And, if this is how your mate truly writes... and feels, you must be blessed to have him, as well. I have to ask, did you study any 'letters from the front' to match the style? This just seems to fit my image of the mourning soldier. The sixth paragraph, in particular, just sent a chill down my spine, but in a good way. You should be very proud of both parts of this.

Thank you again!

:) Jas is not a writer, by nature, but when he is inspired, his spoken words are similar (it's the artist in him, lol). The writer in me loves it! It also makes it so much easier to "hear" him in my head when I write.

No, I did not study any letters from the front to help me with this per se. You see I started to write to soldiers way back when I was in college (During Operation Desert Storm and the Gulf War) and am currently part of the Any Soldier (Marine, Sailor, Airman) writing project through my church - I have a Marine group and Army bunch - that I correspond with -platonicly - whose letters are touching. Insomuch as what they miss and surpriseingly, sometimes its the little things. In a way I guess I just incorporated the style with the 'response'.

Again, sorry for the lengthy reply! Thanks!

Ahhh, I see. I had a feeling that you must have had some prior knowledge, anyway. The words just felt right.
Jas sounds quite gifted, incidentally. I only wish that I could speak so well; the only way I can is with the written word, after many, many drafts, and even then, I don't think I do so well. ^_^
It's good of you to give your time and caring that way. I may despise our President's war, but I have nothing but the utmost sympathy for the soldiers.

Oh don't worry about the words being perfect. After all it is the feelings that are behind it that counts. Connect with the feelings and just write, what comes out will be fine. Will it be gramatically correct or perfect the first time...no...but even I have to mould it until it just is right - to me.

I have no doubt your writing, even the first drafts, are better than you think (what is it about us writers? lol)I look forward to reading your stuff.

Thank you, I appreciate that. I think it's the curse of all artists; you have to be immensely arrogant to believe that your own (art) is excellent. :)
That is what I try to do; for the most part, whatever I'm writing, I just let it flow spontaneously, then when I'm done, I'll come back to mould it into shape. I don't do well with outlining et al, heh heh.

LOL you and I both...I don't know how one can organize or outline prior to writing...ah well to each their own! But I do find myself always carrying a pen and pad since something always seems to come up when I least expect it and I have to write it down! I've scribbled on endless napkins and paper towels that I've had to organize later!

*smile* I know the feeling. I usually try to rely on my memory; if it sticks in that morass of lost thoughts, then it's got to be a good idea. I do keep a file of my best or most elaborate ideas, though, just to be on the safe side.
Anyway, you'll probably notice that tendency if/when you get to my series... I do tend to ramble a little because of it, heh heh.