Emily wrote this letter to Don in August, 1979.  He was working and living in Saudi Arabia, and the kids and I were waiting for housing and visas so we could join him.  We finally got there in January, 1980, and were so happy to be a family again.

August 13, 1979

Dear Daddy,

I colored this picture.  Mommy did the letter for me.  I wish you were here.  Mark is getting bigger.  I think we’ll bring our bikes.  Daddy, I hope that you’re safe.  I say my prayers some nights, but not every night.  I hope that you have choosed us a nice home.  My mom bought me some gum and Nate is getting four pieces of his.  Daddy, I hope this is a nice letter.  Markie is not being good, but he’s being good.  On Saturday night we picked up our legos and straightened our room.  This is the end of my letter.

I went to Mr. Steak tonight.  I had big French fries – bigger than McDonald’s.  I had shrimp and I gave my mom one piece, but I ate half and she ate the rest of it all gone.

I had to write a little more, but I said this is the end of my letter.

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I love memories from my kids’ early years.