Dear Mother and Father,

It's been two years since Joe and Jim left to fight in the war in Europe, but it feels like they've been gone much longer. Mona and I are very poud of them, even though we were absolutely terrified for them to go.

The younger children have been a great help in the store, though. We seem to be busier than ever lately. So many things have been rationed since the war and people often trade butter coupons for sugar coupons since many people make their own butter at home.

Wholesalers often deliver hard-to-find items to us, sometimes without even asking, and Cousin Ali even sends us things from Halifax. We have too many items to sell all at once, so we have to hide some of them behind the counter and even in our own home!

I feel guilty that we have enough extra food in our home to feed several families while so many people around the world have to do without. It's hard to ask the children to tell customers certain items aren't available when they're hidden beneath the counter. It's even harder to explain why they can't eat any of the cookies and chocolate bars stored throughout the house.

It saddens me most of all to hear how the Nazis are treating the Jewish people in Europe. It's hard to believe people can still act so horribly to others, just because of religion.

I hope peace arrives sooner and our entire family can be together again.

Your loving son,

Omar

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