Below is a letter I found in Grandma Foster’s Scrapbook. It was written in 1940 by Sheldon H. Kinney… the Fosters’ next door neighbor in Pasadena, CA… quite an accomplished young 25 year old. Here is a newspaper article published in the Chicago Tribune about him:
Interesting how they published his parents’ home address, huh? I don’t think we’d see that in today’s press, do you?
While at sea, during World War Two, Sheldon wrote this heartfelt letter to his parents:
How Grandma Foster got ahold of that letter so she could include it in her scrapbook is a mystery. But, it is there… preserved for me to share! I hope you find it as inspiring as I do. Makes me wish I had written something similar to my parents when I was 25! But, did I have the insight at that age to “see my parents as man and woman” the way Sheldon did? I doubt it.
How very precious to read Sheldon’s praise of his parents, and to feel the warmth they must have felt when reading those accolades!
As I continue to sift through the scrapbook’s treasures, I will gladly share others with you. I hope you are enjoying these as much as I am!
How beautuful! What a wonderful tribute, Jan. I feel much the same way about my parents, and I know you do about yours as well. And I am sure your children feel the same way! Thanks for sharing this bit of history with us.
I wonder what ever became of Lt. Cmdr Sheldon and his parents. He rose up through the ranks fairly quickly to be a Lt. CMDR at 25, and in charge of a ship. Amazing individual. Probably born around 1919. I pray that he lived a long and happy life.
The Kinneys lived a long life. They visited Bob’s parents & grandmother in Hughson annually until Gladys Kinney died at a ripe old age. Sheldon became commandant of Annapolis.
Comments on: "1940 Tribute to Parents" (8)
How beautuful! What a wonderful tribute, Jan. I feel much the same way about my parents, and I know you do about yours as well. And I am sure your children feel the same way! Thanks for sharing this bit of history with us.
You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it as I did. Happy we had the blessing of such dear parents, too. We were more fortunate than many are!
Yes! :>)
I wonder what ever became of Lt. Cmdr Sheldon and his parents. He rose up through the ranks fairly quickly to be a Lt. CMDR at 25, and in charge of a ship. Amazing individual. Probably born around 1919. I pray that he lived a long and happy life.
The Kinneys lived a long life. They visited Bob’s parents & grandmother in Hughson annually until Gladys Kinney died at a ripe old age. Sheldon became commandant of Annapolis.
More treasures
Yes! 👍🏽 Thanks, Derrick.
This is such a treasure! Beautiful tribute!