Breakfast club family album (1942)

seems to have become soft and self indulgent — too pleas¬ ure-loving, taking all from life and giving little in return. I admit the sin belongs to MY generation. Things were not always easy for us of the older generation, and in our mistaken love and blindness we have tried to shield you younger ones from hardships — forgetting it is by eternal struggle and fighting mankind becomes strong, physically and morally. Alas, my generation has sown the wind and your generation must reap the whirlwind. It seems unfair, but remember when you are paying our debt, we will be suffering a thousandfold because of our mistakes. It is old-fashioned to speak of honor, selfsacrifice and duty — yes, even of God — the family cheque¬ book has taken the place of the family Bible in many homes, but history, especially the Bible (which is the history of mankind), teaches that whenever man has had life too easy he has turned to money-madness, self-indul¬ gence and wickedness. Then have come wars, catastro¬ phes and misery until he turned to God. We are not alone — whole generations of mankind before us have trod the path. So it is our task to cling fast to that which is good, true and noble and find the right path again. I pray we may win victory over our enemies, but even more shall I pray that we win victory over the selfish¬ ness and warring elements within ourselves. When we have gained that victory nothing from without can ever really conquer us. My prayers will wrap you as in a coat of armor, but should it be your lot to pay the supreme price — which God forbid — then it is better to die for a constructive cause than to live an unconstructive life. While war is anything but a constructive thing, I believe the aftermath of this conflict will usher in an era of the greatest spirit¬ ual awakening this world has ever known, I am proud that you will have a share in this work. As you know, we are so much alike you have always been very near and dear to me, and I feel it is fitting that you, of all my children, should be called to fight for the ideals which I have taught you. I would feel dishonored if my son should fail his country and me at this great time in hu¬ man history — I would feel that I had lived in vain. Forgive me if I seem a trifle melodramatic — just re¬ member this is an unusual day in my life. Tomorrow I will write you all the foolish mother-things about eating proper food, keeping your feet dry, etc., but today I am more concerned with your spiritual needs. My love and prayers will be w’ith you always. Wherever you may be sent my heart-beats will keep time to your marching feet, and I pray they will lead to victory. Ever your devoted Mother A MOTHER TO A SON IN SERVICE Wherever you are this day, my precious son, God hold you close, God keep you safe from harm. In this strange victory that must be won It takes your youth, your strength of heart and mind. Your valor and your courage and your might To bring to pass the miracle of peace. God keep you facing forward toward the light That waits ahead for you when war shall cease. Take God as your companion, 0 dear Heart, We must not, dare not face the days alone. With Him for comrade we can do our part And staunchly, bravely face the great unknown. I, too, must be a valiant soldier, for That is what mothers are when there is war. — Grace Noll Crowell I Page 17