Love Letters to Lois by Art: Letter #14

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.

The Letter Transcript

Sunday, May 21, 1944

Dearest Lois,

Had to write one more letter before leaving for Norfolk. Can’t leave till Tuesday as the trains are full up for Monday. Will push out of here at eight Tuesday morning. Thank God I’m almost on my way. My only worry now is getting to Washington before going to Norfolk. I should be able to as no set time has been put on my orders. Intend wiring you from Chicago when I’ll be there.

Enclosed are a couple of pictures, nothing much but I have a few more that I’ll bring with me. As you know the picture from home came but I figure that it will arrive at your house when I do. The sailor is Thomas Collins, the boy I told you about. He is from Texas and one swell egg.

Went to church this morning and the sermon was very good. The chaplain is a regular fellow, talks in a manner that is highly interesting. He used to be a missionary in Japan and on Thursdays gives talks about it. Went there last Thursday and so help me I never heard a more interesting lecture. Taught us a few words in Jap and a few in writing. Maybe I can teach you them if I remember. One thing that was amusing was the way the Japs write “noise”. They have a sign for words and by putting three of those signs together they have a sign for noise. Naturally I differed a bit on some things he said about what religion could do for the Japs but his viewpoint is strictly on the Holy side.

Two beautiful letters came for me Saturday. Seemed like the old times again.

Gosh, Honey, I know how you must have felt when your Mother left. Kind of tough when the partings come. But then you aren’t so far away from her and when I get there we’ll go down and visit the Folks.

Darling, as yet I don’t know about the furlough just have to report into Norfolk and then I’ll know. Do hope so, Honey, as it sure would help things along. Dearest, you sure say the sweetest things in your letter because love simply beams out of me. Must beam out of me as my buddies all kid me about it while I’m reading your letters. Honey being engaged to you is going to make the happiest and proudest guy this side of heaven. Always keep thinking the thought, you’ll change your mind the next time I see you. Seems as though I’m in one of the perfect dreams and scared to death of waking up. If this is all just a dream I hope I never wake up.

The letter your mother wrote was awfully sweet. Think she will be swell just by the letter. Maybe after I meet her, your Mother can then tell how crazy we are about each other. Her wish for you is also my wish Lois, anything so long as your going to be happy.

My curiosity is really aroused after that last letter. About that dream I swear better be good or else, cause my interest is inflamed now. Myself I never dream. Practically die every night (I don’t move) but before I go to sleep think about you and me and plan different things.

Well, Darling, last letter till I see you again, should be the latter part of the week. God, I can hardly believe it now. In my arms again and heaven sure can wait. Will be traveling across country as fast as I can. Next stop Washington!

Love and Kisses
Art

Questions, Conclusions and Commentary

Commentary: Well here we are! These two have only met 2 short months ago. They have not seen each other more than a month and the last letter from Art is heading to Lois and Art expects to be in Washington by the end of the week! They will get to go ring shopping and become engaged and it is sure to be exciting! I am hoping we get to hear all about it since I still have many, many more letters to read. I guess that’s our foreshadow that new orders are likely around the corner for Art to report elsewhere.

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