Why I Pray

This book is dedicated to my father’s baby brother, Private Burnette Lewelling, lovingly called Little Bud by his family of four sisters and three brothers. He was unmarried and worked on the farm like a lot of men did during this time. Burnette joined the military. He was only 26 years old when he died on September 10,1942, in India. The initial report and newspaper article said he lost his life in the line of duty. After several letters back and forth with military, the family learned that Burnette shot himself in the head. Military personnel confirmed that he suffered from depression. From his letters, the family knew he missed home. It is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of depression. Some blame a chemical imbalance, and some say there’s an abnormal cell connection. After reading all of his letters and the family members’ responses, I felt a sense of longing and sadness that I never got to know him. By writing this book, I want to honor him as well as others who have depression and can’t find a way out. Through my book, I hope that you will look for God and find faith to see you through. If my work helps one person, I will feel elated. Please pass these pages on to others.