Man Is Shown A Set Of World War II Western Union Telegrams And Realizes Just How Close He Came To Not Being Born

We tend to overlook the past from time to time, not realizing what could’ve been.

However, for one man who was shown a set World War II Western Union telegrams he is just now realizing how close he came to never being born.

Reddit user JobanDawks posted the telegrams to the photo sharing site Imgur that explain the terrifying experience for his great grandfather as a prisoner of war in Germany.

Arriving by way of the U.S. Government, these telegrams informing his great grandmother of the situation are an interesting look into one family and their experience during the war.

“The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your husband Private Billy G. Pape has been reported missing in action since twenty two December in Luxembourg. If further details or other information are received you will be promptly notified,” reads the first telegram dated February 27th, 1945.

A full three months of agonizing uncertainty, the users great grandmother receives a second telegram on May 26th, 1945 informing her that her husband is now back with the military.

“The Secretary of War desires me to inform you your husband Pvt. Pape Billy G returned to military control 08 May 45,” the letter reads.

Another update arrives to Mrs. Pape on June 17th, 1945 notifying her that her husband will be returning to the United States in the near future.

“The Chief of Staff of the Army directs me to inform you your husband Pvt. Pape Billy is being returned to the United States within the near future and will be given an opportunity to communicate with you upon arrival.”

The man’s great grandmother finally hears from her husband in the final telegram issued on June 20th, 1945 assuring her that everything is ok.

“Arrived safely expect to see you soon don’t attempt to contact or write me here. Love, Bill.”

Just taking the story for what it is, user JobanDawks just wanted to share some interesting family history with others until one user brought up just how close he came to possibly never being born.

“Think how close you were from not being born,” said one user.

Hitting him all of a sudden, “I’ve literally never put it in that context before. Wow,” he said.

“Yeah because my grandmother would have been conceived not that long after my great grandfather returned. Great. Now I’ve got chills,” he continued.

This interesting little bit of history just goes to show you how the smallest change to the past could alter so much.

What do you think of these WWII telegrams that this Reddit user posted online? Do you have any unique family history such as this?