52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks 2019 Edition: Week 2 --Harold Murrell's Challenge
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Week 2: Challenge
What is genealogy without a little challenge? Two ways that you might interpret this prompt is to share an ancestor who was a challenge to find or an ancestor who faced his or her own challenges.
I can't believe it's almost been a year since my dad died. The first part of 2018 was a bit of blur as a result. I put on hold researching my ancestors for a good chunk of the year. I needed time to process things. I needed time to just be.
I still have a bunch of memorabilia from him I have to process. I created albums and filed a lot of paperwork. I enjoyed reading letters my dad wrote when he went through basic training. As far as I know, this was the first time my dad had spent a significant amount of time away from home and his family. His tone in these letters I would describe as optimistic for the most part. Behind all the reassurances he gives to his mother in these letters, I can feel a bit of his loneliness. He had to endure the challenge of being away from his family. He did his darnedest to give the impression that he was doing just fine though. I can tell he didn't want his mom to worry.
Anyhow I made a memory book of these letters and from time to time I will share one. My dad was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia for his basic training.
Sept 19, 1964
Dear Mother
I hope all is well with you, Janice and Daddy. I'm doing very well. Today we were issued our rifles. Things are beginning to pick up. The morning we had a physical training class.
They make you run everywhere. A trainee is not allowed to walk in the company area. Before every meal you have to pull yourself through a series of racks suspended over the ground. Each rack revolves when you grab hold of it which makes it tougher. Don't get worried I've made it through every time. It gets easier with each try.
Don't worry about me having enough money, because I have plenty. I intend to have more pictures made if I get the chance. When you have those pictures that we took my last Sunday home developed, send me some wallet size pictures. I miss all of you and especially Brenda. I'm going to marry her as soon I can save a little money. She's such a warm gentle person, qualities which seem to be dying out in most people. The smartest thing I ever did was putting that ring on her finger. We're going to have such a good life together.
In a way it's a good thing that I'm in the army. All ready I appreciate the life I left behind. I also have a clearer picture of where I'm going. So don't worry about me I'll write whenever I have time. Until I see you again I send you and Daddy and Janice all my love.
Your loving son
Harold
PVT Harold Murrell US51549110
Company E 3rd Battalion
1st Training Regiment
Fort Gordon, Georgia
Mrs. Ethel Murrell
110-11 195 Street
Hollis 12, N.Y.
Week 2: Challenge
What is genealogy without a little challenge? Two ways that you might interpret this prompt is to share an ancestor who was a challenge to find or an ancestor who faced his or her own challenges.
I can't believe it's almost been a year since my dad died. The first part of 2018 was a bit of blur as a result. I put on hold researching my ancestors for a good chunk of the year. I needed time to process things. I needed time to just be.
I still have a bunch of memorabilia from him I have to process. I created albums and filed a lot of paperwork. I enjoyed reading letters my dad wrote when he went through basic training. As far as I know, this was the first time my dad had spent a significant amount of time away from home and his family. His tone in these letters I would describe as optimistic for the most part. Behind all the reassurances he gives to his mother in these letters, I can feel a bit of his loneliness. He had to endure the challenge of being away from his family. He did his darnedest to give the impression that he was doing just fine though. I can tell he didn't want his mom to worry.
Anyhow I made a memory book of these letters and from time to time I will share one. My dad was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia for his basic training.
Sept 19, 1964
Dear Mother
I hope all is well with you, Janice and Daddy. I'm doing very well. Today we were issued our rifles. Things are beginning to pick up. The morning we had a physical training class.
They make you run everywhere. A trainee is not allowed to walk in the company area. Before every meal you have to pull yourself through a series of racks suspended over the ground. Each rack revolves when you grab hold of it which makes it tougher. Don't get worried I've made it through every time. It gets easier with each try.
Don't worry about me having enough money, because I have plenty. I intend to have more pictures made if I get the chance. When you have those pictures that we took my last Sunday home developed, send me some wallet size pictures. I miss all of you and especially Brenda. I'm going to marry her as soon I can save a little money. She's such a warm gentle person, qualities which seem to be dying out in most people. The smartest thing I ever did was putting that ring on her finger. We're going to have such a good life together.
In a way it's a good thing that I'm in the army. All ready I appreciate the life I left behind. I also have a clearer picture of where I'm going. So don't worry about me I'll write whenever I have time. Until I see you again I send you and Daddy and Janice all my love.
Your loving son
Harold
PVT Harold Murrell US51549110
Company E 3rd Battalion
1st Training Regiment
Fort Gordon, Georgia
Mrs. Ethel Murrell
110-11 195 Street
Hollis 12, N.Y.
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