My dear Cal,

As you yourself have already experienced what it means to have the family circle broken by the death of the father, and have felt how much the sympathy of friends is appreciated at such a time, you will be able to realize fully what I mean in saying that your warm words of sympathy to myself and other members of the family were received with a degree of gratefulness that no one who has not had a similar experience can understand.

I never was so staggered in my life, as when, on Wednesday morning, the news of my father's sudden death reached me. Nothing could have been more unexpected, and it is only now, that he has been laid away, that I am beginning to realize that it is really so.

To my mother the shock of father's sudden death was particularly trying, for it was she, upon entering his room with his breakfast, that found him dead. Mother is bearing it bravely, however, though at times it comes back upon her with sickening effect.

All our relatives and friends have been particularly kind in their expressions of sympathy, but, speaking for myself, there is none for whose words I have felt more grateful than for your own. Mother and the rest also wish me to express particularly their appreciation of your kindness.

Very gratefully yours,

John M. Rioch