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
Saturday, June 24, 1944
My Dearest One,
The darn mail is again fouled up as there was no letter from you today. Worst luck! No mail call on Sunday so will just have to read the old letters for consoling purposes.
Didn’t do much today. Spent the morning and afternoon on the beach, soaking up the sun and day-dreaming about you. Went to sleep this morning with you in my arms. What a disappointment waking up to find my buddy sleeping next to me!
In the afternoon two of the boys and myself took out a row boat. Needed the exercise as shown by the blisters on our hands now. Took the boat way out in the sound and played around, diving and swimming from the stern. The wind was fairly strong which made things much more interesting. Feel it tonight as I’m plenty tired. Some life, huh?
Thinking today about how easy I’m having it as of late and really enjoying life while those poor guys over there are being knocked off. Somehow it all doesn’t seem fair. God how I wish this damn war was over so we can all go back to normal lives again. If the war were over tonight, I’d be on my way to Washington to marry my little Darling. Wishful thinking, huh?
Nothing else much to say, Honey, with no letter so will make this one a short letter. Excused this time, Lois?
Am going to take some pictures tomorrow and will send them to you if they are okay. Your set should be here Monday. Can hardly wait to see them!
Night, Honey, going to turn in now. Be a “good girl” as I’m being a “good boy”. Even a halo is around my head, almost. Explain in tomorrow’s letter.
With Love Ever Yours,
Art
P.S. I love you Darling.
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Comment 1: I need to research what beach and sound is near Edenton as I want to definitely take in this view when I go visit NC.
Comment 2: I see Art is suffering from a bit of survivor’s guilt. Survivor’s guilt is something that happens to people who survive horrific events. You would think we would feel a sense of gratitude but instead we feel this awful guilt as if something is just not right in our consciousness knowing we survived and an equal soul in humanity did not have the same fortunate.
Comment 3: I am so curious what Art means about having a halo over his head. Somehow or other he was being like an angel and I can’t wait to hear about it in the next letter! Stay tuned!
To receive alerts of future letters, please Subscribe to my Blog here.
To watch a video of today’s letter, visit the video below.
The Calling 