In this heartfelt episode of Chatting with Betsy, host Betsy Wurzel shares the story of letters from war that became a source of strength, healing, and legacy. Her guest, Don Eggspuehler, is a Marine Corps pilot whose daily letters to his mother, Eleanor, became her anchor during the Vietnam War—and his own lifeline decades later.
Don made a promise before he left for Vietnam: “I’ll write to you every day.” For Eleanor, those letters from war were more than words—they were proof her son was still alive. They were the heartbeat of her hope. And for Don, writing them gave meaning to chaos, and comfort in knowing his mother was reading his words across the world.
📬 Each Envelope Carried Love, Fear, and Survival From flight school to combat missions, Don kept his promise. Eleanor saved every letter from war—pages full of humor, heartache, danger, and tenderness. Later, reading them again became a shared healing experience between generations.
📖 Why This Book Matters Today Letters to Mom isn’t just a record of war. It’s a blueprint for how storytelling can preserve history, connect families, and offer comfort. For veterans, mothers, and anyone who’s waited for news from a loved one far away, these letters from war bring both tears and inspiration.
🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Interview:
- How one mother and son created a legacy through simple, daily letters
- Why Don believes storytelling is a tool for healing
- The personal cost of war, long after the missions ended
- The role of humor and memory in processing trauma
- A tribute to the mothers who waited and worried—and never let go of hope
📚 Explore Don’s Books:
- Letters to Mom
- Life Lessons Learned in Grade School (Parts One and Two)
📆 https://www.lifelessonsbooks.net/about-the-author
📧 lifelessonslearnedin@gmail.com
🎖️ Give Back: Honor Veterans in Their Final Days Betsy urges listeners to support Veteran’s Last Patrol, a nonprofit ensuring aging veterans are remembered, celebrated, and not alone. Whether through letters, visits, or gratitude, you can make a difference.
🙏 A Final Word of Thanks To Don, to Vietnam veterans, and to every mother who waited for a letter from war—thank you.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: 🙌Click here to listen…
