From Fathers to Sons
East Los Angeles
December 1943
Dear Arthur:
Just a little reading matter for your spare moments on the train or bus for I may not see you before you go.
I envy you. I wish I was going, for I know you will travel and see many strange lands and learn many things beneficial to you and your future.
Nevertheless, you need a little encouragement, for it is something new and naturally you will be very homesick for the first few days. And as you know, the beginners always get the dirty end, like freshmen at schools, so keep it in mind and be patient and strive to overcome all obstacles, and continue to go onward and forward. Your record so far has been excellent, keep it that way. Do not let any temptation get the best of you and mar it with a black mark.
Arthur, above all do not lose your faith in your Heavenly Father. Through Him and with His help, I have been able to bring you to up to the man you are now. Never fail, whatever you do, go to church every Sunday and receive Holy Communion as often as you can, thereby strengthening your soul and body so that you may resist all temptation and comply with your duties, faithfully and eagerly.
For if you keep your soul and body clean, you have nothing to fear, not even death, for as you know we are only here as long as Our Lord wants us, and your life is not secure any place. But if we are prepared and we are called, a better place than this world awaits us.
Your military training will take care of your development as a fighter. Some men will notice the difference between their right foot and their left. Others will learn how to throw up a gun up on their shoulder without even cracking their chin. But your growth as a man will be left chiefly to yourself. If you have comei nto the army with any moral principles then hold onto them and don’t let anyone take them away from you. If you have come into the army without any moral principles, then in the name of God and as an American Citizen of God develop some in your new life and don’t be afraid to approach your chaplain. We are all in this war together, to train, to fight, and to win. We all want to win to get back to our cities and towns and to our normal conditions of life.
I brought you that servicemen’s prayer book, and a medal, including a rosary, so make use of them in your spare moments, and pray for me. I will be with you in spirit helping you with my prayers, so go in peace my dear boy, and do not worry. God bless you. Good luck and thank you for the splendid boy you have been to me.
Your loving father,
Greg
Whittier
September 1975
My dad, Arthur, was sitting at a desk writing checks in the family room. I walked over to speak to him.
“Dad, I decided to ask Maria to marry me.”
He didn’t seem surprised. I don’t think he even looked up.
“What did she have to say?”
“She said yes.”
“Well, I figured as much.” I knew my Dad, and he knew me. I understood the very few words:
“I believe in you, son. Congratulations.”
The Consequence Talks
Grass Valley,
August, 2001
August, 2004
August, 2009
“Son, going off to college is a big step forward. Up until now, you’ve had your mom and dad looking out for you. Once you are on your own, it is up to you to make your choices.
“You should understand that when you make a choice, there are consequences. Some consequences are obvious, but there are some that may be not obvious.
“Whether obvious or not, you are responsible for these consequences. Here’s an example: a guy goes to the frat house, gets drunk, and wakes up in bed with a random woman passed out next to you. The last thing you remembered was chugging beers and staggering upstairs.
“You never signed up for consequences - an unwanted pregnancy, diseases, a shotgun wedding with a stupid, drunk young woman, financial obligations, etc. But the choice you made created these consequences. The choice to get yourself blasted at a frat party was your downfall.
“The lesson is this: you when choosing any choice, it is your responsibility to figure out the consequences it could cause you and other people. You should think it through before you pull the trigger. We have two types of people: 1) the ones who think things out; 2) dumb people. The choices you make create the way life goes. Be responsible.
“Not just for yourself. For your Dad and Mom.”
Love,
Dad
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