Love Letters to Lois by Art: Letter #15

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

Monday, May 29, 1944

My Darling Lois,

Arrived here in Norfolk this afternoon a day late on account of train delay. The train was eight hours late getting into Chicago, we hit a truck parked on the rail and then I couldn’t get a train out of Chicago for over eight hours. It really hurt not being able to get to Washington on the way back but Honey, I think I’ll be up there in a few days.

Spent this afternoon getting a bit recovered away and tomorrow will find out about a short leave. Lots of the fellows here have been getting them and I don’t see why I should be any exception. My luggage hasn’t arrived as yet but should be here tomorrow or the next day, hope so at any rate as I haven’t much to wear right now.

It sure is warm down here, felt like I’d melt away in my greens while I reported in. Made a quick change into khaki uniform but it still is might muggy around here.

Now to get back to you and me. Darling do you still love me or are you disgusted beyond words? I know that so far nothing has worked out the way it was supposed to but, Darling, that is the way things go in the service. Again, Little One, I must ask you to bear with me for a while. Please write me very soon, Dearest, as I must know how I stand. If you truly love me, Lois, I know everything will work out, but otherwise, these past couple of weeks have been a test, it will ruin both our lives. My love for you, Lois, will never stop and each day I bank more and more that the two of us will someday be married. So, Darling, if there is any doubt in your mind please say it now because after we are engaged and something does turn up to cause your mind to change, I know it would send me back to drinking, etc.

Your not the type, Dear, to intentionally string a guy along so please give me your answer. Maybe I’m a bit downhearted this evening because of not seeing you and not hearing from you for so long that I’m worried needlessly. I most truly hope that is the case and a letter from you will cheer me a bit up.

How have you been since I last heard from you, Darling? Still the same sweet little girl I imagine.

Going to turn in now, Lois, even if it is still light out. The train ride up is really tiring. Bye

With All My Love
Art

Questions, Conclusions and Commentary

Commentary: Well that was a turn I did not see coming! I thought for sure that Art and Lois would have finally gotten to see each other by now and she would be proudly wearing the engagement ring and Art’s heart would be singing with glee at his dreams coming true. Instead, Art is downhearted and fearful that Lois is going to throw in the towel on their relationship out of her own disappointment, but since there are many more letters we must remain hopeful!

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