I’m glad to hear you’re a fighter pilot, and I’m sure you’re a good one. Every time I hear airplanes overhead, I look for you, not that I’d recognize your plane. It makes me feel good that when I go into action, you’ll be overhead protecting us boys on the ground. Once again, Adler Paxton will beat up any bullies who pick on his little brother. And if I see any enemy planes chasing you fellows, I’ll pop a few rounds their way.

I miss you, Adler. You made my life fun and adventurous. Without your example, I don’t know if I’d have been Ranger material. You showed me how to balance excellence in school, sports, and friendship. Your humor and high spirits always lifted me. I’ve probably never told you, but I love you very much.

Please know my forgiveness is genuine and deep.

Your brother forever,
Clay

Clay inserted the letter in the envelope and wrote “Adler Paxton” on it.

A strange thing happened as he wrote the letters. The more he wrote, the more he wanted to be kind, to reassure his brothers, to grant them peace after he was gone, with no regrets. The more he wrote the words of forgiveness, the more he felt them, the more he meant them, and the more he knew them to be right and true.

One last letter. The most difficult of all.

My darling wife,

If you’re reading this letter, it means you’ve already received a telegram. I pray this letter won’t cause any additional distress. You’re a strong woman, and I know you’ll bear the loss of our friendship with grace.

Take comfort in knowing I’m with Jesus, as I take comfort in knowing you and Helen are set for life. The GI life insurance will easily last six years, and the check from Wyatt will cover another few years. Perhaps you could use it to pay for library school when Helen starts school.

To make the money stretch further, I urge you to accept my parents’ invitation to move to Kerrville. This would place you in the midst of family. Our daughter would have more aunts, uncles, and cousins than she could shake her pudgy fist at.

I also think you’re just what the Paxtons need. Daddy and Mama have forgiven Wyatt and Adler, but things could be tense. Your sweet spirit would be a tonic for my ailing family.

As for your own family, once again I urge you to visit Chicago. I pray the Lord will lead you to your sisters.

Thank you for your example. Your devotion to your family showed me the importance of my own. Your wise words and mercy toward all who have harmed you helped me to forgive my brothers and to let them know of that forgiveness.