My dear wife,
No, I could not obtain the orthopedic surgery I was admitted for and had planned for two months; due to the high minded principles of the Democrat Senators who thought the sons and daughters of illegal aliens more fit to be cared for than me and my fellow combat wounded and disabled veterans of the wars they ardently signed on to before the signed off of in the last several decades.
My spirits are high though, knowing that me and my band of brothers who bore the fight for so long are indeed well thought of by our families and local communities.
As to your concerns regarding the outcome of a long term shutdown, yes, we would drain off our savings to pay for necessities such as our mortgage and utilities and insurances, but indeed, all discretionary spending would have to be curtailed until and if the government sees fit to retro-actively pay such fairly earned benefits like our military retired pay and VA disability compensation. I
I think myself blessed to know that my wounds and disabilities are minor compared to by fellow warriors. At least I am hale and whole enough and can find certain work, even if that means we would have to enlist our dear daughter to be more present and helpful since you cannot be long unattended due to your stroke condition.
All told, this reminds me that our Dear LORD and Savior holds our lives carefully in His hands and our Father has blessings beyond imagination for those who trust Him wholly.
Be assured, dear wife and friend, that our bounty or bane is not our governments responsibility in the end, but rather it is our GOD and Creator who bestows immeasurable blessing on His dear children.
Faith, Hope and Love remain, and Love being the most blessed....
My very dear Wife: The indications are very strong that we shall not get relief from the Great Struggle of the Government Shutdown. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more …
I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the fight against the Shutdown in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans on the triumph of Government Spending, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and sufferings of the many Continuing Resolutions. And I am willing — perfectly willing — to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt …
Amanda my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Federal Government and it's Mighty Spending, comes over me like a strong wind and bears me unresistibly on with all these chains to the battle field.
The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them for so long. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me — perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little boys, that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not my dear Amanda, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on Capitol Hill, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have often times been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness …
The Shutdown is a struggle and a horror I hope my young boys will never have to endure. The soulless nature of Congress! Damn them for inflicting this wretched thing upon us!