Introductions by Debra
This is a true, first-hand account of the innermost thoughts of Art to his beloved Lois, written while serving our country as a United States Marine during World War II. My name is Debra and I am sharing the gifts of Art’s Love Letters. Art was my grandfather and Lois was my grandmother. It was 1944 and they were 21 years old when the letters began.
Although it has been a week since I read Letter #6, Letter #7 was written the very next day. In the last letter, Art had been in the barracks all alone with his thoughts and was very tired. He planned to go to sleep dreaming of her as he always did and sleep until noon.
The Letter Transcript
Sunday, April 30, 1944
Darling,
I did exactly what I said in yesterday’s letter. Stayed in the sack till twelve, finally came to and realized what time it was. Barely made chow but that sleep was just what the doctor ordered. Feel really good this afternoon.
Well, taking pictures this day has been called off on account of rain. Terrible day today, cold and a drizzly rain. Writing to you with part of my body wrapped around the stove. One half of me warm the other half cold. You know it never rains in California, the people call it liquid sunshine.
Mail from house finally has come. One was from my Sis. Told her all about you and she really thinks I have it bad. Sis says you must be one grand girl the way I write. Wish I could send them your picture but that is out as I’d be completely lost without it. Just have to be satisfied with the description I gave of you. Folks never did like the other two girls I went with back home and now after knowing you, Honey, I don’t see what I saw in them either. Mother says as long as I’m sure, swell.
Never was sure of anything in my life before. Love is something hard to define, but when you have it you just know. The true test of love is when two persons, like ourselves, are separated and love continues. Darling, I’m so much love with you that it actually hurts.
When you told me you’d accept a ring my heart started jumping all over. So happy couldn’t keep it to myself. Told all the fellows but said they knew I was crazy over you and the ring was just a matter of formality. Now I have to buy all the fellows beer as soon as I get paid.
Oh my gosh, sitting here thinking about you and remembered that I was going to church this morning. Clearly forgot, so help me Honey. Maybe you ought to bawl me out in your next letter. What to say, do I catch heck or not?
Dear, please don’t mind if this letter is a little short. The plain truth of the matter is I’m running short of writing paper. “P.X.” is closed on Sunday and the boys will not be back until tonight. Will write lots more in the next letter, ok?
Oh yeah, don’t you ever say another word about your letters, just write them and let me be the critic. I love everything you put in them so my “Little One” just keep writing. Bye for now, Honey, hope there’s a letter for me tomorrow.
All My Love,
Art
P.S. Regards to the girls
Art also includes a picture in this letter. On the back it reads “Lois, this is the only picture I have with me of myself overseas. What do you think? Does it look like me? Ha Ha
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Question #1: What is up with the picture? At first, I couldn’t see anything at all and then I noticed the butt cheeks. Then it became more clear I was looking at the backside of my grandfather’s naked body imbedded into a picture that looks like water. I have to ask myself… why was this picture taken of him like this? It does in fact look like an image of him overlapping an image of the sea. Was he really overseas? Or was it all just imagery?
Question #2: Why is it so cold in southern California? This is not the first time Art has complained of being so cold.
Question #3: Why is Art alone yet again? I think I’ve concluded Art likes to be alone. Now that I think about it, he was the type of guy that came but never liked to stayed long. He just HAD to go when he felt it was time to go.
Conclusions: Well it sounds as if Lois has told Art she is willing to accept a ring! Can you imagine? I mean these two have only met not even two months ago on March 17th and now here we are on April 30th and they have only enjoyed 3 days together and the rest of their relationship has been through letter correspondence and yet their love for each other is so strong they are both clear they want to be married. Like Art said, love cannot be defined and when you have it for someone you just know.
I decided to research the address where Art has been sending his letters to Lois. Here is the building I found on Google.
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The Calling 