when a good friend leaves and we know we will not see them for a while or ever again. You don't say where he/she is going so perhaps it isn't too far and you will be able to visit one another from time to time. At least you should keep in touch with each other through letters. Friendships are important at your age because they help shape your personality and how you interact with others. These years are the most intense years of your life and the friendships you form now, will be retained in your memories probably until your dying day. That's why friendships are so important and not to be taken lightly. More often than not, friends will drift apart in later life. If you can, maintain contact with them through letters, because someday you may need to reestablish those close bonds you now share.

Let's see if I have the picture straight now! Chester (notice I used a "C" this time...sorry about the slip up) is in the Army and Brenda is working at a store in Hinesville. Neither of them can take time to visit their parents because Chester cannot take leave and Brenda must work in the new store. I think I got that right this time. It is a shame that they can't visit. Are you and your parents still planning the July trip to Hinesville? If so, perhaps you will get to see them then.

You'll forgive me I hope, but I had to smile when I read the part of your letter that describes your television as a plague and your parents as slavery. I have never heard this expression before! I told you that you express yourself beautifully, and that is precious! The situation you describe is no laughing matter though so I don't want you to think that I'm taking it lightly. I merely wanted to let you know that I loved the way you expressed yourself.

You'll have to correct me if I'm wrong, but I gather that your parents own or operate some sort of store, and that they want you helping them during the summer. Why such an ungodly hour as 5:30 P.M. Saturday until 4:30 A.M. Sunday? Surely some sort of compromise for more logical work hours can be worked out; hours which would allow you to work your own part time job for spending money of your own. Every child should be accorded the right to earn their own spending money when they are of work age; especially if it is their desire to do so. My daughter even worked as a volunteer candy striper at a hospital, with no pay during one summer vacation. This was just so she could get job experience. That always looks good on a job application.

Speaking of job applications, all places have differing forms to fill out, but if the form said family members, I believe that is what they wanted. Most job applications want to know the size of the family and how much each member of the family makes so that a median income level can be established. Unfortunately, at your age, you must have your parents’ approval to work. They must sign off on the job application also. I can only assume they filled it out correctly.

Nobody is saying it's fair, life isn't guaranteed to be that, but it is just the way things are. It appears you will have to make peace with your parents and acquiesce to their wishes. I would suggest a calm approach and be willing to give a little, in order to get some of what you want. That is called compromise. For heavens sake, don't lose your temper or raise your voice even if your parents do. That wouldn't accomplish anything. That will probably be the most difficult thing you have to do, but if you can talk with your parents, they will be more amenable to terms.

Finally, we come to the Art School problem. I'm really sad to learn that your mother canceled that program for you. Is that decision irreversible? Perhaps you can be reinstated in the program at a later date. Maybe if you try to be real sweet to your mother, she will reconsider and re-enroll you in the course. You have a skill which should be developed to its maximum potential. Don't ever forget that! If you must wait longer for formal training, so be it. Keep your hand in at drawing the best you can. Later perhaps, you can get some schooling on your own.

You'll forgive me, I hope, if I don't write to your friend's pen pal in Korea. Since the address is a school address, I can only assume that she started writing to __________ as part of a school project. That is good training for her and can establish some international ties between them and maybe even the schools they go to. I, on the other hand, have enough correspondents to write to here in the U.S.A., and don't feel the need to go abroad for someone to write to. By all means, she should continue writing to her friend and maybe you can also. The exchange of ideas and customs between school children of differing countries often leads to greater understanding between peoples.

Kathy recently told me of a trip she took to Newport, Rhode Island. She said she had fun and that it is a beautiful place. I had been there before and I concur. Last night on the news, however, there were reports of another large oil spill at that seaside resort. That must be devastating for the community! There were also two other oil spills, one off Delaware and one in the Gulf of Mexico near Texas/Louisiana. It is happening all too often lately, and something must be done! The shipping rules must be tightened or more rigorously enforced! Better yet, a new source of fuel such as cold fusion (which made a big hullabaloo a couple of months ago in the news) or a more efficient use of sunlight as a fuel source. Oil shipped on the seas is just too disastrous for the ecosystem when there is a spill.

I hope that you have come to a more amicable relationship with your parents the next time you write. The friction between teens and their parents is almost universal and has been happening for a long time. I too, had difficulty trying to express myself and my ideas to my parents at fourteen. Parents like to protect their children and err mostly by being overprotective. Teens, on the other hand, are trying to gain a measure of independence from mom and dad, and want to make decisions of their own. Sad to say, it has always been that way. It is hard for a parent to let their child make decisions that they perceive as unwise. It would be better if they could, perhaps, because that is how children (and they) learn. If a mistake is made and the child is hurt, he/she hopefully learns from the mistake. It is very difficult for a parent to let that happen. Sooner or later, it must. The child (be they fourteen or twenty-one) must assume the risk and responsibility that goes with making decisions. That's a hard pill for a parent to swallow, but someday, they must.

There is something that I am curious about. Of all the students I wrote to at Lanier High School and with whom I continue to write, only one has ever mentioned her parents asking about me. That was Althea's mother. Haven't either your mother or father been curious as to who this chap is that you are writing to in Georgia? I know I would have asked my daughter about any letters she received from strangers when she was fourteen. Of course she is nineteen now, and since the age of seventeen, those matters have been her concern only. If she asks for advice, I give it but mostly she's on her own. What have you told your parents about me, if anything?

I don't remember if I ever sent you a picture of me. I know I sent some initially when I sent the letters to Mr. Powers, but don't know if you students ever saw them. I am therefore going to enclose a recent picture of me which was taken in my back yard. To my right is one of my wife's gardens. Immediately behind me are our two chestnut trees and the fence. If you look closely, you can see a picnic table under the trees. The woods are on the other side of the fence and easement ditch. They stretch about 300 yards downhill to Butler Creek. It is from these woods that many of the little beasties (possums, squirrels, rabbits, etc.) which I've encountered, come. You may show the picture to your parents if they are curious about me.

I guess that will about wrap up this session of gossip. I hope you can see that I've given a ready ear to your problems. I've tried to offer some suggestions or comfort. I hope they are well received. If not, write again anyway and we'll try again.

Your friend,

John




27 July 1989

Dear Tranh,

I've just been converting my files from the Homeword word processor program to the WordPerfect program, and in the process, noted that the last letter I wrote you was 24 June, in reply to your 20 June letter, a letter in which you were very upset. I certainly hope that my letter has not further contributed to your agitation.

I am concerned about you because it's not like you to let such a long amount of time lapse before answering me. I hadn't realized so much time had passed. Are you mad at me? Did I say anything to upset you? The last time I let so much time lapse without answering a letter, the young lady departed the country without me knowing. That was Susana, and I think that she is the friend you alluded to as leaving in your last letter. Is this not so?

Has the situation at home improved since last I wrote? You had said you would be going to Hinesville in July to get some stuff from storage. Did you go? Did you see Brenda and Chester and baby? If so, please let me know how they are.

Were you able to talk with your parents about work hours which would allow you to take a part time job of your own? Were you able to talk with your parents at all?

The edited version of my book came back last week and I spent the entire weekend making corrections. I finally finished up early Monday morning around 3 A.M. and got the rewrite off to a royalty publisher in Massachusetts. The publisher is Brown & Little, Inc. of Boston. I figured that since Lanier is closer to Boston than New York, the book might get a better reception at that publishing house than one n "The Big Apple."

To avoid having to get signatures of approval for publishing the letters you students wrote me, I've had to drop addresses and disguise some letter writers' identities. There should be no problem in anyone recognizing their own letters or even some of their friends' letters because you are all familiar with the environment and locales mentioned. It would have taken me forever to get parental approval from everyone of the letter writers. Some might not have given approval. Rather than risk that, I made some changes. It should still be good reading. It's just a matter of time now!

Do write to me and let me know how you are Tranh. I hate being kept in suspense.

Your friend,

John




7 August 1989


Dear Tranh,

I received the letter you mailed to me on 4 August today, and glad I was to hear from you again. As I have said, I thought you were mad at me and that was why you weren't writing. I'm happy to know that isn't the case.

Your letter touches on many points and is very newsy. It will probably take me a while to respond to all the issues you raise, and I will most likely be jumping all over the place, so my letter may seem a bit disjointed. Bear with me though, and I think all will be answered.

The matter of you having received my 8 June letter as my last missive, is a bit disconcerting. I also sent you a letter of 24 June with a picture of me enclosed. If you didn't get that one, here is a copy. As for the picture, you will have to wait longer for that, I'm fresh out of recent pictures. Naturally, you must have received my 27 July letter, because it is this letter which you responded to.

In your 19 June letter, you had alluded to a friend leaving, and you were upset. I thought the friend you were talking about was Susana, but I guess it wasn't, judging by the letter just received from you. At any rate, she went back to Portugal and will try to live with her father there. I don't think her mother will acquiesce to that arrangement though. I learned this from Kathy after Susana had already departed. The last letter I had received from her was in March, so I too, didn't know she was leaving. Kathy sent me her address in Portugal and I will gladly give it to you. I will answer her if she writes me but she is no great shakes at keeping up a correspondence. Her address is: (left off---jeh)

I'm happy that the home front is a little quieter and that you were able to talk with your parents and work out a reasonable solution to the work schedule at the store. It's unfortunate that you couldn't find part-time employment with the school program. As you surmise, it is probably because both your parents are working and perhaps they feel that you would not be getting enough parental supervision were you to take part-time employment. Then too, perhaps you will have to search out part- time employment outside of the school program. I wish you luck in this endeavor, because it's always nice for a teen to be able to form a good work ethic and have some little spending money as long as they don't lose sight of the fact that the education has top priority over the job. This is good for developing responsibility also.

Now that your brother has joined the Army, you have taken over his room. That's as it should be; a natural progression from one sibling to another when someone departs the nest. Tell me, do you have the room to yourself? Are you going to be able to decorate it with posters and frilly things and the stuffed animals that most teenage girls like to decorate their rooms? My daughter, Jean, although now in college, still decorates her room that way. As a matter of fact, she still has her pom poms and Prom garter belt and crepe paper lettering, spelling out "Hephzibah Rebels, 1988," and a whole lot of football pep rally ribbons stuck to the walls in an interesting pattern.

It's too bad you weren't able to look up your friends in Hinesville or get to see Brenda or Chester and baby. It sounds like you did what you went down there for though, which was to retrieve your furniture. You did get some time to do some shrimping and crabbing, and that's good. We used to do that a lot also, only we'd go to Beaufort, South Carolina. We haven't done that in several years because of my poor health.

It is well that everything takes place in December for Brenda's family. It will be easier to budget expenses that way. My anniversary dates are scattered from October through March, with several events falling within a single month sometimes. That can get to be expensive! Maybe that doesn't make sense to you but if you think about it, it does. You see, most people have a tendency to spend more for special occasions if they are spread out over a longer period of time. Chester and Brenda have everything bunched up in that one month, so will be able plan a budget for that month during the remaining eleven months.

Let me see if I can un-confuse you as regards my book. Originally, I wrote to Mr. Malcolm, the principle, to see if I could get in contact with any of my old schoolmates or teachers. That request was given to Mr. Powers and he turned it into a letter writing project for the ninth grade. Are you with me so far? The resultant letters you students wrote me and my answers to those letters, comprised a lot of interesting information about Lanier when I knew it, how it is today, and also events which occurred in my life while growing up in Lanier and elsewhere. During the course of writing those letters, I realized that I had led an interesting life, and so, decided to make a book out of it, using the letters as a format to follow in telling my story.

That should give you an idea (briefly) of how the book was conceived, but you shouldn't have to worry about it, I am going to send you an autographed copy when it is published, and then you will be able to get a better idea of what my life has been like. Not all the student letters were used (yours was) because many of them were redundant. I did answer all who wrote to me though, with individual letters. They were supposed to be read aloud in class but that wasn't done so nobody has a complete picture of what my life was like. When you get the book, if you like it, perhaps you can share it. I'm sure you will be able to recognize your letters and probably many another of your classmates’ letters also.

As regards the Art School, see my letter of 27 July. I'm sorry that the school is asking for the 25%, but most contracts for that kind of schooling, state that a withdrawal means a forfeiture of a certain amount of money depending upon the
materials and time taught. Perhaps it would not be too late for your parents to reconsider and re-enroll you in the course.

I'm sorry your aunt and uncle lost their dog Sheba. You say they have other dogs (you don't say how many) so why was it necessary to buy her the husky? Is it because she was hinting about it before Sheba disappeared?

Swimming with or without Dennis would be just the thing for this hot weather we are having down here. Unfortunately, I don't have a pool and it's too far to drive to the beach in this hot weather. My car doesn't have an air conditioner! I mentioned to someone, in one of my letters, that I dislike the heat, and that's true. Does Dennis have a pool? If not, where do you go? We used to go to Lincoln woods when I was a kid. Then too, there is the Y.M.C.A., which had an indoor pool. I don't know if it still does though.

Baby birds are extremely difficult to raise in captivity if your parents won't co-operate. I'm sorry you lost your birds. I've never tried raising finches but for a while, we did raise pheasants. I bought an incubator to hatch the eggs that our pheasants laid and we did succeed in raising about nine or ten birds out of about thirty eggs. We had to keep them in the house for about five weeks, though, because if we put them in the pen with the adult birds before that time, the adults killed them. Eventually, we let all the remaining pheasants loose in the woods behind the house. I have parakeets now and have thought of mating them but don't believe me or the wife would have the time or patience to devote to that effort.

May I offer you some advice on the book you are planning? I don't know if you've studied outlines in English class yet but I would assume so, since you had to do a term paper. Your story plot should be developed from an outline first. Start with a broad theme which should be interesting or adventurous, something which catches the eye or imagination. Break that down into sub-plots, which should also follow those guidelines, but go into more detail. Those sub-plots can then be further developed into lesser plots or tied back into the original theme. Keep your original theme in mind throughout the development of the various activities which take place. When you have completed the outline, use it as a guide for writing your story.

I am assuming that this story is going to be fiction and about teens. Keep in mind that it is alright to use personal experience when writing fiction but be careful about the identities of your characters if you do that. You wouldn't want to inadvertently hurt or embarrass anyone who could later be mistaken for a character in your book.

Your post script seems to be a hastily scrawled addendum which catches me off guard. I assume that it has not definitely been decided yet, that you are coming back to Georgia. It seems strange that your parents moved all that furniture to Rhode Island only last month, and now you say they are talking about coming back down here? If that is what they plan, and it would make you happy, I'm all for it. You still wouldn't be able to drive a car here legally until you reached sixteen. That is the legal driving age here.

Of course I'd be happy to have you visit me but first I have to figure out what you mean by that crack about "You are kinda difficult to explain. I mean I would get lost and feel as an outsider," with outsider underlined, no less!

What's to explain about me? I'm simply an old man who likes to write and you are a young girl, good at listening. I have no ulterior motives and I live with my wife and daughter here at home. The fact that we enjoy exchanging letters should not be suspicious. As for you being an outsider, I feel as if I already know you and even some of your family. You probably know me better than my own daughter by now, and if you don't, you will after reading my book.

My last comment for the day has to do with chocolate. Not only is that stuff fattening (and that I don't need), but it causes cavities and has too much cholesterol. I haven't touched the stuff in years! And that's all I'll say about that!
Write again soon Tranh, it's nice hearing from you again.

Your friend,

John






17 August 1989

Dear Tranh,

I got your letter of 14 August yesterday, and one from your friend, which I've already answered. Hopefully, I'll be able to answer yours' today and get it in the mail box before the mailman makes his/her round.

I am well and my health is about the same. Don't worry yourself about that as long as you keep getting answers from me. When a long time (two weeks or more) elapses without you getting an answer to one of your letters, then I probably am having some health difficulties. I try to keep active and do a little writing each day, or fiddling around with my computer and learning this new word processing program I have.

Brenda and Chester are in Tennessee huh? Well, that clears up a lot of misunderstandings I had. I thought they were in Hinesville, at Fort Stewart! I suppose Fort Campbell, Tennessee was too much out of the way for your folks to go when they came down to Hinesville last month, huh? Speaking of which...

In your last letter, your hasty post script mentioned that your folks were considering moving back to Georgia. Whatever happened to that idea, and how come you didn't elaborate upon that (much less mention it) in this letter?

I thought the store was owned by your family and that your parents were able to set their own work hours. I don't know what gave me that idea. Now the picture I get is that your parents are running the store for another man. That sounds like your parents have bought into a franchise but must run the store according to the owner. The owner must be from the middle ages or a very cheap person. Hasn't he heard of alarm systems to prevent break-ins? Having you there at those ungodly hours just to prevent break-ins, is archaic! Let me ask you this, are the owners paying extra for having someone on the premises 24 hours a day? If they’re not, your folks ought to raise a stink with them.

Does your Commodore 64 use the MS-DOS system? If so, I have a word processing program I can send you to use with it. It would enable you to write letters and store them on disks for later retrieval in case you want to re-read or edit them. This is the system I use. Of course, you would need a printer also, to have a page copy for mailing. Even without the printer though, you would find it easier to compose a letter on the screen and edit it as you go along. You could then copy the letter off the screen to paper for mailing. Later, when you are able to afford a printer, you would see how easy it makes the task of writing a letter. The nice thing about it is that it would also come in handy for school work.

Dumb me! I just thought of something which might be a hindrance to such an idea as expressed above. I don't even know if you know how to type! Of course, the school probably has a typing program you could take, but then again, maybe not. I think it did when I went through there in '56 and '57.

I went to Lanier H.S. with a Raymond ________ way back when! Could your friend Laura be related to that person? Why don't you ask her? Do keep in contact with her, and who knows, Pascoag isn't so very far away that you cannot visit her someday, especially when you are able to get "wheels" of your own.

Here is another picture of me which is similar to the one I sent you earlier. I took it out of my album. I don't have another recent picture, so don't lose this one. The hair on the top of my head is very sparse except for in front. In this picture, I combed the hair up on the sides and forward on top. This was to hide the bald spot on the top of my head. Since this picture was taken, I've decided to drop the pretense of having hair up there. I've shaved all hair from the top of my head and left only a strip of hair around the sides and back. I haven't the gumption to have a picture taken looking like this as of yet. Give me some time to adjust to the idea, and I might send you one of me looking like that later. Meanwhile, I'll be looking forward to getting a snapshot of you also.

From your description of your room, it sounds like you have accumulated the usual paraphernalia that girls your age decorate their rooms. I'm sure it must look lovely, and by now, have your personality stamped all over it. My daughter too, has lots of stuffed animals ranging from a three foot high "Snoopy" dog I gave her at four years of age, to a whole bunch of different teddy bears that her last two boyfriends gave her. Her favorite was a small, ten inch high, stuffed "Garfield." Unfortunately, her current beau also gave her a live pedigree cocker spaniel, and she too, took a liking to it. The poor thing had turned into a rag doll, tattered and torn so much that I had to throw it out a couple of months ago.

When I mentioned outlines, I was not thinking of personal writing. Heaven forbid that I should have to compose an outline before writing to a friend! As you should be able to tell by my meandering all over the place, I definitely do not use an outline to write personal letters. I was speaking of formal writing, as for a novel or thesis. You did say that you wanted to write a book also, didn't you?

It is natural to feel strange when you meet someone for the first time (an outsider). You will, hopefully, grow out of that as you get older and learn to interact with others more. If you ever get the chance, take a course on public speaking, it will do wonders for your confidence. Do you remember the Reader's Digest article I sent you last June? It was about how strangers can enrich your life. If you still have it, read it again and take it to heart. As a matter of fact, I think I have an extra copy I'll send you.

Parents are very difficult to understand. You have an especially difficult obstacle to overcome because your mother is Vietnamese and raised in that culture, whereas you were/are brought up in an American culture. The two cultures have differing ideas about how children should be raised. Unfortunately, you are stuck in the middle. It will not be easy for you to adjust to that kind of a situation. Believe me I feel for what you are going through! I have a lot of empathy for you because my daughter too, has had to go through much the same situation with us. It wasn't until 1986, when we all reached a family crisis and sought help through psychiatric family counseling, that I began to have a better insight into what my daughter was going through.

We still have differing opinions from time to time but I have learned to try to see things her way. I don't always agree with her, and I let her know that and what I expect of her. I also try to act as a mediator between her and her mother when they have an argument. We are talking more and making compromises when the situation calls for it. My daughter doesn't always get her way, but if she doesn't, at least I try to explain why. I try to let her know that we love her and only do what we think is best for her. As I said in an earlier letter, we sometimes err by being overprotective. When we do, my daughter usually lets us know about it.

I can explain my family situation to you and how we try to handle things. That doesn't mean that the same methods would work in your case. Every situation is going to be different and will require a different method of solving problems. I sincerely hope you and your parents can reach some sort of accord before the situation gets worse.

Keep me posted and if ever I can be of any help, even if you just want to vent your anger in writing, don't hesitate to write me. Try to keep your chin up and maintain your pride. You are a precious person in your own right and should be proud of your accomplishments. Self esteem has a lot to do with maintaining stability in your life.

Mija, my wife, just brought in the mail. I guess you know what that means! This letter won't go out until tomorrow. Sorry about that, I tried to finish in time but I got a little verbose there didn't I? Oh well, what else is new? I usually run off at the mouth anyway, don't I?

Perk up! Try to find something funny to think about today. If that don't work, think about starting back to school next month. That is usually enough to get the adrenaline flowing. Have you any idea what subjects you are going to take? Will you be relieved of the responsibility of staying in the store overnight?

To bring you up to date on "My Life in Your Hands," the edited and re-written version has been in the hands of the new publisher (Little, Brown & Co. of Boston, Ma.) for almost four weeks. I'm almost sure he has taken the bait and is going to publish it this year. I should get the contract soon. Kathy is taking some pictures of certain areas in Lanier. She should be sending them to me soon and I will have some of them published with my book. I'll send them back with the contract with instructions of where to place them in the book.

That's about all the news I have for now Tranh. Be nice and answer me soon. You can "sound off" to me if you want. As you can see by the picture, I have broad shoulders you can cry on, and I try to lend an interesting ear you can talk to. Until then,

Love and happiness to you,

John






28 August 1989

Dear Tranh,

I received your letter mailed 24 August, and am happy to see that you are feeling more optimistic about what the future has in store for you.

Yes, I'm inclined to believe that when school starts again, you will indeed have more fun. You will be able to see your friends every day and participate in a lot of the school activities. That should make up for your summer being so mundane.

I have a cartoon or two which I thought you might enjoy. The "For Better or For Worse" cartoon depicts boys talking about their summer vacations, but it could just as easily apply to girls also. I think it probably describes your feelings about going back to school, doesn't it? The other cartoon is "Peanuts" by Schultz, and really has no relevancy except I know Schultz is one of your favorite cartoonists and I also got a kick out of this one.

The "HomeWord" word processing program I was going to send you will not work with a Commodore computer. I checked it out at this end. That is a shame because I know you would have enjoyed typing and editing your letters on the screen, it's so much easier! Keep it in mind, and someday, perhaps you will come across a program that will work with the Commodore. Then, if you can get a printer, you'll be all set and writing will become a snap.

I am using that program to write this letter. I've been experiencing some difficulty with the WordPerfect program I have and will have to get back to the manufacturer by phone, and see if they can help me iron out the problem. Enough about computers, on with other events!

I'm happy you enjoy my letters, because I too, look forward to getting your letters. I know I have a tendency to dispense a lot of advice in my letters, and sometimes you may not like that, but it's just the "father" coming out in me. You don't have to take the advice I offer anyway.

Georgia will be lucky to get a new daughter like you. I predict great things from you, and any place where you reside, will be the better for that. Until you do move down here though, be sure to keep your grades up in school at Lanier.

I agree with you that the owner of that store is a cheapskate! The wages you quoted me for your father and mother are weekly wages I suppose, and if that is the case, it only comes to $140 a week or $560 a month. With today's economy being what it is, I don't see how your parents are able to support their family! You must have some older siblings helping your folks by giving them part of their wages. It's either that, the rent is free, or your parents are miracle workers. Most decent housing today, for a three bedroom house, would cost somewhere between three-fifty and six-hundred, depending on how opulent one wished to live.

The hours your parents are forced to keep in the store are excessive, especially if you count the night hours someone must be there because the guy is too cheap to put in an alarm system. I'm sure this guy is breaking the law because he's not even paying minimum wage, which is $4.35/hr. I'll bet he pays in cash also doesn't he? Your parents are probably not complaining because they don't want to lose their job. If they were to file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Office (EEO), and most cities have one, they might lose the job, but the EEO lawyers might be able to sue the owner for back wages to compensate your parents. I would bet my bottom dollar that this guy is also not paying the taxes he should pay. The IRS would love to hear about him too, I'll bet!

I don't know if it would be wise for you to discuss the above with your parents. They might forbid you to write to me. I know I shouldn't make waves, but it burns me up to hear of someone taking advantage of people, like this guy is obviously doing. If your parents save and put enough money aside for the move to Georgia that might be an opportune time to go to the EEO or IRS with this guys shenanigans. At least then, if they lost the job, it won't mean anything because they would have been going to quit to make the move to Georgia anyway.

I will be looking forward to getting a picture of you also. You told me earlier that you were going to send one, but never did. I'm glad you liked my picture and that I wasn't a disappointment for you. Rotund fellow, aren't I? I've found that most compliments directed towards me, are addressed to the comeliness of my cane. Some even say that it has more character than I. There are times when I'm inclined to agree with them.

As regards my book, I'm afraid I've had another setback. I got a rejection slip from Little, Brown & Co. last Friday. Not to worry though, I have it from the best of sources that some rejections are normal for burgeoning new writers. Besides, the battle to overcome adversity (rejection) is supposed to strengthen one's character. With that in mind, I repackaged the manual and sent it off to another publisher the same day. I shall continue to do that until it is accepted. I got a long list of royalty publishers that Vantage Press sent me. I have also decided to make another copy and start it on the rounds of some of the other publishers. Someone is bound to take a chance on a new writer sooner or later.

I hope you will be happy with your new puppy and that you soon housebreak her. That can be a chore sometimes, but if you're lucky and got a smart dog, she will learn fast. What have you decided to call her?

The fifteenth birthday will obviously be spent in Rhode Island. I hope you have a happy one. Perhaps the magical "SIXTEENTH" birthday will be celebrated in Georgia.

Architectural design is a laudable degree to strive for. It requires a lot of higher math, something I am not good at, so be sure to gear your educational goals so they include not only algebra, but trigonometry and calculus. I wish you luck with your endeavors. Don't be too surprised if you should happen to change your mind again and yet again, in later years. That is expected, though not always the case. New opportunities will be revealed to you as you progress along the path of education. You might find that your interests change as you become aware of them. Keep your options open!

My next door neighbor's daughter (my daughter's best friend) graduated this year and will start college somewhere in Florida, near NASA, this Fall. Her goal is to become a flyer and then an astronaut. She has the math skills to do that, and, I believe, the perseverance.

Well, I've bent your ear long enough, and I want to get this letter in the mail before the mailman passes, which will be in about 50 minutes. Write soon then,

Your friend,

John





Letter undated but postmarked 6 Sep '89

Dear John,

How are you and your family doing? How are you feeling? I hope you're doing great.

I love your comic strips. I have decided to hang them up on a board on my wall.

What type of computer do you have? There is a new mall called Emerald Square. It has three floors and has two computer stores. It is filled with programs. Do you like computer games or just organizing programs?

Your advice is very valuable to me. You can see me and/or my views.

We will be going to Georgia this October. My brother is graduating from basic or something like that. He helps my parents out by sending money.

The hours I work wouldn't be so bad if we could go home after we are done. When we get up the next day is already gone, or almost.

Last time my parents said something about their job, they were fired. They worked at ___________. My father was assistant manager and my mother was in charge of the salad bar.

I hope you're not disappointed in my picture. I'm not the type of oriental expected, I'm not pretty. My hair is the problem, it has a mind of its own. I have to have my hair cut.

These pictures are from the beginning of summer. I just had them developed. William, "Ocean Pacific," and Mike, are my buddies from Geometry Freshman year. For a quick while, I liked Mike, but I guess it was just an over-concern, trying to keep him from getting hurt. He liked my friend who didn't care. Her name was Francis.

Lady, my dog, is a smart dog. We have had her for about two weeks, and she is almost house/paper broken. She has reserve paper in the bathroom for needy times. She has accidents, but they are cutting down, I think. She has a schedule to go out at 6 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. for school schedule; 10 A.M., 2:30 P.M., 6 and 8:30 P.M. and 4 A.M.

My birthday, I am supposed to have a slumber party. I know the three I will invite: Laura, my best friend; Troung, Crystal's and my good/best friend; and Rachel, the kink who loves to talk about sex and guys. We are all inexperienced, but we love to talk about it. I guess it is a hobby now. People, I guess, have learned to expect that about us.

What math levels (in order, if you know) comes after Algebra II?

I am in the process of finishing a papier-mâché paste clown for Laura's birthday. I have to redo a lot now that it has dried. I painted the visible spots with paint before the paste dried, so air bubbles rose so I must repaint. I am knitting (crocheting) an outfit in her favorite color to fit it and stuff with stuff for a real appearance, feel, look. Her birthday is September 27th.

Also, I'm trying to make my sister her baby outfit. She's expecting it, the baby, in the end of this year and or the beginning of next year.

It's late so I'll continue tomorrow. Good night for now.

Hi, I'm back. Now that I'm rested, I can tell I have bent your ear long enough.

I'll make a note of anything new that comes up. Write back soon. Stay in good health.

Love,

Tranh

P.S. I expect to hear from you a lot during school. I'll need some of that good advice.




8 September, 1989

Dear Tranh,

Got your letter which was undated, but that's okay because I filed it under the postmark if 6 September, 1989. An interesting letter, that. Your picture too, surpasses all expectations. I don't know why you say you aren't pretty, but I think all girls your age go through that phase where they are not satisfied with their looks. I know my daughter did. The picture belies the fact anyway. Do you think those two hunks would let you hang on them if they thought you were ugly? Thanks for the picture.

Speaking of which, "Ocean Pacific" (William) looks like a football player, and I notice the poster in the background has a lot of pictures of football players on it. I assume he is in one of those pictures also. With my trusty magnifying glass, I also notice some literature signed by the mayor, Carlos Rohas, an old schoolmate of mine. The other guy you name as Mike (would that be _____________ by any chance?). He is the handsomer of the two in my estimation. His brain may be fuddled though, because I see he walks around with a "walkman" on his belt. That's what you call a real hang-up, when you have to have music booming in your ears all the time.

Yes, I know Francis also, but only through the one letter she wrote me. As a matter of fact, most of the names you mentioned, are familiar, either because they wrote to me once, or (as is the case with Troung) someone else has mentioned their
name to me. Crystal still writes regularly and she is the one who asked me about some information on how to look up Troung's biological father, who was once in the Army in Vietnam.

So you're planning a big overnight bash for your birthday, at your place, huh? That sounds like fun, and I know you girls won't get much sleep, because if you're like my daughter, when she had pajama parties, the girls usually stayed up most of the night, and slept in the next day. Since 2 October is a Monday, and staying up all night on a week night can make it rough going to school the next day, I would assume that this thing will be planned either for a Saturday night (30 Sept), or for Friday, the 6th of October. Am I correct?

I know you girls will have fun anyway, that's as it should be. The Laura you mentioned isn't __________ by any chance is she? Rachel once wrote to me also, but I haven't heard anything further from either girl, so they must have been bored by my letters.

It's quite natural for you girls to talk about boys and sex when you're together, what do you think boys talk about? I hope, though, that most teens of today are as inexperienced as you say you are. There is so much more that should be brought to a relationship before sexual activity takes place. In most cases, girls and boys your age are ill equipped emotionally to handle that kind of a commitment to another human being. That's not to say there aren't exceptions, but they're rare. Besides, with all the venereal diseases, to include AIDS, which are prevalent today in our society, it would make sense to not bow to peer pressure by experimenting. I'm sure you have enough sense to wait until your more mature both emotionally and physically. You're too young and you have too much going for you, to tie yourself down to a husband/lover and/or babies. Those are things to think about before going whole hog, aren't they?

Gee whiz, you covered a lot of ground in those three pages of your letter. It must be those short paragraphs! I'll try to hit upon every subject you mentioned.

I'm glad you liked the cartoons I sent you. I come across them from time to time, and when I think one is appropriate, I clip it out and send it to one of you girls. I have one now, and I wanted to send it to Crystal, but she has a serious streak to her nature, and might take offense at this one. I don't think you would do that, at least I hope not. Please take this with the spirit with which it is tendered. I enjoyed it, I hope you do to.

I have a computer that most hackers would consider obsolete now. It is an IBM PCjr, and IBM stopped making them in 1985, the year I bought it. The salesman didn't tell me IBM would no longer make the computer. It's a good thing that I found a company which makes compatible hardware which I can adapt to my set. As a matter of fact, I have an additional 3.5 inch disk drive I've added and a 12Mhz external modem for hacking (linking with other computers or bulletin boards through the telephone), a color monitor, a Star NX-1000 printer, two joysticks for games,
and I've expanded my memory unit to in excess of 640 kilobytes. After hearing all that, I'll bet you're sorry you asked, huh?

Yes, I do have some games, as a matter of fact, one of the games I have is called "Gold Rush," and it's put out by Sierra. The graphics on it are fabulous. It even has some 3D features. That game is actually four games, because it offers you four ways to travel out west to find gold. I also have King's Quest, Mouser, Mineshaft, Crossfire, Touchdown Football, and a host of other games. At first, when I started with the computer, the games were fun and they taught me a lot about how a computer works. But I'm not really into the games anymore. I was into "hacking" quite heavily for a while. I had even joined (for a fee) about five different bulletin boards, and made contact with them on a daily basis. That can get to be habit forming though, and you miss it if you have to be away from it for awhile. It's almost like going through withdrawal. Ask any hacker, he'll know what I mean.

The versatility of a computer is phenomenal. Never get a word processor if you can get a computer. The computer can be a word processor and so much more. I truly believe that anyone who is not computer literate by 2000, will be missing out on all the advantages it gives him/her. If you are ever in the market for a computer (I believe you said you have a Commodore 64, which has limitations), try to get one that is compatible with the industry standard, IBM. There are a lot of companies making computers nowadays that are compatible and cheap and getting cheaper. If you get the chance to work with them in school, snap it up!

I'm happy too, that my advice comes in handy for you from time to time. I'm not a sage, and I've made my share of mistakes, but I hope I've learned from them. I just try to pass on what I've learned or observed. If, from time to time, you feel
that the advice I give isn't right, there is nothing that obligates you to follow it. Just trying to be helpful, that's me.

You once told me that your brother was at Fort Benning, Georgia, taking basic. That's airborne basic, so I know he's had it rough lately. He'll be very happy to get that behind him. He sounds like a great brother, to be sending money home to your folks like that. Your folks must have brought him up right. I too, used to send an allotment home to my mother. As a matter of fact, I did that from 1960 through 1963 and 1965 through 1971. I stopped the allotment when I decided to marry my wife of today.

I know the graduation ceremony will be very impressive. I hope you all enjoy it. I would assume that your brother will be taking leave immediately thereafter, prior to going to his next assignment. Will he be traveling back to Rhode Island with you and the family?

I'm glad that you didn't say anything to your parents about what I think of the owner of that store! I'd hate to think it was I who was responsible for them losing another job, were they to follow up on my suggestions as to what I would do.

I have the same problem with my face as you do with your hair. If I wash it in the morning, I can't do anything with it all day (That's supposed to be a funny, so how come you're not laughing?). You look just right to me, don't change.

After Algebra II, comes the dreaded trigonometry (that's the one that shot me down), then pre-calculus and calculus. Just take it one step at a time, pay attention, and ask questions. You seem like a bright girl to me, and shouldn't have any problems absorbing that math, especially if you did good in Algebra II.

The word you were looking for is crochet, but I knew what you meant anyway. I hope Laura likes the present you are making for her. You're a very thoughtful person. It's not everyone who would take the time to make a birthday present for somebody. Most people would just go out and buy a present. A homemade gift says "I care." I'm sure she will be appreciative of your efforts.

Brenda isn't wasting any time is she! My goodness, it was just a few months ago that she had the first baby. You mean she is expecting again? I guess Chester isn't spending enough time in the field, huh?

You can depend on me being here to answer your letters as long as you keep writing Tranh. That is, of course, with the good lord's consent. I feel he has put me on this old orb we inhabit, for a reason though, and I haven't fulfilled that task yet. I'm still working on it, and who knows, part of that task may be in the writing of these letters. He does His work in mysterious ways!

I'm in the process of making some chili for supper this evening. Do they still say supper in New England? Here in Georgia, it's breakfast, lunch and dinner. When I lived up North, we said breakfast, dinner and supper. Anyway, as I was saying, I'm making chili and the wife finally saw my secret ingredient. In case you didn't know, all chili cooks have a secret ingredient they put in their chili and most guard that secret religiously. Like I said, my wife peeked. I use instant, decaffeinated coffee, and now that my wife knows, she is threatening to not eat my chili any longer. Pooh-pooh, little does she know, that doesn't break my heart. That's just more for me.

That's about all the gab for now Tranh. You have fun in school and learn a lot also. I'll be waiting for your letter.

With love,

John



27 September, 1989

Dear Tranh,

I've been saving this birthday card for you, in hopes that I could send it along with an answer to a letter I've been expecting from you. Since no letter is forthcoming, and since if I wait any longer, you will not get the card on time, I've decided to send it now. I hope your "fifteenth" turns out to be a happy day of remembrances for you, and that you have many more happy birthdays ahead of you.

I'm also enclosing several cartoons, which I think you will find appropriate to the occasions now taking place in your life, and a few articles from the Reader's Digest magazine. These articles should supply food for thought and perhaps a little levity also. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

Hugo (the hurricane) has come and gone, and left a lot of devastation in its wake. Fortunately for us, it veered to the North when it did, because it was headed directly for Savannah, and probably would have followed it up the river to Augusta. All we got was a lot of rain and minor wind damage. I feel sorry for those unfortunate enough to have been in its path. Some of those families will never be able to recover.

The weather has turned chilly in Hugo's wake, and I'm seriously considering dragging out my long pants and putting my shorts away for the next six months. Just about that time though, it would get hot again. This is the season which is so
unpredictable in Georgia. I'm very susceptible to colds when the weather fluctuates like this, and I have a hard time kicking the cold.

All our chestnuts have fallen, and Mija has been making daily pilgrimages out the house and under the trees to gather the nuts. She also has to check the easement ditch on the other side of our fence. A lot of the nuts were washed away after having fallen into the ditch during the storm. What was left enabled her to sell some (that's her mad money), and we have been busy these last two days making sampyong (the phonetic pronunciation of the Korean word), which is chestnuts wrapped in sweet rice flour, and steam cooked. A variation is to use bean powder on the inside instead of chestnut. Both make tasty snacks, but are a bit sticky.

This is a short note, because I've got a lot to stuff into the envelope. Write soon, I'm waiting to hear from you.

Your friend,

John




16 October, 1989

Dear John,

Sorry this has taken so long. I had thought that I had already sent one before.

My fifteenth birthday was a super smash. Two days after you wrote this letter, I had a birthday party, the 29th of September. After school, some friends came over. Rachel, Troung, Laura, Ellen, and Crystal, the one you know. We had pizza, soda and then cake. We listened to old songs; We Are The World, All at Once, Greatest Love of All, Break dance, and more. We sang along, swayed to it; dancing to it, having fun.

For the first time ever, I wore a skirt to a public affair and shocked everyone. The public affair was a school dance. My escort was Michael, I think he wrote you before, I don't know. I really like him, so it was fun, but the dance started half an hour later. So we walked up and down the street hand in hand talking and watching the stars. When we went in, we danced a couple of fast ones and a slow one, but he didn't say much inside. I call it heaven on Earth!

Now everyone's telling me about schoolwork and housework, no life, no guys. I know what obligations I have. They should know me by now. Please don't tell me the same thing they do.

Thanks for the cartoons. I have to put them up on a cabinet now. The board I had them on is too full. I decided to start you on a collection. They are a few things that caught my eyes. I hope you enjoy them too. Did you notice an article of "Let go and Live" that the secondary character, John, who died, is also named as you are, "John?"

The damage from Hugo has been repaired by now, yes? I wonder how Hinesville looked. It was sixty miles before Savannah toward the coast. The weather up here is switching back and forth, cold and hot.

We're going down to Georgia about the twenty-fifth to the thirtieth of October. We're seeing my brother graduate then visiting my sister in Tennessee. I wish I could go see Hinesville or even better, see you. Oh, how did you like the pictures. That's right, I sent you a picture of William ,Mike, and me. They're my friends.

I got a Nintendo for my birthday, more stuffed animals, a bear rug, and perfume. Also, a shirt from Troung and Crystal.

My friend Troung, came back to Lanier High. They had her going to Tolman. She hated that school!

I'm thinking of joining softball this year. Do you have any tips? I sure could use some! I'm taking drafting to help me with my architect stuff. I now have collections of art and a few neat buildings.

Is it wrong in this situation: I have always been a good girl! Listen to my parents, "think about school and housework." Now I'm getting near someone and everyone says it's wrong. My brother suggested to lift weights, ha, ha, ha. Ma calls it attitude and Ralph, my brother, calls and lectures me the whole time about it. Isn't it natural for a girl to be interested in any age? Parents put an age, sixteen, and keep moving it up every year. I really need some advice John!!! I really like Michael and I don't want my parents to ruin it as usual! Talking to one sided people doesn't help. I can understand I'm their baby, but this is inhumanly unusual!

I know what I can do. Here's a poem that Michael inspired me to write. Of course it is about him. I hope it gives you a picture of him.
HIM
Upon any spare moment, I think of him.
He has the black locks of a god, so long and soft;
The eyes so greenish blue, they cannot be compared,
Wisdom unmatched by any god, and voice so soft, it is
only imaginable.
When he walks or talks, his motions are like a hypnotic melody. Each move he makes, the mighty muscles upon his body flex. They're so defined, and beautiful, no one can resist.
Every moment I see him, I flow into his hypnotic melody, but I disguise every moment in fear. Every word he says, is like crystal; if at a wrong tone, it
can shatter my heart, but if held right, they are so beautiful.

I've gotta go. Sorry it's so short. I hope it gives you lots to talk of.

Love,

P.S. Read and enjoy. Tranh
I hope you like the poem.







18 October, 1989

Dear Tranh,

Just got a letter from you yesterday (again undated), and I think the postmark is 16 October. I am filing it under that date anyway. That letter indicates to me that perhaps you are not getting all my letters. This is the second one now, which has been misplaced. There is no real harm done, because as you can see, I'm sending you a copy of my answer to your 6 September letter. You can see I did receive the picture you sent me (note my comments). Maybe your parents are intercepting my letters to you, and don't want you reading my letters. I don't want to go against their wishes, so although you and I may perceive our correspondence to be harmless, and perhaps even beneficial, if they feel otherwise, let me know.

I'm glad your birthday party was such fun, and hope you have many more like it. The only one you mention at that party that I haven't heard of before is Ellen. Neither she nor Troung have written to me yet. Troung knows of me though, through my correspondence with Crystal. I guess she's bashful, and doesn't want to write herself.

You are of an age now, that boys are becoming very important in your life. It is inevitable, and desirable that you learn to interact with boys, both in social situations, and in private. That doesn't mean that you should be promiscuous with your favors, but that you learn to interact with boys in such a way that you will be able to judge their character and trustworthiness. You can only learn this through association. If your parents taught you right in your upbringing (and I think they have, judging by our correspondence to date), your morals should be impeccable. The thing you have to be careful about is your emotions! They sometimes betray us!

The school dance you went to with Michael, and the interlude preceding the start of that dance, sounds very romantic. The evening stars must have seemed magical in the heavens. I'm happy for you and happy that you have had these feelings. I'm not so old that I cannot remember what those stirrings of love felt like so many years ago. Remember this though, he is but one boy, and very probably the first of many whom you will "fall in love" with. Try not to put him on too high a pedestal. He is human like the rest of us, and that being true, I'm sure he has his faults also. Your parents might object less if they get to know him. Perhaps you should talk him into coming to supper with you and your family some night, or at least meeting your parents.

Yes, I remember Michael, or at least I should say my answer to him, in reply to his letter. I put that on computer disk, and it's included in my book. Unfortunately, his original letter was not put on disk, so I would have to burrow through stacks of letters on my closet shelf to find it. My answer to him, I'm afraid, gave him the short shift. Most of what he had asked me or told me had already been answered in other letters, so I digressed from my story line somewhat during the answer to him. He must have found it quite boring, and that is probably why he didn't answer me. Anyway, I know he lives on _____Street, and the way he described it, was that it is "beautiful in the morning and filled with excitement in the evening." That had a poetic ring to it and was worthy of note for inclusion in my book.

Speaking of poetry, I once told you, I think, that I'm not an expert on judging that form of expression. I've dabbled at it from time to time, but find prose more adaptable to my form of expression. I think poetry is most expressive to the author and can only be interpreted to mean what he/she is trying to say in his/her own mind. Everyone else will put a different interpretation on it. Such is the case with your poem, "HIM." For what it's worth (and I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship), I think you have given "HIM" too great an aura of divinity. There, I've said the dastardly deed!!! Are we still friends???

I enjoyed your cartoons also Tranh, you have obviously keyed in to the fact that I'm fat and balding, and those cartoons are very apropos. They are also new to me. Our paper does not run "Robotman" or "Shoe." "Fox Trot" is only run on Saturdays, I think. I hadn't thought of having a board made up for them. Most of what I cut out, I send to others, so that they may share in the humor also. I will keep yours though, to remind me of you. You seem to be thinking along a parallel track to me. At least you enjoy the same type of humor.

Rest assured that Hinesville and Augusta have been left relatively unscathed by Hugo's passage. The most damage that we've received has come from the remnants of the storm and also tropical storm Jerry. The rains this year have been so heavy and
numerous, that the ground is saturated, Our upstream reservoir (Clark's Hill Lake, fed from the Savannah River), which had been seventeen feet low because of the drought of the last three years, is now almost two feet over the high water mark of 330 feet. Most plants, foliage, and lawns have been diseased by mold and a proliferation of insects. Hopefully, things will return to normal in 1990.

As regards your joining the softball team, go to it girl! If that's what you want to do, it will be rewarding to you. Team sports will always be needed, if for no other reason than to show members what can be accomplished by working together as a team. Not everyone was meant to be a loner when climbing that ladder of success. Some of us have to work together.

I think I've pretty much answered most of your questions, but if not, don't hesitate to set me right the next time you write to me. If you think it would be of any help to you by letting your parents see what we talk about (read my letters), feel free to let them do so. I don't think I've given you any bad advice, but if I have, if they let me know what they don't like, I'd be happy to defer to their judgment.

I've been advised by my doctor to undergo another catherization procedure, since it has been almost ten years since my last one. I've been experiencing some unusual chest pains of late. I will go into the hospital on 30 October and the catherization will be done the next day (Halloween day, isn’t that a gas? I told the doctor that if he entered the surgery with a Halloween Mask on, instead of a surgical mask, I would get up off the table and walk out). This procedure involves inserting a flexible, hollow tube into the femoral artery (groin area), and threading it up into my chest and heart. Once in, irradiated dye is injected into the blood, so that an x-ray film can be made of the movement of blood through the arteries and veins of the heart muscle. The dye gives you hot flashes throughout the body. It's a little painful and a bit time consuming, but necessary to finding out what is going on inside my heart. The worst thing about it is that pressure must be maintained for at least five minutes on the incision after the catheter is withdrawn. This is to keep you from bleeding to death. I have had this done twice before. The first time, the nurse applied the pressure with her elbow! That was uncomfortable, to say the least.

Following that little operation, the doctor will tell me what choices I have. He's already mentioned angioplasty or possibly another heart bypass. Keep your fingers crossed for me (you could say a little prayer too, if you have the inclination). I now have my finger in too many pots to be checking out of the picture. I want to see some of these things come to fruition.

Last week, I sent out a second copy of my book to another publisher. Monday past, I wrote to the last publisher and told him if he isn't going to publish it, to send it back and I'll try somebody else. I want to keep two copies in circulation until I find someone who will print it.

My daughter Jean has started a modeling career and is working full time as a receptionist at a tennis center. She's been in two shows already and I have a video tape of one show. She will go to Atlanta the 22nd of October, to have some pictures taken for a portfolio. I've enclosed a picture of her for you.

This has been another momentous week for us hasn't it? Last night's earthquake in Santa Cruz, California caught a lot of people by surprise. I don't know why because scientists have been saying it was going to happen for at least the last seven years. The shuttle to launch the Galileo Space Probe, was supposed to take off yesterday also after a five day delay. That too, was postponed and it looks like it will be postponed again today.

My dog has fleas, my cats have fleas, and the side door, which we usually use, has jammed shut; I haven't seen the sun in two days, and I'm getting depressed. Think I'll quit now while I'm ahead!

Write soon Tranh, I love to hear from you.

Your friend always,

John



23 November, 1989

Dear Tranh,

It's been a while since I've heard from you, so I thought I'd bring you up to date on a few things and see if I couldn't coax you to reply to this letter.

By now, you must have been to Georgia to see your brother graduate from airborne basic at Fort Benning. How did that trip come out? Did he return home with you all before going to his next assignment? Did you get a chance to visit your sister, Brenda? She must be near to term now huh?

As I mentioned in my last letter, I did have the catherization on Halloween. After that, it was decided that I would need another bypass operation. I was transferred to the Veterans Administration hospital and on the 9th of November, a triple bypass operation was performed on my heart. I was released on 16 November, and allowed to recuperate at home. Yesterday, I finally had the last of the stitches removed (they use staples now, and not catgut). I am still weak, but no longer have the chest pains (angina) I was having. It will take a while to build up my strength again, but I should be better than before, in about six or eight weeks. At any rate, I am still going to be around to pound out letters on this keyboard, for any who are still interested in writing me.

While in hospital, a friend brought me a “Mad” magazine. I haven't read one of those in about twenty-seven years. It has some good jokes in it though. I'll enclose a sample for you.

Well, today is Thanksgiving, and I suppose I have more to be thankful for today than most people. At least I'm here to celebrate the day with my family. The bird’s in the oven now, and we will eat in about two hours from now. I hope you and your family were able to enjoy a good Thanksgiving also.

I'll cut this letter short for now Tranh. Please do write back to me and let me know how you are making out. I miss hearing from you. Sometimes I think you are not getting all my answers, especially when a long time goes by without a reply from you. Until then, take care, and be happy!

Your friend,

John E. Hunt





November 29

Dear John,

How are you feeling? Better I hope. You have got to get your strength up. Mr. Powers asks if you're working.

We have been missing letters. The last letter that I sent to you in reply for your September 27 letter was with a few comic strips that I thought you would like.

Since you don't have my last letter, I'll answer it. I remember that I was surprised by the card and I adored it. Don't get mad, but I put it with a lot of other ones with the date and misplaced them.

My birthday was a smash. I had a party here. A couple of friends came over: Crystal, Troung, Ellen, Laura, Rachel, and my neighbor. We had pizza and cake while singing and swaying, of course, dancing to old songs. About seven we went to a dance at the school. I picked up my escort, Michael, who I really liked at the time. He got me up dancing, but I had to leave at nine o'clock. Laura was the only one who could spend the night. She was the one who moved to Pascoag last year.

By now, I hope Hugo's damage is cleared up, but the mention of Augusta brings an idea. Where in Augusta do you live? Name any major part/roads/places. On the way to see my brother's graduation from basic infantry training, we went through Augusta.

The graduation was terrible. The first day, before the graduation, which was the next day, they wouldn't leave Post, so it was very limited fun. I gave him his sweatshirt of '89. The graduation was bad. It was at an open field at nine in the morning, which was cold and very moist. To top that, I had on a thin lace dress with flat pointed shoes. Plus a helicopter was in a demonstration that circled two or three times. For about five days we spent with my brother, but my mother only allowed us to spend maybe an hour, which is an over estimated guess, with my sister.

I'm really sorry I haven't written sooner. I kept putting it off, but I knew something had happened.

We saw infantry graduation, but on the twenty-third of this month, when you wrote this, he graduated from airborne training. I don't know where he goes next, but next year he gets a pass to come home.

Brenda is due in January. When Chester and she get a new assignment, she's going to visit for awhile with us.

If you could, send me a copy of your last letter. This missing is getting to be a pain.

Happy belated Thanksgiving. Ours was the same boring usual one.

I just borrowed my bank saving money for Christmas presents, but I still have a lot of money still in there. I am finished here, but if I could, I would send something. I still might.

I'm making a few with my talents, a jewelry box that is coming out good and a couple of home made stuffed animals.

I'm really confused John. I used to think the world of Michael, but now I think he's special but (not?) the same way. There's this kid Armand who I'm attracted to physically and we can talk, but in a close personal manner. Now there's Mike who is so sensitive and kind who I can talk to personally, plus he's not bad looking. However, he likes my friend Francis. Here's the confusing part coming up.

When I liked Michael, so did Francis, but wouldn't risk our friendship. Then Michael told me we could and would always be friends. So I don't want to ruin our friendship over Francis and Mike, who Francis also likes. Since Francis knows Michael likes her, she doesn't want him. Since I can't figure anything out, I flirt with them all. It is like trying to choose the best one dollar bill when you're looking at three new one dollar bills.

You might get this a little later than usual because I'm making Christmas presents. I just bought yours. I had to you give me such good advice plus that subscription to Reader's Digest. Thank you very much, John.

So far, I've made a jewelry box and a stuffed animal all from scratch.

I better go before it’s too late.

Love,
P.S. I hope you like
your present. Tranh








18 December, 1989

Dear Tranh,

It made me very happy to hear from you again after such a long time. I too, suspect that we are missing some letters somewhere. The post office isn't infallible, so it's possible. With that in mind, I have included copies of all our correspondence since 8 September with this letter. I've even copied your letters to disk, and have sent you copies of them so that you can follow the thread of thought from letter to letter.

Thank you so much for the cute card (the expressed sentiments) and the nodding Brave player. Although I have long become disenchanted with the playing abilities of the Atlanta Braves, I did follow their progress quite closely back in 1982. Every time I look at the doll, I'll wiggle its head, and think of you, how's that?

You may tell Mr. Powers that I am self employed and work at home. My health has not been the best in the world since 1979. I was medically discharged from the Army in 1980, and have had two major heart operations. In truth, I've written two letters to Mr. Powers, and he has chosen not to answer either one of them. That being the case, I really don't care what you tell him about me. If he wants to know, he can write me himself.

In point of fact, I consider my life's work now to be writing, taking care of, and enjoying my family life. You may rest assured that I will take advantage of every bit of time allotted to me for the remainder of my life.

Tranh, I don't really know how well you know the city of Augusta, but I live in the suburbs of the city proper. It's just off of the old Route 1, which we call Dean's Bridge Road, and at the juncture of a road called Barton Chapel Road. If you have a city map (and I suspect you do), my house is located just off Barton Chapel Road at a place called McDuffy Woods subdivision.

It's too bad that you didn't enjoy your brother's graduation ceremony. It sounds like the weather was terrible and very uncooperative for the occasion. I know he will always remember it though, because you don't go through what he did without having very vivid memories of the graduation ceremony. Your brother must have gone directly from that graduation to his assignment. That sounds a bit unusual. I had thought he would have been able to take some leave and go home with you all prior to going to his next assignment. Surely he will get some leave soon and be able to spend some time with you all; perhaps during these upcoming holidays?

It is unfortunate that you weren't able to spend more time with Brenda and Chester. Perhaps your mother still feels uncomfortable in their presence because of the circumstances of Brenda's leaving the family in Rhode Island. It probably will take some time for those old wounds to heal. Sooner or later though, it will happen.

Since it is apparent you like Michael, Mike, and Armand more or less equally, it seems to me that you are handling the situation appropriately by flirting with them all. After all, you are at an age where that is expected of you. You don't have to get too serious yet with any of them. By behaving as you are doing (which is normal, by the way), you are keeping your options open. Francis is probably doing the same thing. Remember, all is fair in love and war. Try not to hurt your friends, although I must admit, Francis seems to be a bit fickle with her affections (judging from your accounts anyway).

How is your dog Lady doing these days? Surely you have her housebroken by now? My cocker spaniel, Lauren, is housebroken but occasionally still has accidents, especially when someone new comes to the house.

It is either the coming Christmas or New Years which is occupying everyone's mind, or there is a lot of apathy going around. I'm getting very little mail these days. I haven't even heard from the publishers yet, so expect it will be after the holidays before I hear anything about my book. I have two copies in circulation.

I just checked Crystal's disk to see when I last heard from her and it has been quite some time. I wrote last October, telling her I was going into hospital for the catherization, and had thought I wrote her after my return home in mid-November. Apparently I didn't write to her so she probably thinks I have kicked the bucket already. I'll have to write to her after this letter.

I've heard from a former classmate of yours who has since gone back to Portugal. Do you remember Susana? She had a very rough year trying to finish out her schooling because of the language problem. She'd forgotten quite a lot. It appears she will have to repeat the last year of school again, but she says that it has become easier because she has made some friends and is again picking up on the language. She did get to move back in with her father and his new family also.

I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year also. We will spend Christmas day with friends of long standing. Enjoy yourself, and write soon!

Always your friend,

John




27 December, 1989

Dear John,

How are doing? Great I hope. I see we have lost a few letters in between. I'll answer them first, okay?

Sep. 8: Those two hunks in that picture are my friends from Geometry last year. They're both football players this and last year. That other guy Mike wouldn't be (left off...jeh). He's the Michael of the three I'm flirting with; he's the nice one. Anyway, it was the last days of class and it's traditional to sneak radios in and jam! Everyone likes loud music.

My bash is/was on the Friday before my birthday. I didn't get much sleep. The only one to sleep over was Laura, then she didn't get much sleep; sometimes she'd lay awake and only a few hours of sleep. At two o'clock, I finally convinced her to go to sleep!

I guess boys talk about the same thing; girls, sex, but sports too.

John, by now you must know me pretty good. Sometimes you give my parents too much credit. My sister owns all the credit. Between her and school with friends, I learned about sex and "the birds and the bees." It's hard when you look back and instead of seeing a family, I see nothing. My mother and father are never there for me, my sister was. She's gone now as you know. Whatever is in the letters addressed to me is my business! To top it off, every problem I have is a joke.

When I'm fed up with their bossy stuff, it is my fault I have an attitude problem as I have my menstrual cycle. It surely isn't anybody else fault but mine.

I have a cabinet decorated with your comic strips for all to see. It is exciting to hear all the stuff you have for your computer. I only have games for the computer and a fast load cartridge. I have a lot of games too.

Ralph first went to infantry basic. He graduated and that is when we saw him; that graduation was a flop. He graduated in November for airborne training. Now he's on leave for Christmas. In January, he's going to Germany.

I'm in Algebra II now. I have trouble because I go too fast and I never double check unless I need to. I have a friend that sits in front of me. We work each problem out separately then compare answers and faults.

Brenda is having her first child the end of December or the beginning of January! Chester is in the field awhile too.

We use supper here.

Oct. 18: I still wish you the best of luck with your book.

Now I flirt with a couple of guys. We are quite perverted. We're not serious, but it's as a game. It makes the day go by faster. Right now I have no special guys, but I'm getting very lonely for some loving. I know better though.

I guess I put Michael too high on a pedestal that romantic night, and his actions misled me. I felt he liked me. The actions were walking in each others arms, talking! The next Monday, he told me he only looked at me as friends. I would never let any personal friend meet my parents unless it was truly serious.

Michael has a special aura. He's the smartest I know, and very romantic. He's a true gentleman too; not bad looking either. He lives on the corner of ______ and ________ , on the third floor with his sister and mother. He just turned fifteen in December. He wears contacts, greenish eyes with black, curly hair, fairly built with hairy legs, and he's on the wrestling team.

Thanks for the support on the softball team. Well, at least someone is. Pa is, but it's just talk with nothing behind it.

How did Jean's show go? And the picture shoot for her portfolio? Troung wants to be a model. I'm sorry I didn't get Jean's picture. I would like to see Jean and her shows. I bet she's wonderful.

Today is 27 December: ** If you remind me in the next letter, I'll send a tape of my voice and you of yours, Jean's, and Mija's voice. I might include some friends or my parents.**

Thank you for sending the copies. I missed out on a lot of stuff.

I'm glad you'll always be thinking of me. I do of you. Your picture is above my nightstand, and your cut outs are on my cabinet beside it. I have an old map of the United States with Augusta highlighted. It was copy written in 1982, but I found where it is. It isn't far from interstate 20. That's the highway we crossed Georgia on. Now I know where you live!

Again, my brother has come home from the twentieth to the seventh of January. Brenda left home when we were in Georgia. They, my mother and sister, are talking now. It's strange, but I can't ever talk to my brother or sister anymore.

I have decided to try to stop my flirting and perverseness and try to get to know Michael. I feel if I had a dream about Michael other than the rest, it must be a signal, unconsciously thinking of him.

Lady is hell on four legs. She's as quick as a greyhound, at least to me. She's nibbling at the tile now. She's newspaper trained, but if the paper room, bathroom is closed or if the paper is wet, she'll go in front of the door. Once in a while, she'll give me a run for my money down the street. She either goes three to four houses down or three houses up. I get to chase her anyway; any advice?

How's Susana doing?

I might start writing again. I finished a notebook on poems. Hey, one day I'll get them published.

How did your Christmas go? I got mostly sweaters.

Have you ever watched "The Sound of Music" or how about "Yenta?" They both are sort of musical shows. I never realized what affect classical musical shows have on me. I left the set filled with joy, love, and a desire for a guy. So sue me?

Oh, one day a group of students went on a tour of New England Institute of Technology. I'm really interested in that college. This isn't the point. It is that you wouldn't believe we were kids of fifteen and up. Ellen and I and an unknown to you, Vivian, were as if we were five. Ellen and I got kid's meals with real fries at Burger King. We all got BK Crowns.

Vivian is a junior. We (I) shared French I with her last year. Now I share French and drafting with her. Vivian has brown hair, brown eyes, about my height, and very feminine, unlike me.

Since you like hand made presents, you'll love the ones I gave for Christmas. I made a wooden jewelry box, stuffed dog, and a fat round man with a hat. They were all hand-made crochet.

I have got to go. I have prolonged the letter for two days. It is getting too thick now.

Have a good day, hopefully with sunshine.

Love, Tranh




06 January, 1990

Hi Tranh,

I got your letter of 27 December, and quite a newsy letter it was too. I especially liked the cartoons, notably Garfield. In this age of electronic wizardry, Jon's talking to an answering machine was somewhat apropos. We only get Calvin 'n Hobbes in the Saturday paper here, but that too, is quite witty. Makes you want to wish you had a little brother, doesn't it?

It is interesting that you should happen to mention Jean's picture portfolio in your letter. That picture session came out okay but they took all the pictures with Jean's hair wet, so they all came out with the "wet head" look. Some agencies like to see pictures like that, but on a subsequent trip to Atlanta last month, the agency said that they wanted to see more of an "American girl next door" kind of look. Consequently, I just got back this morning (5:30 A.M.) from taking Jean to her friend's house (another model). Her mom's going to take them up to Atlanta for another film session this morning. All this to the tune of $660.00 thus far, for pictures alone, never mind the cost of the modeling studio to teach her the fundamentals. No money has come back in return, but if it will help her land some modeling jobs, it will be worth it. We'll just have to wait and see.

The reason Jean didn't drive up to Atlanta herself, is that her car broke down this Wednesday past. She had gone to Atlanta again for another interview, and when she was returning to Augusta, the car developed a rattle. I had it towed to a shop Thursday, and that evening, they gave me the bad news. Her car is in my name. It's a Mazda RX-7, circa 1979, and in addition to paying an exorbitant price for it in 1987 (it's a status symbol, don't you know, and Jean just had to have it), I've sunk well over two thousand dollars into various repairs. Anyway, it has a rotary motor, and it seems that the rotor is now bad, and the car will need a new engine. That will cost $850 for a rebuilt engine, plus an additional three to five hundred to install it. I've decided to sell it for what I can get (hopefully at least $700), and give the money to Jean to re-invest in another car. She will have to make car payments herself on this next one. I paid for the Mazda myself in 1987, but I told her when it came time to get another one, she would have to pay for it. Her tastes are too expensive for me, and I don't think she realizes yet, how good she had it before by not having to make car payments. She'll learn shortly though.

Who are you trying to kid Tranh? Flirting should come naturally to a girl, and it's expected; boys like it. Just don't get confused between flirting and teasing. There is a difference, and if you don't recognize what that is, it could get you into trouble. Just remember, you can be coquettish with the boys, but let them know where you draw the line. They'll respect you for being honest. Above all, don't do anything that you'll regret later. Your self-esteem is too important. Remember, emotions are strong in a girl your age, and it takes a strong personality to control them instead of letting them control you.

Speaking of which, don't be so sure you have learned everything you need to know about "the birds and the bees." You will find out later that it is a subject which has a wide range of possibilities and applications, and is constantly changing as you get older. I'm still learning, for example!

I get confused between your two Mikes! Michael, I understand, is the guy you went to the dance with and wrote the poem about. You are now just friends, but the possibility for romance still lingers in your mind. It is Mike that you are flirting with though. Is this correct? He's the guy in the picture with the walkman on his belt and earplugs in his ears isn't he? I gotta admit he looks like a nice catch for a young girl. If anything develops between you and Mike, since he's the wrestler, if you get close to him, tell him to watch those clinches! Ha, ha, ha.

By the time you are reading this letter, Ralph will have left for Germany. I hope he enjoyed himself during the holidays. Did you and he get to talk some before he left? It seems a shame that you feel you can no longer talk to your brother and sister. They do have different goals now that they have to face the world without mom and dad. They're making a new life for themselves.

Perhaps it is this which has formed a barrier that you feel you cannot approach. If you make an effort, maybe the barrier will come down long enough for you to see that they still love you and are interested in your welfare. You too, though, will someday have to strike out on your own, and then you will probably begin to appreciate your parents more. I hope so anyway.

Didn't you tell me that Brenda had a baby earlier? Now you say the baby due in January will be her first. Maybe I misunderstood, but ... I just re-read my 26 May letter to you, in which I told you to congratulate Brenda, so it must have been you telling me news of her pregnancy which led me to believe she had already had the child. Sorry about that. Anyway, by now you are probably an aunt to your sister's child. Have you heard anything yet?

I gotta be honest with you Tranh, I'm not really too keen on the idea of sending tapes back and forth. I tried that with my wife in 1973, when I left her in Korea and came back here to set up housekeeping prior to her arrival. We were separated for eleven months, and since she couldn't write English and I cannot read Korean, it was the natural thing to do. It does have its drawbacks though. Everyone sounds so artificial on a tape because they are self-conscious about talking into a machine. The only way this could be eliminated is if the person talking doesn't know he/she is being taped. That would be impossible in our situation. You don't really need to hear my voice anyway, do you? I sound like an old man on tape and have always done so. Even when my voice was taped in an English class back in 1956 at Lanier High School, I did not recognize the voice that came forth from the recorder as mine. I'm happy with exchanging letters, but if you really want to send me a tape, I'd be happy to get it.

How old is Lady now? Seems to me she should have adjusted to the paper training by now. As for advice when taking her out for a walk, the best I can give you is to use a leash. I take it she is strictly a house dog, and must be walked regularly? My neighbor has a spitz which sounds much like your dog. When she lets the dog out, usually she ends up chasing it all over the neighborhood. It's much easier to control the dog on a leash.

As regards Susana, I got another letter again from her last week and have answered her. She is doing much better in Portugal now and beginning to like it more all the time. She says she will not have to repeat the ninth grade because they gave her some test so that she could get a diploma for that grade and go on to the tenth. She seems happier now living with her father. She did mention that she just lost her grandfather though. I told her that if she didn't have any of the addresses of her friends in Lanier, I would be glad to give them to her if I have them (and I probably do, because most of the ninth grade class from Lanier H.S. wrote to me). It was a bit disconcerting when she offered to give me advice if I ever needed it. I think she forgot that I'm fast approaching fifty years of age, and not used to taking advice from a fifteen-year old. That's not to say that
I couldn't learn from her, but she could have used a bit more tact when making the offer.

It has been many years since I watched "The Sound of Music," with Julie Andrews, but it was and is a classic, and I enjoyed it very much. Barbara Streisand has to be one of the most versatile actresses and singers of this century! Yes, I did see "Yentle," and it left an indelible impression on my mind also. I did some crying and some laughing and thoroughly enjoyed that movie.

I can't help but thinking that there must have been a reason why you brought up Vivian in your letter. Surely you don't think you are unfeminine and used her to make a comparison? I can assure you that you are a very comely girl and needn't worry on that score. It's nice that you all had a good time at the N.E.I.T. and Burger King afterwards. Those tours are geared to interest students early in their schooling, toward higher educational goals. Another one which is famous in your neck of the woods is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. If you're fortunate, and your grades are good enough, maybe you will be able to make it into such lofty fields of education. I wish you luck.

Well, I've managed to prate on interminably, and have probably made you miss some important function (maybe even a date), or perhaps made you late for supper (at least that hasn't changed). That being the case, and since it is now eight o'clock, I'm going to make my breakfast (tummy says, "feed me").

You have a good day and keep the chin up Tranh. Write again soon. I hope this letter doesn't get misplaced.

Love, your friend,

John




29 January, 1990

Dear Tranh,

I was reading yesterdays paper and came across several cartoons that I thought might amuse you. I've cut them out and included them with this letter. There is also an article that solicits comments from teenagers (see "Fresh Voices"). It lists an address at the bottom that you can write to if you desire to submit to such a forum. As it states, you may not get a personal reply, but if they use your letter, I would be sure to see it and would cut it out for you to save. Perhaps you even get this Parade magazine in your Sunday paper? Note the comments from the teens represented here; they probably sound familiar huh? See, all teens go through more or less the same experiences, and have much the same thoughts.

I hope you received my 6 January letter by now. Not knowing makes it difficult writing this letter. I don't want to repeat myself because that would be boring.

The picture of my daughter, Jean, is a 1987 picture, but she hasn't really changed all that much today, so you should get a fair idea of what she looks like. She has about eighty pictures of the 35mm slide variety that were taken in Atlanta for her portfolio. She won't even let me and the wife have copies made of them yet, because the modeling studio hasn't yet settled on which pictures (they can't use them all) to use. When we are notified of which pictures they will use, we’ll send you what you want. Jean was seventeen when this picture was taken.

The exercises I've been doing daily, and the diet I'm on, have really improved my health. I've lost about thirty-eight pounds, and can now walk over a mile without stopping for breath. Of course, I still have to use my cane due to my hip, but even the pain there, will lessen as I lose more weight. This is remarkable, considering I was having difficulty getting from the bedroom to the kitchen only three months ago!

Today is Monday, and I'm hoping I get some more letters to answer. I've written to a girl I knew thirty-two years ago (we were an item in those days), and should be getting a reply soon. I learned of her address through a new organization which I've joined, called "The Overseas Brats."

This letter, of necessity, is short, and I hope the interval between now and your answer is also.

Your friend,

John




2 February, 1990

Dear John,

How are you doing? Great I hope. Is your exercise helping?

Thanks for the clips last time you sent me Calvin and Hobbs which makes me want to have a little brother. Anyway, I have a niece. I think her name is Gail she was born on the eleventh of this month. She's about eight pounds now.

They, Gail and Brenda, might be coming up this September. Chester is going to Egypt at that time.

Wish Jean luck in her career for me. She is so pretty. You should be proud of her. By the picture, you can tell she's oriental.

It looks like I'm getting my brother's car or at least the use of it. I was supposed to get my uncle's car, but it sort of broke down badly.

Ralph did leave for Germany. He is stationed at a base (Meinz) where we used to go near Wiesbaden. We couldn't talk but on the way up to Boston Airport we reminisced on old times.

Lady is about seven months now. Last month she was spayed. She is used to a leash now. She loves her newspaper.

Sometimes I feel unfeminine compared to some people, yes I do. You haven't seen some of these girls here. They will knock your socks off.

The Mike in the picture with me was Mike.

Michael and I are distant even in conversation. I don't even see him anymore. He is involved with a girl, Stacy, who goes back and forth between him and her boyfriend, so no romance figures above. They showed this at the Semi-Formal.

I took Mike there. When Pictures come in, I'll give you one, okay?

The Semi was great, it was at Conrad's. We had the usual: Soup (rice), salad, pasta (noodles), fries, and chicken. We danced with each other until ten when we left. Well, I couldn't come back, he did. It was my curfew.

I knew this would happen. As we danced, I was attracted to him. He looked so nice. Out of three before, I like 1 1/2. Mike and Jules. He is a lad I met through Ellen and Francis, friends. I called him up a few times and we talked. I found out he's taken. In the beginning, I wanted romance in the attraction. He makes me laugh and feel good about myself. I don't want to break them up, but I still like him. If I do get anyone, I want it fair and square, with no unfinished business.

I believe it is 57th street, a musical, that is just as good as Sound of Music, but it has a different type of setting. Oh, an old favorite of mine is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. How did you like them?

I have gotten the first two editions of Reader's Digest. I finished the first from cover to cover. I haven't begun the second yet. Thank you for them. I appreciate it.

A friend from Georgia wrote me. It was over a year since I heard from her. Her name is Lucy. The other one, my best friend is Christy. She says she is gonna get me straightened out. I always counted on her for that.

How did Jean's picture shoot come out?

Don't over work yourself exercising. Too much too quick, is too bad. I can't believe you have lost 38 pounds. You should be a lean, mean, fighting machine.

Good luck with the Overseas Brats.

One day, I want to do the same thing with my first love. His name was Hampton Rose. In Georgia, about the end of the school year in 1986, he asked me. As I was a fool, I told him I'd give him an answer tomorrow. I guess he was afraid of rejection; he wasn't in for a couple of days. When he returned, he denied it, said he was joking, but I knew he wasn't. That summer he moved.

I never told him how I felt. I always wish I had every other day. If I could, I would even now. I would have gone out with him no matter what! I miss him dearly, sue me!

Have you ever wished to do something like that? If you could, would you change anything? Are you sure?

I have delayed this letter long enough. It was messed up on my desk, Christmas gift. I had a lot of homework. I have a competition (sic) on history Saturday, February 3, so I have been kinda busy. Oh, I had the Semi to prepare for too; a new dress.
Gotta go!
Love,

Tranh





5 February, 1990

Dear Tranh,

I got your 2 February letter today, and I want to answer the last part of that letter while I'm still thinking about it. That's the part where you asked me (in reference to my prior romances in school) if I could change anything, would I? The answer, of course, is no! Part of the mystique of any romance is in not being able to fulfill all the desires envisioned. Too often, when our desires are slaked, the romance disappears.

Susan Moore and Linda Van Landingham are two of my sweethearts from the sixth grade in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I would have long ago forgotten their names, had they not been inaccessible to me. You see, they were children of naval officers, and my dad was an enlisted man. In those days, even the children of military parents were restricted from playing together, except during school. That was called fraternizing between the ranks and was thought to break down disciplinary barriers. The military does have a caste system, even today, but it doesn't affect the children as much as it did in my day.

So you see Tranh, it's quite alright to have those romantic thoughts gamboling around in your head. As a matter of fact, it builds character each time you are able to survive such an unrequited love, not to mention the great memories you will have in your old age.

Well now, you be sure to tell Brenda and Chester that I'm happy that they've had their little Gail, and that I hope she has a long and eventful life ahead of her. We do live in exciting times, and she is the one who will reap the benefits of what is happening in the world today.

Jean took a bunch of photos which the modeling agency in Atlanta still has. They are supposedly trying to make up their mind, which pictures to use in her portfolio. Jean went there on 27 January for an interview. They are setting up an interview for her with the Ford Agency in New York this coming April. That is supposed to be "the" modeling agency, according to Jean! She now has to save spending money for that trip (I'm paying the travel and hotel expenses), in addition to money for a car when she returns. She has some other pictures taken by a local photographer here in Augusta (they use make-up, and the pictures are not
"marketable" in modeling parlance). She won't let me have any of them either, until her modeling teacher decides which ones she is going to use (locally, the models wear make-up; of course, they don't get higher prices for the modeling jobs
either). When Jean gives me some of the pictures, I'll have some copies made and send you another. Yes, I am proud of her, even if she hasn't landed a contract for modeling yet. Those things take time. She's had a couple of jobs locally here in Augusta, for which she got $30.00 each.

Speaking of pictures, yes, I would like to see some of the dance you attended. Nobody else mentioned any such dance, so I guess all you girls are wrapped up in doing what comes naturally, you know...teen things. That's something I guess no one wants to share with me. Guess I'm over-the-hill, and have been put out to pasture huh?

Have you got a driver’s license yet Tranh? I hadn't thought you were old enough yet. Here in Georgia, teens can get a learners permit at fifteen, but must wait until they are sixteen to get a drivers license. Does Lanier High School offer drivers education like they did when I was a student there? I know being able to drive your own car is sort of like a "right of passage" for teenagers. When you get that privilege, don't abuse it please!

Femininity is more than just having a big bust and curvaceous figure. It is a mindset which you must learn to cultivate. Part of it is being coquettish, understanding of others feelings, a good listener, and intelligence. In other words, someone who is fun to be with at all times. If you can mix a little romance into the pot while you’re at it, all the more power to you. If you come across the same way in person as you do in your letters to me, I don't think you have anything to worry about. You sound like a great girl to me!

If you don't want Lady to have puppies, having her spayed is the kindest thing you could do for her. All my cats (5) and my dog have been spayed also. The grandmother and mother of my cats had thirteen litters before we had her spayed. We never had trouble giving her kittens away. She is now nine years old. Although she is a calico, and not beautiful to look at, most of her babies have been strikingly beautiful. We've kept a Siamese (not full blooded), a flame tip, and a female calico from her litters, and the female calico had a male long haired calico which we've kept also. The latter is my wife's bane and joy in life. She really treats that kitten (now a year and a half old) like a baby...and he's sooo mischievous.

The musical, 57th Street, sounds familiar, but I don't recall it. Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang now, I do remember. That stared Dick Van Dyke as the bungling, absent minded inventor who invented a flying car (which they called CCBB because of the noise it made while flying). There was the grandfather who was also absent minded, who, as I recollect, kept popping in and out of an outhouse. Van Dyke and his children and father flew to many adventurous lands, but the biggie was the castle/fortress. That's about all I can remember from that movie, but I do recall that it was an enjoyable movie, and one of Van Dyke's best. I think it was made by either Walt Disney or MGM, wasn't it?

I, too, read the Reader's Digest from cover to cover. Dollar for dollar, I don't think you can find a better magazine in America. It has always been a mainstay of my literature. One of the most important features I like is "It Pays to Increase Your Word Power." That feature can vastly improve your vocabulary. You’re more than welcome for the subscription Tranh. I feel more than adequately compensated by having your continued friendship and correspondence. I hope you too will learn to love the magazine as much as I have over the years.

A lean, mean, fighting machine, I am not! You gotta remember, I'm only five foot, six inches tall. I still have two hundred-eight pounds on this framework of mine, and that's still too much. I'd like to get down to around 170 or 180 pounds. Anyway, it's kind of ridiculous to think of a fifty year old man as a "lean, mean, fighting machine." My fighting days are over, at least physically. I still do battle occasionally, only now I do it verbally in print. Generally my targets are large corporations such as AT & T, the Postal Department, or the government, its’ rules or representatives. I'm sure there are not a few of the people in these organizations, who wish they hadn't received my letters. Sometimes I even manage to accomplish some changes for the better.

One thing I hope you will always remember and cultivate is that the power of the written word, when well done, and strategically placed, can produce remarkable results. I can attest to that!

How did the History composition go? I was never too enamored of that subject in school. I liked Ancient History far better.

I've got some more cartoons for you. They aren't too relevant to anything we've been discussing, but I thought you would enjoy them anyway. Write again soon Tranh. Your letters are always a delight to receive.

Your friend,

John





2 March, 1990

Dear John,

I'm sorry I haven't written in so long. I have been semi busy. I haven't even begun to read last months issue of Reader's Digest. Yesterday I received this month’s. I'm not busy but I'm busy. Do you follow that?

I hope I didn't impose when I asked your past loves. Lately my last sweetheart has been in mind. His name was Hampton Rose. He left the summer before I did. If I could, I would change things with him.

I was recopying my poems into a new booklet when I noticed a poem was missing. I could tell because it was of Hampton plus it was the first one I had ever written. I have decided to write another story on true facts about Hampton Rose (I met him in Georgia).

The story I am finishing now is about an accident my friend (left off...jeh) had, and I viewed. She was hit by a bus a few weeks before Christmas, but she survived.

I wish I could see Gail. Right now it seems that Brenda doesn't want to see us. She spends more, no all, the time with her in laws. We tried to do everything to make things up, but it isn't working.

I am dreadfully sorry John. I only had about eight pictures. They were all given out by the next morning after I received them. I only have one spare to show and I had to fight for that one.

The dance was held at the restaurant Conrad's from 6:30 12:00 P.M. I had to leave at ten though. Michael and I danced for about an hour, dinner was over at nine. We had the usual of soup (chicken & rice), salad, pasta, fries, and chicken; then vanilla ice cream with strawberries. I am not sure I'll go to the Hop, biggest sophomore dance.

No, I don't have a driver's license. We take driver's Ed after school when we're 15 1/2. After we finish we acquire a 90 day permit. We get our license when we're sixteen too.

I will probably be too nervous to abuse the right.

57th Street is about a romance that forms between two gangs unknowingly. There is the Sharks, an American gang and a Portuguese gang which I don't recall. I believe the two lovers are Danny and Rosette who is the gang leader's sister. Danny used to be a Shark. During a dance-off they fall in love. The major conflict is the war (fight) where the gang leader shoots the Shark's leader, Danny then stabs him. Finally a member of the Portuguese gang shoots Danny as he runs toward Rosette's arms.

Our History competition went fairly okay. To me it was nerve wracking at first when we were interviewed. After, being together, I relaxed. We only lost by two points. The all men judges voted for all girl school. It may be funny; I just believe there might be something wrong there.

I have been creating a large and small drafting board so I can continue my work at home. It is only maintaining a correct horizontal line. I have begun writing stories again.

I have a new hobby. I have just assembled a '55 Ford pickup, and acquired a '51 Chevy Bel Air...toy models of course. I want to line a shelf with them for display.

I know it is in the far future, but I have begun a list of items I wish to collect for college. I have narrowed down my choices or you can say newly noticed New England Institute of Technology, Hall Institute and maybe state or community colleges. They are all close so I can live at home or maybe close with roommates?

Softball will start in a week. I can't wait for practice with my friends. I reconstructed a bat, a white (glazed clear) bat with dyed yellow rubber handle and a mass of black tape around the center bat (it was broken) to a mixed color (white top, black body and textured gray and white handle) smooth bat. I just got some cleats and the traditional glove of my father's. I can't wait to clobber it over the fence.

To loosen up and improve my accuracy and speed, I've begun tennis again. No major competition against anyone except the shed wall.

Ralph called last weekend. He's doing fine. His company goes to the field often so it is hard to call. He's been up to a lot. He has done more sight seeing than we had for nine years. He's been to Paris. We were there before but I was too young to remember. This summer he might go to Greece, later Burchatsgarten. When he called he was about to go to Fashing (a German Halloween carnival). I'm so proud of him. This time I actually got to talk to him. He called right after my parents left.

This is the next day. I have some great news. Before my eye doctor told me my sight will be declining until I'm around twenty. This is the only year I haven't needed a drastic eye change. Usually I need a more powerful lens. This time, I only needed a notch of extra power. I didn't even need more on another lens. My mother got another set, just in case because of softball, which begins the 14th.

I should be getting my class ring next week or the week after. I can't wait. This is like recognition of being able to wear one. Everyone can get one as a sophomore, but it is like a privilege to be one of them; the chosen ones of our school that year. Do you have a class ring? If so, what is it like?

Would it be possible to send some stamps, I can't afford it.

So after so many days of waiting, I finally saw Gail. She's so beautiful. God couldn't have made a more beautiful girl. He just dropped the pattern after he created her. She is only twenty four hours old in the picture I have. She's got chubby red cheeks, a head full of hair, black, the same as Brenda. She's so tiny, her tiny little hands oooh. She's so cute.

I never thought I'd go googoo over a baby until now. She's my niece. Everybody has got to stand in line behind me!!!!! I'm almost the happiest person alive or dead right now.

Well, I better go now. I have to write her before it is too late.

Always with love,

Tranh
P.S. Do you know M. Foctin?





5 March, 1990

Dear Tranh,

My last letter was dated 5 February, so since so much time has passed, I can assume you are actively engaged in the pursuits which occupy most teens at this stage of their lives. I hope you are having a great time! Write and tell me about it when you can. You know I'm interested.

Meanwhile, I have some more clippings which I saved for you. I especially like the "Fresh Voices" column. It adds insight to what teens are thinking and doing today.

My computer has been sent to the shop for an upgrade (adding 40MB hard drive disk), so I am writing this letter in longhand and will type it out shortly. I'd send you the longhand letter, but you might not be able to read my handwriting. Besides, if I type it, I can make a copy for my records and when I get my computer back, I'll type it to disk and save it.

It is fast approaching Spring here (the weather this past Winter has been very spring-like). Most of the shrubs and flowers that give Augusta the name "Garden City" have started to bloom already. While that is nice to see, it means less fruit and nuts for us this year (we have plum and chestnut trees which are blooming but the bees are not pollinating them). The nights are still too cold and the daytime temperatures do not go above 70 degrees fahrenheit yet. Bees don't like the cold. This also bodes ill for the Masters Golf Tournament which is held here the
beginning of April. The National Golf Club prides itself on the azaleas and magnolias in bloom at that time of year. Unfortunately, the blooms will have come and gone by that time.

It's about this time last year too, that I was writing you so earnestly of my "soon to be published" book. That project is still up in the air also. I've had a literary agent express an interest in representing my work to a publisher, but he only saw samples and wants to read the whole manuscript. Unfortunately, the only two working copies I have are in circulation to two publishing houses. I could send the agent the draft copy, but I made many changes since that was typed and it wouldn't be the same material. Oh well, I sent the publishers those copies on 18 December, 1989, and I should be hearing from them soon. I would much rather not have to use an agent. That's just another piece of the pie I would have to share.

Did you happen to see the Sanskrit proverb in this month's Reader's Digest? It's under Points to Ponder, and on page 150 in my copy. Those are pretty good words to live by. Gotta go for now Tranh, do write soon.

Affectionately yours,

John




10 March, 1990

Dear Tranh,

It's happened again! You wrote me on 2 March and I wrote you on 5 March and our letters crossed in the mail. We must have been thinking of each other (oops.. I forgot to set the line number clicker on this sucker) about the same time.

As for being busy but not being busy, knowing the convoluted thinking processes of a teenager and the many distractions which can arise, yes, I think I do understand that!

The nice thing about the Reader's Digest is that most of the articles are of short duration and can be read in minutes. That magazine wasn't meant to be read straight through in one sitting. I keep mine in the bathroom, and when duty calls, pick it up and read an article or two. Eventually I finish it. I find that many of the interesting tidbits of information I pick up this way, stay with me longer than if I try to read the whole magazine straight through. Try it!

There was no imposition on your part when the discussion of past loves came up. If you will re-read my letter, you will see that I volunteered the information to illustrate a point...namely that unrequited love remains longest in our memories because we are probably all romantics at heart.

Your former boyfriend, Hampton Rose, may have been born in Virginia. I only mention that because there is a straight (waterway) near Chesapeake, Virginia called Hampton Rhodes, which is similar to his name. Maybe his parents named him Hampton
because they lived near there. Just a guess on my part, and probably not a very good one at that. At any rate, since your father got out of the military, it is unlikely that you will meet him again and that's a shame. I can guarantee you one thing though, you will probably never forget him or his name.

By all means, keep writing! Whether it's a true story or fiction, poetry or prose, the more you write and the more you read, the better person you become. You not only gain knowledge from reading, but you put it to use by being able to communicate that knowledge to others through your writing. This is very important.

I wonder what Brenda plans to do in September when Chester goes overseas. Does she plan to go with him I wonder? That could be very difficult if he is still a lower ranking enlisted man. Maybe by that time, she will have re-thought her position and will visit you all in Rhode Island. Meanwhile, if she is comfortable with her in-laws, they are a part of her family now, and she has every right to spend time with them.

I'm happy that Gail is such a beautiful baby, and that it makes you so proud to be her aunt.

The deterioration of your eyesight would seem to have been arrested or at least have reached a plateau. I hope the doctor who said it would continue until you are twenty, is proven wrong.

You be careful playing softball with those new glasses. Get a safety strap to attach to the frames and hold them on your head. That's what I wear. Not that I play softball or anything like that, but for some reason, the damn things keep sliding down my nose. I have to tilt my head further and further backwards in order to see. Unless I push them back up, some people could think I was being stuck up and looking down my nose at them.

I'm glad you got a chance to talk to Ralph. He only just arrived there if memory serves me. He is doing good to be able to see so much of Europe so soon. Yes, I remember the Fashing Carnival. We had just had one in Heilbron, Germany in 1979, when I first took sick and was diagnosed with heart problems. Unfortunately, my stay in that lovely country was cut short. I hope Ralph enjoys his tour of duty there.

You are probably one of the few girls I know who have ever expressed an interest in building toy models of cars (or boats or planes or anything else for that matter). You have unique interest and talents Tranh. You’re going to be a prize catch for some young man someday.

Don't be alarmed over not being able to send me pictures of the Semi-formal dance. The main thing is you went and you had a good time (albeit short). There will be other dances to go to and you will have ample time to send me more pictures. Crystal did say she saw you at that dance and you looked like you were having fun. Why then, would you be thinking of not going to the Sock Hop? I know that's "THE" dance for sophomores and can't understand why you wouldn't go. Surely you will be asked!

You know, I could have sworn you had said composition in your earlier letter, but upon re-reading it, I see that it was competition, and you were right to correct me. It's too bad you didn't win it but if you only lost by two points, you must have given some of the other schools a hard time.

Your tennis sounds like my kind of game. That is to say, about all I could do with a ball and racquet was to hit the side of a wall. When I tried using a net on a court, I was a dismal failure. That's one of the few sports which I never became proficient at. If it improves your accuracy and speed, bang that ball against the wall, hon. Give 'em hell! What position do you plan to try out for?

I never had a class ring and it's probably just as well. I really don't like to wear rings (I don't even wear a wedding band), and besides I probably would long ago have hocked it to buy booze. I used to be quite a drinker...just short of an alcoholic. When my heart problems started though, I had to give up the smoking and drinking. Good thing too! I feel much better today and good about myself also.

Anyway, getting back to the ring...I hope you get yours, and are happy with it. Just think, then you will be able to swap rings with your boyfriend (Michael?) and say you are going steady! Come on now Tranh, that's why you really want one isn't it?

I've written this letter in longhand but don't want to send it to you as my handwriting is abysmally poor. I will therefore type it out on my electric typewriter (my computer is still in the shop for upgrading). The other glitch I have to that plan though, is that my one-time correctional tape cartridge ran out today and I have no white-out to make corrections. So if you've gotten this far and strike overs and typo's haven't prevented you from understanding the letter, you've done good kid! Please forgive!

Write again, and soon.

Love,
P.S. I don't know
a M. Foctin. John








5 April, 1990

Dear Tranh,

We are just starting Masters Week here in Augusta; the first round is today. Since this is the biggest event of the year for the local citizenry, most Augustans will either be watching the action or serving the many peoples that come here from around the world. This is the busiest time of year for us, and a big boost to the local economy. Myself, I don't like to get on the roads because it is usually packed with out-of-state drivers. I stay at home and watch the game on television.

Up until last year, we used to get live coverage from start to finish on U.S.A. Network. Our local cable company elected to drop that network and pick up TNN instead. This year I'll have to settle for watching the 1st and 2nd rounds (Thursday and Friday) on replay. The Saturday and Sunday rounds will be televised live on national network.

You may ask me, "Why don't you go see the match in person since its right there in your city?" Well, it's an exclusive list that gets Masters tickets. The waiting list for the tickets is fifteen years! I may not live that long! Besides, I see much more of the action on television anyway.

My daughter, Jean, left for New York last night. She is going up there with seventeen other girls from her modeling studio. They are going for interviews. Jean's agent set her up with three studios for interviews. I hope she gets some kind of contract out of this trip. Lord knows, it's next to impossible living with her when she gets turned down! That has happened a couple of times, and usually because of her height. She is only five foot, four inches tall, and most agencies want girls who are five foot, eight inches tall, for their fashion models. One of the agencies she will go to for an interview accepts petite models though, so there is a chance.

I've got a whole bunch of new clippings I've been saving for you. I hope you find them informative and entertaining.

Did you get my last letter of 10 March? There were some stamps enclosed also, per your request. If you didn't get it, let me know and I'll send you a copy.

Write and let me know how you are doing. Have you reconsidered your decision to go to the Hop? Are you on Spring break now? The kids down here in Georgia are on break, as they are every year at this time. Master's fever hits the teacher's too, I guess.

Your friend,

John




9 April, 1990

Dear John,

How are you doing? Great I hope. By the time you get this letter we'll probably have passed another letter in the mail. I'm real sorry I haven't written sooner. I have been quite busy but I always write as soon as I can.

I'll begin with the March 5 letter...gee, a month ago. Have you gotten your computer back? You won't believe this. It's April and well into Spring right? Well today it snowed. Everything is white again.

How's your book going? I hope its well on its way to the stores. Don't ask me about Reader's Digest, I'm two or three issues behind.

For English class, we had to read To Kill A Mockingbird. It was great. I finished it the second weekend I got it. Have you read it?

Softball practice has been going on. We've had three games and no wins yet. It's hard to try and perfect yourself in an unknown sport. I've been really trying to help the team out. So now I'm trying to become a pitcher. We have two, one a senior and the other lobs it over so it's easy to hit. She has a hard time getting it over the plate.

We will see Brenda this Summer. Either we will meet them in Georgia or they are coming up, I'm unsure about this though. I'm not mad because she spends time w/her in-laws. You have a vacation time of at least two weeks. She has to travel up north to visit her in-laws. If they traveled a few more hundred miles, they would be here. But Chester spends the whole time there. We went over 400 miles out of our way last summer to visit even for an hour.

Ma won't let me play softball with my new glasses. I have to wear the old pair w/a strap on. Maybe you need those little grips by your nose to grasp it for a better grip. My mother has them because she has no nose.

I'm not glad I talked to Ralph now. I spoke to him again shortly though. His temper has grown and now he treats me as a stranger. We did alright as family but now he's just separated, a stranger to me.

The hop is a big dance. Before you had a chance to be a 60's theme or a formal suit. Now it's formal. This means you have to go get shoes, purse, dress, nylons. You have to fix-up your hair extra, extra nice. Hours before you must get ready but smell perfectly sweet before the dance while all the while you're sweating with nervousness. Then when dinner is served, you have to worry about not spilling anything or missing your mouth on your dress. The dress has to be a perfect color and not too fancy and not a scrubby. Then dancing with a gown fast dancing. It's too much of a hassle. I'd rather go to a normal dance, there is less tension. The other thing about being asked.

John, I'm not exactly the prize of Lanier High. Guys get offended by me knowing more and my appearance isn't exactly excellent. You have to be an air-head with a can of hair spray in your hair everyday. Or be able to go to every booze party and get stoned and be in the back seat of a car more than the front. As you can see, I'm not exactly enthusiastic about guys in Lanier. They look at appearances more than what is inside. Plus my date is forever grounded for getting bombed.

At games I'm usually on the bench, but I play second base, even though she switches me everywhere.

I really don't know why I wanted a class ring but I got it last Friday. I guess I'll be wearing mine for quite a while because no guy would want mine. Michael isn't my guy. I have no idea whose he is. But I haven't heard a word from him since the semi-formal.

Purse, my white poodle was put to sleep a few weeks ago. The vet said it was the best thing to do. I guess he was suffering.

Soon report cards come out. Nothing good has really happened except for this Friday. Me and Vivian went to Lincoln Mall to see a movie, Pretty Woman. It was great, it's a must see movie.

I'm sending a few comics for you. Sorry I have written this so sloppy. Maybe next time, a longer letter.

Love,

Tranh

P.S. What's membership
in Overseas Brats mean?




12 April, 1990

Dear Tranh,

I got the letter that you mailed on 9 April today. It would appear that you have been somewhat distracted or you didn't receive my letters of 10 March and 5 April. At least you haven't replied to all the points I raised. I don't even know if you received the stamps I sent you.

From the complete turn around in affection you had expressed for Michael, I would say you and he had a falling out about something. You also seem rather dissatisfied with your appearance.

There are several things I want to point out to you. First of all, you sent me a picture of yourself, which you seem to have forgotten. You are not as plain looking as you think you are. I think you are a very pretty girl! You are a beautiful person both inside and out. If guys get offended because you are an intelligent person (and that's your perception only), they are probably not worth your attention. Please don't lower your standards just to be a popular girl! It's not worth it and you would be the one to lose out in the long run. Anyway, guys do like intelligent girls, they just don't want to be put-down (or shown-up, whichever you prefer) by them. If you’re smart, you won't do that.

As for going through all the trouble of preparing for a formal dance, that excites most girls. Some girls even manage to con their parents into footing the bill for a new outfit. They too, will be nervous and perhaps sweaty, but once the dance starts, that will go away. Dancing fast dances in a formal gown now, that could be a tricky thing to do. Don't they play any slow songs anymore? They're nicer to snuggle up to your date with aren't they?

I hope you are smart enough to realize that going to every booze party, getting stoned and making out in the back seat of a car, is not only bad for your health (you could even get pregnant before you plan to), but can ruin your reputation also. Most kids have a mental picture of what they want to be or how they want to come across to others. Surely, being a person who has loose morals and smokes and drinks just to "fit in" with the crowd, has lost sight of what that picture is. I cannot imagine anyone thinking this is the "cool" thing to do!

Let me get off my soapbox!

Yes, I did read "To Kill a Mockingbird," some few years back now. I saw the movie with Gregory Peck as the father also. That was a terrific story, both book and movie. That's the one where the man has h-a-t-e and l-o-v-e tattooed on the fingers of each hand isn't it? As I remember it, he chases the kids all over the country trying to get (something?) which is hidden in the doll one of the kids has with her. Is that correct?

So second base is the position you play in softball huh? At least, when the coach isn't trying to make a pitcher out of you. The second baseman was a key man for me when I played ball. Of course it was hardball I played, and I was the catcher. The catcher has to constantly be on the alert for a steal from first base, and be ready to snap that ball to the second baseman. It's too bad you've not won more games, but the season's young yet.

Come, come now Tranh, I sent you a picture of me, so you should have seen the prominent proboscis I have. Grips on my glasses would not be the answer! I just have a slippery nose or my glasses are too heavy. I plan to have frameless glasses made soon anyway. I hope that will take care of the slippage problem. The lighter weight should do it.

I must confess to not understanding about your date (boyfriend?) getting grounded forever. Did you say he got bombed or stoned? Was this Michael, and is this why your affections for him have changed? Surely you jest when you say he will be grounded forever? You hold on to that ring Tranh, I have a feeling that some boy will be wanting to ask you to go steady soon. Don't be so hard on yourself please!

I'm sorry to hear you lost your poodle. I had thought you had a dog named Lady, which you've raised from a puppy and paper trained her also. Have I got you mixed up with someone else again?

Pretty Woman, isn't that the movie starring Molly Ringwald? I don't know if I've seen that one or not. I remember Molly Ringwald though. I think she's a terrific actress and cute as a button! I've seen several movies with her in them but can't remember the names off hand. Mostly I see the movies when they come out on television. By then, they are usually a year or two old.

I don't go to theaters much anymore. I have a VCR, and I suppose I could rent cassettes of the more popular movies, but I just never seem to get around to it. I know there are several movies that I want to see, like, "Good Morning Vietnam, "The Dead Poet's Society" starring Robin Williams, "Driving Miss Daisey" etc. One of these days I'll get up off my duff and go browse through the local video store.

Thank you for the comic strips. I especially liked the one about the kid’s dad having trouble with the computer. Kinda reminds me of someone I know...ha, ha. We don't get Robotman here in our paper, so that's a new one on me. I like the humor in that one also.

The OVERSEAS BRATS is an organization I first learned about last August. They help people who have attended school overseas (usually dependents of military sponsors stationed abroad in foreign countries, but sometimes State Department employee's dependents also...such as embassy staff) get back in touch with each other and form groups called alumni groups. These groups can be of certain year groups or just anyone who has attended a certain school no matter what year.

The OVERSEAS BRATS also will help set up reunions for the alumni groups and once a year they have a "gathering" of many alumni groups in different parts of the country. Last year the "gathering" was in Denver, Colorado. This year it will be in San Antonio, Texas. I hope to go to that one this October, but we shall have to wait and see how things are going here in Georgia.

I hope your report card for this period of school was a good one. You should never underestimate the importance of a good education. I know you do good work because I've heard nothing but good things about you. Keep up the good work.

Write soon Tranh, please. Don't leave me to languish in limbo, not knowing whether or not you've received my letters. You mean something special to me and I want to know how you are doing.

You haven't mentioned yet, what you think of the "Fresh Voices" articles I've been sending you. If you think it's presumptuous of me to keep sending them to you, I'll stop.

Keep your chin up kid, and dare to be different!

Your friend always,

John




19 April, 1990

Dear Tranh,

I'm doing it again, writing to you before receiving a reply from my last letter! It's just that you had asked about THE OVERSEAS BRATS organization to which I belong, and I wanted to elaborate further.

Last week, the local paper here in Augusta interviewed me about the organization, and it was just printed in yesterday's paper. I thought I would clip out the article and send it to you. The article is not quite accurate. I'm not trying to start a chapter of the OVERSEAS BRATS here. I only want to act as a conduit for other "brats" to get in touch with the organization in San Antonio and perhaps renew old acquaintances.

The article mentions a membership fee of $15, but doesn't say that you get a quarterly newsletter and a magazine about the organization three times during the year. This material usually tells you about alumni groups or persons and what they are doing. It offers insight on world happenings also, but these are usually opinions of the editor, based on what he has gleaned from members who have been in the host countries. I think it's well worth the membership fee just to learn of these happenings. It is also possible that I may learn of friends of mine who later will join our group. Then too, I get a chance to gab and practice my wit on a diverse number of people who have had similar experiences as mine, ie: constant moving from state to state or country to country. Their views are always illuminating.

I'm going to shut down this computer now (it's 06:30 am), and start making some breakfast. I have a busy day ahead of me.

I hope you enjoy the article. Now you can picture me in your mind's eye, sitting at my computer writing to you. I'll be awaiting your reply.

Your friend,

John






10 August, 1990

Dear John,

How are you doing? Great I hope. And the family? How is your book doing? When do you think we can see your best seller out there?

I'm truly sorry I haven't written in quite some time. I have been very distracted.

I received my letter for varsity softball at a luncheon banquet for athletes. It is hard for me to believe I'm a "jock."

I aced all my finals for school, and soon I'm going to begin looking for a college that is the greatest step of all.

I have begun a reconstruction of my room. You see, I might have visitors. Mom might adopt a child or two from a refugee camp that has lost their parents.

Mom found out about this on her preparations to her trip. Next month she is going to Vietnam. Crystal's mom found her family. I have another cousin about seventeen and male, from my aunt; then several from my uncle. Mom wants to get them over to America. She already has three cousins in America and one in Paris.

Do you remember Francis? When she went for this college program, she changed - totally different. Now I'm trying to keep my friends together. Two other friends are angry at her for her snotty attitude.

My sister came down in July for ten days. Now here's an even bigger problem, she wanted to file for divorce with Chester. I guess her sudden change in attitude. Chester believes it's our fault. When she went back she sprang it upon him. So now we can't talk to them until they straighten things out, Chester's idea of no influence on our part.

In about a month school will be starting up again. I can't wait. I'll be a junior. I will be able to see my friends.

That means soon I'll be done with drivers Education; then my license and maybe a car; and finally a job!! That's my main goal, to find a real job.

I finally heard from my brother. He sounds as if he is really doing great. I wish I could hear from him more often.

It seems the only tranquil, peace-of-mind thing I have is writing. I can relieve most things that are bothering me.

Oh John, I miss my Georgian friends. You can tell when you see them in a dream. That means your subconscious is trying to tell you something.

Have you heard anything from your daughter?

Well, I better let you go. I'll try and write sooner next time.

Love,

Tranh

P.S. Keep in touch, and I'm not mad at you.





17 August, 1990

Dear Tranh,

I haven't heard from you in quite some time, so I thought I'd drop you a line to see if you're okay. I know you have graduated and are now on vacation. I hope you are enjoying yourself. One of your last letters mentioned that perhaps you would be visiting Brenda this summer. Did you do that already, or is it planned soon?

What has been happening in your life? I mean, this year I know you will be a junior in school, and I know from that lofty perspective, things will look a lot different to you. Have you found someone to wear the class ring for this year? Or are you waiting for school to start again?

I know you have been disappointed in not seeing my book come out in print with all you student's letters. I can only say I didn't know it would take this long either. (NOTE: I'd started this letter in mid July, but never finished it. I'll now continue the letter after having received your 10 August letter.)

Your letter was most welcomed Tranh. I had thought you were tired of writing to me. Everyone else has also stopped writing. You and Crystal were the regulars, but I guess the thrills of this past Summer (and boys) have been preoccupying all you girls. I can't say as I blame you, these are your most exciting years, so enjoy them.

I have been most busy this past week. My brother died on the 9th of August, a day before his birthday. He would have been 53 years old. He left behind four sons, aged 26, 23, 18 and 17. Two of them were in Virginia, one in Florida, and one in Wisconsin. They were all notified and got here last Saturday. They stayed with me, but left on the 16th, the day after the funeral. My brother had over twenty years of service in the Navy, so was entitled to full military honors during the burial. He had them, and it was a beautiful send-off. That's the way I want to be honored upon my demise!

The three oldest boys are spoken for already, but the youngest one, Michael, is not. He is a very handsome lad, and has great ambitions. He will also be a junior this year at Deep Creek H.S. in Chesapeake, Virginia. I mentioned you to him, and
showed him your picture. I explained how much I thought of you, and that I think you two could become good friends. He's interested! I'd send you a picture of him, but he didn't have any with him. I've taken some while they were here, but haven't had them developed yet. As soon as I do, I'll send you one. You'll like him!

I'd give you Michael's address, but he was living in Florida on his own for the last two months, and is now going to be living with his oldest brother, Harold in Chesapeake, Virginia, while finishing school. Trouble is, they are going to be moving shortly, so the address I have would be no good for you to write to. I'll send you a permanent address as soon as I know it.

That's just great that you got a varsity letter for soft ball! Are you going to be going out for the team again this year? Are you going to be trying for any other sport? How about tennis? My daughter, Jean, plays that, but it's probably because she works as a receptionist at a racquet club here in Augusta. Actually, she started to play in high school (10th grade), but didn't become very good at it. It's just a recreational outlet for her now (and I suspect, a ploy to attract boys).

Your letter was a bit ambiguous. Are you saying Crystal's mom found your mother's family while she was over there? It is nice that your mom wants to bring them to America. I only hope the government of Vietnam will let them come. It will probably cost an arm and a leg to get the final approval. I guess the adoption you mention is in addition to getting your family members over here, huh?

Yes, I remember Francis, but only briefly. I would have to dig through all my old correspondence to recall details about her. She didn't write regularly, so I didn't make a disk for her, but kept her letter in the "general correspondence" disk.

It's a shame that Brenda and Chester are having marital difficulties at this time. With the troubles in the Persian Gulf, and a lot of the armed forces being called up to serve there, Chester might have to go too. A split at this time could be catastrophic for the morale. I hope they can settle their differences. You didn't mention Gail, how was she?

Your brother, too, might end up going to the Gulf, but it would be very unlikely since he's already in Germany and the Army doesn't make it a habit of sending troops from Europe to the Middle East. I think most of the troops going that direction will be coming from stateside assignments.

It's getting late Tranh, so I'll say good night for now. Thank you again for writing to me. Don't let it be so long between letters next time. Love ya,

Your friend,

John




29 August, 1990

Dear Tranh,

I had thought to receive a reply to my last letter by now, but I suppose you are too busy with new school year activities. Anyway, as I promised, I'm sending a picture of part of the Hunt clan. It was taken during my nephews stay at my house prior to their dad's funeral.

The old guy standing on the left, I suspect you'll recognize. To the left of him is Harold (26), Eddie (18), and Michael (17), whom I've mentioned before. Seated in front of him, in red, is my daughter Jean. Eddie and Harold have their girlfriends sitting in front of them, and the young lady sitting in front of me is Julie, the wife of John, another nephew who is taking the picture.

As I said in my last letter, I told Michael about you and he is interested. If you want to strike up a correspondence with him, he would probably be receptive. You might consider sending him a picture of yourself also. I didn't want to give him the only picture I have of you. He is still staying with his brother Harold, and they are moving again in about a month, so nothing is permanent yet. You can write to Michael in care of his brother John though. His address would be _________ , Chesapeake, Va. 23323.

When you get the chance Tranh, I'd enjoy hearing from you.

Your friend,

John



(letter undated, but postmarked 29 August)

Dear John,

How are you doing? Better I hope. I'm truly sorry about your brother. I'm sorry I didn't write back in such a long time.

Brenda and the baby, Gail, came up for about a week. We were on vacation from work (my parents) so we took them everywhere. We weren't home most of the time.

I have been building things around the house. Not anything major, but small very useful items. It makes me feel useful.

I have been baby sitting for a few days and I feel so weird. In the morning I'm cleaning, shopping, doing some college review, or nothing. Suddenly in the evening and afternoon I'm playing cowboys and Indians, going on swings, and trying to play hide and seek. I'm beginning to hear games that were ancient history to me.

No, I still haven't found anyone to wear my ring. I don't think I will, especially with my likes. Nobody that I have seen seems to create a spark or would want to. Oh well, the big guy has someone in store for me, hopefully.

I am waiting for school to start. Ma got me everything I needed before she left. I will finally see all my friends almost everyday. I miss most of them. everybody has busy different schedules.

I'll still be waiting for the best seller. Don't give up okay? It really isn't the letters I'm waiting for it is the joy and glory it will give you. You really deserve it.

Well John, this summer has been very occupied. A lot of us are getting, changing, or using more hours in a job. I just regret I have waited so long to write.

I am dreadfully sorry about the passing of your brother. It seems he had a full life. It was hard for me to go to my great grandma's funeral. We (our family) had two funerals in about three months.

John, John, John. Oh you showed Michael one of the worst pictures of me ever taken. He does sound interesting too. I'm very curious, if he's anything like his uncle.

Yes, I'm going to go out for softball this year too. I have always loved softball (baseball). I won't have time for any other sport. After I finish Drivers Ed in September, I'm going out for a real job besides baby sitting. I still love tennis - once in a while I drag my father out of bed for a workout of tennis.

My mother contacted Crystal's Mom who previously went to Vietnam. Through a member of Crystals's family, they found our part of the family. They are family and they deserve some kind of happiness and a break in their hardships. They're family. You were correct about the adoption.

Gail is terrific. The first time I saw her was great. Brenda was changing her. Gail looked at me then called me ugly and rolled over. The first time she saw me and the first time she said ugly.

You got me very curious about Michael. I would like to hear a lot more about this fella. At first I thought you were trying to fix me up. Was that an intention somewhere in the back of that clever mind?

Today I saw an old friend, Tony. I don't remember if I told you about him. He's 21 and has a long face, long, dirty blonde, wavy hair, very skinny and very compassionate. We met when he made a wrong phone call to me. We talked and became friends. I got one vision while he just needed someone to talk to. There was an engagement we were supposed to attend and he told me he was getting back with his girlfriend. I asked him not to go because I would get the wrong feeling, unintentionally, of course. In the end, I would hurt myself and hate him. That was the last time I heard from him.

We passed each other in opposite directions. I was on a moped going to my baby sitting job. He was turning up a street I had just passed. I tried to follow him but I lost him turning around. My heart started pounding. And after I couldn't find him, my eyes began to water.

I asked a friend to try to get his number. I want to find out what is wrong with him. Tell you the truth, I miss him and our talks. Oh well, how cruel life is at times.

It's late here and I have a closet to finish building, dog to groom, and a kid to sit tomorrow. Don't forget housework. Enjoy yourself.

Love ya,

Tranh

P.S. I'll be waiting for your book
forever and forever. 2 friends + 2 friends = 4 get




1 September, 1990

Dear Tranh,

It was nice getting your letter again. You will no doubt have received mine also, you know, the one with the picture of MICHAEL and the rest of us.

So what do you think of the guy; in the looks department, that is? I can assure you he has a winning personality also. As to him being anything like me, you ought to know that when God made me, he threw away the mold! Really though, he is a very nice boy and has a good head on his shoulders. I think he'll do well in life.

Yes, it was my intention to interest you in Michael. That is why I showed him your picture (the only one I have of you), and told him how nice a girl I thought you were. Had I known you had sent me your ugliest picture, I wouldn't have shown it to him. Actually, Tranh, I think it's a lovely picture, and like I told you before, the two hunks in the picture with you wouldn't let you hang on them if they didn't like you. If you're serious about having Michael see a better picture of yourself, send him one. You might also send me one at the same time. After all, you are a year older, and sometimes girls your age change a lot in appearance from one year to the next.

To be quite honest with you, I'd like nothing better than you and Michael hitting it off big. I think I'd like to have you in my family! You would probably be the only one who has a pretty good insight into what makes me tick. And at least I'd have someone to write to, knowing I'd get an answer. I've gotta admit that Michael is not keen on writing, at least not to his uncle. Maybe he would do better writing to you. Should you two become acquainted through the mails, and later decide to meet, if anything comes of it, all well and good! The only thing I would ask is that you both keep your priorities in mind. Get the education first before setting up housekeeping.

Now that I've got those little preliminaries out of the way, let me proceed to answer your letter.

I'm glad you got a chance to see Brenda and Gail during the summer. Is the feuding over between Chester and Brenda, or are they still separated? Is she staying by herself in Tennessee, or with the in-laws? If the latter, how does the split set with the in-laws?

I find it hard to believe that Gail called you ugly. I think you just told me that because you are fixated on exterior beauty. You have a beauty of soul and personality that a lot of people would love to have. Let that side of you show forth to the world and the rest will take care of itself. Besides, Gail was probably just straining and said unngghh! or something like that. Did you check her diaper immediately after that? Find anything?

Your baby sitting may seem tiresome to you today, but there will be positive dividends for you down the road. You are learning how children of various ages think and what they like to play. Oh sure, you went through those things yourself (that's why the memories seem like ancient history to you), but seeing it
through the eyes of a baby sitter can lend a new perspective to a child's existence. The lessons you learn today, can be used in later life for your own children.

Quite the little carpenter, aren't you? I think you had told me before that you were making shelves for your room. Are you still into putting model cars together? Myself, I'm not very good with my hands. My brother was the one who was good with his hands. He was always making me toys when we were children together. I have those fond memories of him.

Let's talk about Tony. It's nice that you found someone you could talk to. I think all of us need someone who will listen to what we have to say, and perhaps sometimes even help us understand what is confusing us. It is somewhat suspicious though, when a 21 year old man leads a young, impressionable girl of 16 into a romantic entanglement. Fortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case with your young man, Tony. It would appear that he had better thoughts of such an encounter, and went back to his girlfriend. My advice to you is let things rest as they are. You are quite correct in surmising that you might get hurt in an affair involving Tony.

Lest you think I had forgotten about my book, rest assured that I'm still hard at work trying to get it off the ground. I've finally taken a copy to a professional editing service, and they've given me some clues on rewriting it. They will also let me know which publishing houses or agents will accept unsolicited work. I've spent the better part of the last week rewriting the MS. I had to cut out the letters to and from Mr. Malcolm and Mr. Powers; the letter from my old schoolmate, and my answer to him; and reduce a lot of the redundancy I had in many of the letters. The task was finished yesterday! Wednesday, after the Labor Day weekend, I'll call the editing service again and see if they'll okay this version for submitting to an agent/publisher.

Thanks for your faith in me Tranh! It means a lot. You're right, this MS is important to me in that, if published, it will vindicate my feeling that I have the ability to write something which can be of interest to others. Having an interesting life is important, but not being able to tell anyone about it in words that make it memorable, would be a waste. Besides, letter writing today is becoming a lost art. A telephone call substitutes for a letter today. At least that is mostly what I get in response to my letters to some of my friends. Long distance rates being what they are today, I'll stick to the letters.

I don't think I told you, but for some time now, we've not had Harry and Angel (our parakeets). My wife decided to get two black-masked lovebirds, so we gave Harry and Angel to some friends. The lovebirds look alike; so much so, that I can't tell them apart. Mija (my wife) says she can though. We've named them Lovey and Dovey, though I don't think they respond to their names very well. Anytime I go near the cage, they rush to the far corner and huddle together, giving me apprehensive looks. The reason I mention them is that they've just raised a fuss in the kitchen. I think they are trying to tell me its bedtime (9:45 P.M.), and that they want the cover put over their cage.

So I will break off this titillating conversation here, put the birds to bed, and quickly proceed to emulate them. Us oldsters must get our beauty rest too, you know.

Good night Tranh, God love you and keep you safe.

Your friend,

John





(undated letter. Used postmark of 18 September, 1990)

John,

Sorry this letter is taking so long. I'm really sorry. Yes I've received yours. Thanks for the picture.

Michael looks great, he's a fine looking hunk. I hope I can find out about Michael's winning personality. You definitely interested me in Michael.

I sent you the only picture I had of me at the time. I'm sending you a picture of Vivian, me, and Rachel (l-r), lady, and a goofy one of me again. I just took it to finish the roll.

I hope Michael is keen on writing me back.

Brenda and Chester never separated. At first she wanted to, but they went to a marriage counselor. He supposedly left for Saudi Arabia in the middle of this month. Brenda is going to live with her in-laws. She says it is close to the base and exchanges (a free baby food program) goes to the in-laws.

No, I didn't check Gail's diaper. I stayed away from that sort of thing. That will come soon enough.

Thanks for the advice on baby sitting. I'll remember them when I want to strangle her. She's so weird and can't tell dangerous and playful apart.

Yes, I love carpentry. I finished the shelves. I have my knick-knacks on them. Yes, I still put model cars together, only when I can afford it.

You really miss your brother don't you? I felt sad again when you mentioned your brother.

Tony never led me into a romantic entanglement. I'm such a hopeless romantic, I began thinking what if...wouldn't it be nice if...Tony truly hurt inside. He was just as confused and worried of another heartbreak. He and his girlfriend realized how much they hurt and needed each other.

You got new lovebirds. We got a new puppy, Mickey Jr. Ma missed our other dog, which was put to sleep. We found him at a city pound. The pound was filthy, the cages smelt, dog excretion was everywhere, including where they walked. They were fed maybe twice a day. The bowl always empty, no water. And Mickey had a ton of fleas plus now roundworms. He is the most troublesome dog we have ever had.

Mr. Powers retired this year. The school had a lot of retired persons and people who resigned. The school is still very messed up for the second week. There is one good thing that happened.

There's a new teacher, Slaton. He talked to me one day & asked me about my college plans. He was astonished I had nothing done (I didn't have a clue how). He made me make a list of things I needed to do, plus a month deadline. He's great. He gave me the kick in the ___ that I needed. I owe him one.

I've got all tough classes, so hopefully this year will be a challenge. I have chemistry, trigonometry, drafting II, humanities (history/English), French II, PE and personal typing. These should keep me busy for a while at least.

My mom got back from her trip to Vietnam. She came home a week early. Some of the things she told me were unbelievable. My family survives on about fifteen dollars a month for five people.

John, I wish I had a different set of parents. When I need help about the real world they won't help me even when I ask. College is a step I truly need help on. I need another person to bring up different sides. When I look to my family, they only bring discouragement and anger. A new teacher, a stranger, is more help than they are.

I'm really mad. I have to go it is real late. Plus this letter is getting too long.

Love always,

Tranh

P.S. Hope you like the pictures.






25 September, 1990

Dear Tranh,

I received the letter you mailed to me on 18 September. I've not answered sooner because I've had some problems I had to work out in my mind.

I do want to thank you for the pictures you sent me. You have a beautiful smile; I'll bet it's infectious. I don't recall getting a letter from Vivian, but I did get one from Rachel, which I answered. Lady looks like she is a wire-haired terrier. Is she the one that Mickey replaced? You never did tell me what happened to Lady other than she was put to sleep. What happened, did she get hit by a car or something?

I'm glad to hear that Brenda and Chester went to a counselor to settle their differences rather than separating. Sometimes it takes a mediator to help work out the kinks in a marriage. With the trouble escalating like it is in the Persian Gulf, it's very likely that Chester will go (if he hasn't already). It would be nice if they parted on a friendly basis.

The final critique I had on my book has left me with doubts. It appears I may have to fictionalize the whole book, or barring that, get authorization from every letter writer. Since it would be near impossible to do the latter, I've opted to try to disguise as much of the identity of the letter writers as possible. I may even have to extrapolate on some of the letters to such an extent that the true writer won't recognize the missive he/she wrote me. Needless to say, this is going to take more time yet.

I didn't have trigonometry until my senior year. Are you in advanced math classes Tranh? It's good that you get that behind you early. What will you take in your senior year, calculus?

I hope what I'm about to say will not harm our relationship. I'm very happy you have found someone (Mr. Slaton) who can give you the proper advice to prepare for college. Everyone should have someone to turn to for such advice. I really think you are being too hard on your parents in this regard. First of all, they are going to help you. Unless I miss my guess, they will be paying most, if not all, of your tuition to go to college. Second, have you considered that they may not have known what steps to take in preparation? I'd guess that neither has been to college (Maybe I'm wrong there, and if I am, I apologize). Perhaps that, or a sense of shame, is the reason they never tried to give you advice.

Lanier H.S. has counselors, such as Mr. Slaton, who are not only up-to-date on what is needed for entrance in college, but can lead you to the proper resource material for preparation. By all means, take advantage of this; that's what they are there for. Try not to put the onus of responsibility on your parents.

I had hoped to be able to get my book published while Mr. Powers, Mr. Malcolm and you students were still around. Now it is beginning to look as if you may all be finished at Lanier H.S. before that happens. From my perspective, it doesn't seem as if much time has passed, but from yours, I'll wager it seems a long time ago that we began this correspondence. Oh well, someday it will happen.

I'm sure your mother's trip to Vietnam was quite an experience for her. I hope she was able to see most of her relatives. Is she going to be able to bring many of them out? Did she have any discussions with government officials over there about visas or passports for her relatives?

Yes, I know the GNP of Vietnam and many other third world countries is low. We in the United States take so many things for granted. We don't realize how good we have it until we travel to some other country. Hopefully, the day will come when more countries can deal with each other on a more equal footing. I'm afraid that day won't be during my lifetime.

I'm glad you like Michael's picture. As I said, he is notoriously bad about writing to me, but then again, I'm not a pretty girl. I hope you have more success with getting him to write than I've had. Did you write to him yet? Did you also send him a picture? He too, is just starting his junior year, so he may be as busy as you.

I've got quite a bit of rewriting work to do for the book. That being the case, I'll say ta-ta for now Tranh. You have a good day for me, huh?

Love,

John

P.S. Your letters can never
be too long!




October 5, 1990

Dear John,

How are you doing? Better I hope. Are all your problems worked out?

Vivian is one of my friends. She's a senior now. No you have never heard of her except in my letters. She has never written you.

No, no, we have three dogs still, Lady was an extra addition. Mickey replaced Pierre, the one that was put to sleep. Pierre was too old and had some kind of problem.

Brenda and Chester are still married. I guess they worked things out. She's now living with her in-laws which makes my parents angry.

I'm truly sorry about your book. I know it meant a lot in its former state. Are you going to make changes in it?

I guess I am in advanced math classes. There are only four juniors in my class, the rest are seniors. Next year it will be difficult since there might not be a calculus class. Yes, I'll take calculus next year.

John, you are way off base when you begin to talk about college. Mr. Slaton is a (my) history/humanities teacher. He was kind enough to make it openly clear that my time is running out. To be well prepared you must start early.

I don't need a bloody counselor to help me. I need my parents to be there for me. My house is like room and board for chores.

I look at it as my parents aren't going to help me pay my tuition. They have never saved for anything. They never expected to pay for anyone's college. I just need them to be objective and show me different views of the college. I know they have never gone, but they can try and help me out.

I need an objective person experienced with the life side!!!

I'm sorry to inform you that Mr. Powers and Mr. Malcolm already retired, they did at the end of last year.

Yeah, ma saw most of her relatives. No, they won't be coming over. They would be better off to live over there with us sending money. It would be too different over here.

Well, I wrote to Michael already. I don't think he'll write me back. Oh well, you win some you loose some. I sent a picture too. I can imagine how busy he is. Plus he just moved to Virginia.

Nothing much has happened here. I'm still looking for a job. I'm having no luck at all.

Oh, I found an address from an old school. I'm writing to see if I can contact my former teachers. You sort of gave me the idea. I hope I can get in touch. It's been eight to five years since I was there. Oh well.

We just got some bad news. It is possible that my mother might have cancer. God, I hope not. You are the only outsider who knows. It's scary when I think of it.

I am looking for college, trying to find the cheapest, best qualified one. They are so expensive.

I wish I had my brother home. I miss him...a lot too. It's hard when you don't talk to your folks and can't find your sister. Ralph was the smart one who knew what to do and how to.

I still can't find a job. I have applied several places. Now I am a working age and I can't find anything.

I have to go John, it is late. Sorry to say nothing new except ma. Say hi to ma Hunt and Jean.

Love,

Tranh




18 October, 1990

Dear Tranh,

Your letter of 5 October arrived several days ago. I've been busy rewriting the book, so I put off answering it until now.

I haven't got all my problems worked out yet, but I'm working on it. I've finished the rewriting to my satisfaction, and I'm pleased with most of the results. It's the proof reader who must be made happy though. That remains to be seen. I've yet to make the changes on diskette; I've only made the changes in the written page.

Fifty some-odd pages have been added by the inclusion of other letters which were not in the original book. I removed all the letters to and from Mr. Powers and Mr. Malcolm and my friend. I have two of your letters in the book. As I told you earlier, I've had to disguise the letters a bit, but you should be able to recognize your own letters and my responses to them. Perhaps you will even be able to recognize some of your friends’ letters.

Sometime next month I intend to resubmit it to the proof reader and she is supposed to give me the names of some publishers/agents who accept the type of work I've written for publication. This is going to cost me some more money, but I hope not much. If this effort fails I'll wait until next April when Augusta College holds a writers' conference. Burgeoning new writers can usually get quite a bit of help from established writers at these conferences.

Sorry about the mix-up on the dogs, but you had never mentioned any to me but Lady. I never knew about Pierre. Now as I understand it you have Mickey and Lady...who's the third dog you mentioned?

Didn't you just have a birthday on 2 October? I may have you confused with someone else, but I think not. If you did, I wish you a belated happy birthday! If memory serves me correctly that would have been your sixteenth birthday. That makes you eligible for a driver's licence. Do you plan to take the test to get one?

I hope you find some success in finding a part time job while in school also. You must persevere in your search. It is a difficult time for a teen to get a job during school year, but the jobs are out there if you are serious about working. If you should find a job, please don't let it interfere with your school work. I'm proud of you for being in the advanced classes and hope you continue to do well.

I've had no success in getting Michael, nor any other of my nephews to write to me since the middle of August. They've called two or three times but not written. I hope you have more luck than I did, but I'm beginning to think those boys are just lazy about writing.

Speaking of writing, you don't say where the school is where you are trying to contact your old teachers. Is it Hinesville, Georgia or prior to that school even? If it was five to eight years ago, that would put it between the third and sixth grades. I wish you luck in making contact. At least you didn't wait thirty-some years to try, like some people I know.

Yes, it is very difficult for someone from a third-world country to assimilate into the mainstream of the American culture. It is a shock for that person to make the changes. It can be done though, as witness the many immigrants that do make it over here. It helps if they have family to help them make the adjustment. Oddly enough, many third world countries have closer knit family units than the majority of "established" Americans. The Asian family units generally have the closest family ties. They are brought up to respect their elders, even older brothers and sisters. We here in America have lost a lot of that family togetherness.

I'm dreadfully sorry to hear about your mother's condition. Your letter sounds a bit doubtful of the diagnosis though (you say possibly); have you heard anything positive since last you wrote me? I certainly hope it is not as you suspected. If it is, perhaps it was caught early enough that it can be stopped. My mother was diagnosed as having thyroid cancer in 1958; she was operated on that year and lived until 1977. Don't give up hope yet Tranh! They are doing wonderful things in cancer research nowadays.

Cold weather is on its way to us finally. It's supposed to drop into the forties tonight. I must say, I welcome the change. We've had hot weather for much too long already. Most of this year has been hot and dry. We've been experiencing drought conditions every year for the last three years. This month though, we've had floods in the Augusta area which came close to doing damage to my house. We were fortunate, though, the water didn't reach us. Those rains would have been most welcome earlier in the year. As it is, most of the farmers around here lost anywhere from 30% to 70% of their crops due to the drought.

Does Ralph write to you from Germany? Do you have a mailing address for him? Being an ex-military man myself, I know how much letters from home can mean to a man. I would be more than happy to write him if you don't think he would be offended by receiving a letter from a stranger. You know me, I'd try to make him feel at ease with my style of writing; I'd keep him appraised of the happenings here in the U.S. from the "little man's" point of view. If you want, I could even act as a conduit between you and him. I certainly would let him know that you are my favorite correspondent!

Along those same lines, if you know of Chester's address, I'd like to write to him too. He is most exposed and in a hostile environment there in the Gulf. It is he who will need the most support from the folks at home. I don't believe in just tying yellow ribbons, but would like to send some words of encouragement also.

I hope you've been able to find a job and have made more concrete plans for the future by the time you get this letter. In my estimation, you deserve only the best of fortunes.

I love hearing from you and hope to do so again soon.

Love, your friend,

John





(letter received today, 05 Nov. '90, and postmarked 2 Nov)

Dear John,

How have you been doing? I'm sorry I haven't written in so long. I received your letter at a bad time. I waited until I cooled down before writing so I wouldn't offend you.

I'm really glad your book is going good. I am expecting to see it on the shelves soon. What did the publisher say? Any news on the book coming out this year?

When you mention Augusta College, I got an idea. Can you send me any and all information on state colleges and scholarships?

I have more confusing news about my dogs. Finally when you have gotten the information in order, I have more. We just got rid of Mickey. He was the new puppy. Now we have Friday the Whippet? (can't spell), it's like a greyhound and the fox terrier Lady.

Thanks for the Birthday wish; it was October 2. Now I am finally sixteen. In two days, I'll register for Driver's Ed. That makes me eligible for a DRIVER'S LICENCE. As soon as I can I will take the test. If I'm lucky I'll be able to get a car soon!!

I have found a slight part time job. On Wednesday and Friday I work at Bingo. I clear maybe twenty dollars a night. I am still looking for a better job though.

I have given up on Michael. I guess the picture turned him off. Oh well! I'm not having any luck contacting my old teachers. It's been about a month or more. I feel like I should just give up!

Thursday my mom goes in for the operation. They really think she has cancer. It doesn't help with the problems I'm having myself with the school administration. Don't worry It isn't serious.

By the way, what is your number? I know it is unlisted. I called information.

No, I haven't heard from Ralph for quite a few months. I know he's busy and doesn't want to write in his only spare time. I do have his address. I wouldn't want you to write him. He doesn't want somebody to write that he doesn't know. I miss him so much though. I don't even know Chester or his address. Don't be offended, but I wouldn't give you his either. I miss my family so much.

Thanks for the job encouragement.

Not much has happened since the last time I wrote. I got a computer for my
B-day. I don't know how to use it yet. I really can't wait to go back to Georgia and my home girls! I just don't like Rhode Island anymore.

I'm sorry this is such a boring dry letter; hopefully a more exciting one next time.

Love,

Tranh




06 November, 1990

Dear Tranh,

I certainly hope that it wasn't anything I said that made you mad when you got my last letter. I've re-read that letter and can find nothing offensive in it.

The impression I get from your letter is one of anger and disappointment. The expressed dislike for Rhode Island and the longing for a return to Georgia, leads me to believe that perhaps you've had some upsetting experiences in school or with your friends or parents. Then too, it could be you are hurt or confused over your mother's illness. If you would like to talk about it with me, I'd be glad to lend you my ear or a sympathetic shoulder to lean upon (figuratively speaking).

How is your mother? Thursday has passed and the operation you mentioned should have been performed by now. Do the doctors have anything further to say? I hope the news is encouraging!

Shame on you Tranh! Your parents bought you a computer and you don't even tell me what kind it is. Give me all the details you can about it. Don't feel that it is too difficult to learn how to use. I was cowed when I first got mine too, but after a while, you began to think of it as just another tool to help you get the job done. Please let me know more about yours because I may be able to send you a disk which will help you learn how to use it. I have both the 3.5 drive unit and a 5.25 drive unit so can send you either disk. If your model is incompatible, it
wouldn't work though.

The news you wanted about state colleges or scholarships will take a while for me to dig up. I know there is a book out which list scholarships that are available and how to apply for them. I'll try to track that down. I can probably get you some information about Augusta College, which is a community college, but we have two bigger state colleges called Georgia Southern, near Statesboro, and the University of Georgia near Athens.

Most community colleges are small and the tuition for local residents is relatively cheap (about $500 a semester). It is a good place to take the core curriculum subjects for the first two years, but then if you want to major in a subject for a degree, usually you have to transfer to a state college. That can be expensive.

I'm sorry that Michael hasn't written to you. If it makes you feel any better, he hasn't answered my last two letters either. I told you I didn't think he would be a good letter writer. I don't think it has anything to do with your picture.

I'm happy you were able to find a part time job. That's probably all that is available for a student who is going to school. What are the tasks you are required to do at a bingo game? Do you call the numbers?

I was never very lucky at bingo. I think I won a carton of cigarettes once at a U.S.O. bingo game in Korea. As a matter of fact, I've never been too lucky at winning anything. That doesn't stop me from trying though. I've been trying to win the Reader's Digest Sweepstakes for the last seventeen years.

Don't give up so easily on trying to contact your old friends or teachers. If you don't hear anything right away, follow-up with another letter. That's what I did with the school I attended in Argentia, Newfoundland in 1957-58. I didn't hear anything for three months, but I'd send a letter every month. I finally got an answer. The school was no longer a high school (K-8), and the principal had no recollection or records of any teachers or students. I had waited too long (over thirty years) to try to make contact.

My telephone number is unlisted, but I can give it to you. It is area code 404, _______. Whatever will you tell your parents, though, about calling me? Surely they will want to know!

If you don't want me writing to Ralph or Chester, I'll abide by your wishes. I had only thought to let them know of my support and pride in their service to our country, especially in these perilous times. As a former serviceman, I can appreciate how they would feel knowing that the people back home support their efforts.

I've just completed going through my 1989 World Almanac and culling out some information about colleges for you. I've made a long list of the two and four year colleges in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts that you might be able to attend. I haven't yet got around to the scholarships. You should be able to get information on scholarships directly from the guidance counselor at your school, or perhaps by writing to the college you think you would like to attend. Also the librarian at the public library should have some of that information.

I found it a bit tedious looking up all these schools but it was not without its rewards to me also. I've come across the names of two executive officers at these colleges who may have been my former teachers. I will have to write them and see. They are Margaret A. McKenna, who may have been my principal at Arthur L. Bristol H.S. in Newfoundland in 1957-58, and Dr. Robert A. Corrigan who may have taught civics/drivers education there at Lanier H.S. So you see, in helping you, I may have found a key to my past. Wouldn't that be exciting though? I'll let you know what I find out.

I was up early this morning to put out my flag and to go vote. I'm not completely satisfied with the choices I had to choose from. About half of the candidates were incumbents running unopposed. Unfortunately, Georgia doesn't have a "none of the above" choice that one can make when voting. If the candidate is unopposed, he is automatically reelected. Some of those scalawags definitely do not deserve to be in office.

I hope you are able to use the information I've gathered for you. You must make the final selection of which college you are going to attend. It is best if you write to several colleges that look interesting and ask for particulars on their college. They will probably send you a brochure which gives more information. Good luck with your search Tranh! It is well that you are preparing ahead of time. Most students let it go until the last minute, I know I did.

Take care, and write again soon Tranh.

Your friend,

John