and then i told him all sorts of stuff about my life : how my dad took off on me before i could even speak , and how i sometimes get lonely , but i am very loyal and would make a good pen pal if he were interested in writing someone who appreciated the sacrifices he made for our country back in 'nam , but understood if he did n't want to talk about all of that-i just wanted him to know that americans like me welcome him home now , and shame on anyone who made him feel otherwise , back in the day .