The Lincoln Times

SEAMAN CANIPE
WRITES PARENTS

Mr. and Mrs. James N. Canipe, of Lincolnton, Route 1, have received the following letter from their son, Charles R. Canipe, seaman first class, whose address is APO 63, care Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.:

October 26, 1944.

My Dearest Mother, Dad and All:

Somewhere over here is your loving son, who is me, with my thoughts at home, where they stay most of the time. Just wanted to write a few lines to let you know that I am in the best of health and feeling very good.

I suppose you are well at home, or that's what I understand from my recall in prayer. So, therefore, Mother, you haven't any fears, and neither does Dad, because it's all as I have told you before, and I will repeat again. I have no fears whether I'm in danger or safety zones, because God holds me in His arms and leads me, and where He leads I will follow. For I have found that everywhere I go I find God there and so I'm always at ease.

This little verse I memorized from a book some time ago, and I truly confess it to be a part of my life:

"When day is done and shadows fall across a warring land,
My sleep is always peaceful because I hold God's hand."

Yes, Mother and Dad, as I stroll along through life over land or water my mind runs everywhere, but most of all it runs home and over the thoughts of well spoken words from my dear parents when my last time of stay was at home. It seems to me that I can hear you say to me:

"Though deep within our hearts there are countless thoughts we can't express when it comes time to part. Of course we'll tell you to be brave when you are far away, but first of all comes this advice, 'Son, don't forget to pray.'

We won't be with you over there, your hand can't touch ours when you reach for just a friendly clasp, and comes remembrance then, but up above there's someone who hears every word you say. So when things are the toughest son, just don't forget to pray.

There isn't much we can say to help when times like these arise, except to say its best to look for aid up in the skies. For He who watches over you, since you have gone away will be the one who cares for you. So don't forget to pray."

This poem has some of the sweetest words I have ever heard.

I have a prayer here I want to send you that a soldier wrote just before he went into battle:

Through clouds of war and miles of space
I hear you softly, sweetly pray.
I see you kneel at close of day,
I hear you softly, sweetly pray.

O God, please keep him from all harm
Please let him rest upon your arm.
And give him strength to conquer trial.
Protect his foot all the while.

Your son,
Charles.