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.
An entire week has transpired since the last letter that Art wrote. It appears Art did get the weekend pass he’d hoped to get but was not banking on until it was in his pocket.
The Letter Transcript
Wednesday, July 5, 1944
My Dearest Lois,
Received the first letter today and was it ever a lovely letter. Keep it up, Honey, you sure did a beautiful job on that one.
Makes me feel so wonderful to read you think I am okay. Really, Honey, I’m not good enough for you but if you feel that way about me it simply is lovely beyond words. All I’ll ever want to do, Lois, is make you happy and I know it will be that way always.
Sorry to hear about the talk you and Alice had but then I suppose she has her own way of looking at things. Personally, your perfectly correct in telling her she was afraid of married life. In fact, I think Alice thinks a little too much of herself and not of others. I think she is a swell girl but just has the wrong slant on things.
I can imagine how sleepy you were, Lois, and you had better get some very soon or I am going to worry about you. You must be glad to have that play out of the way now. The play plus me is some strain.
Honey, today I ran into some trouble. Thought that I was all over worrying about coming in late from Washington but this morning it broke. Somebody, and I know who it was, let it slip to the Gunner I was late coming back on the pass. Was called up for office hours and had quite a bawling out, also received two weeks restriction to the base. Not worried about that as I never go in town anyways but was plenty sore at the way it was done. Going to have it out with my “buddy” when I run into him. The Gunner is a real straight guy and I have no picks coming from him. Simply should not have happened if some big mouth had kept quiet. Did have enough money, Honey, just enough should I say. No worries about that as our checks will be here tomorrow.
Yes, Lois, hereafter I’ll have to get back on time. Easy to say here, but when I’m with you it is so terribly hard. If my Honey had not driven me out things would really have been bad. Darling, I so want to be with you all the time. If only we could be married so very soon. Guess I’ll have to hold off until you get your things together and I save a bit more money. Being at Cherry Point won’t be too bad and if I stay there any length of time you could live there, that is after we are married.
You said that right, Lois, parts of your letter did set me on fire. Lot of good it does me with you so far away. And then we have so long to wait. Good thing you have more self-control than I have. Well, anyway it is really something to look forward to, isn’t it?
I too hope the period isn’t around the next time. You still were your own sweet self, Honey, but it does keep us from doing some things. Not that I minded while up there as would never have known you were in the pink if you had not told me. Keeping track though aren’t you?
I’ll figure out that trip to Stanton on a map Lois, and let you know. It should be easier to go directly there so will find out about it.
Before I close out, do as those girls in the office said, stop thinking about me and eat something. Awfully sweet of you to say that Honey, but I do want you to eat so you’ll have your health.
Enough for today, Lois, will write again tomorrow. Oh yes, went sailing today, wishing you were along. Closed my eyes and thought about being in the canoe with you. Bye Honey.
With Love Always Yours,
Art
PS: All the boys thought the bracelet was swell! So do I.
Questions, Conclusions and Commentary
Commentary: I find it interesting that Art feels “wonderful” to know that Lois thinks he is “okay”. Okay is sufficient and good enough to him even though he feels not good enough… Humanity’s “core wound”. I need to remember the next time I feel “not good enough” or feel I’m not doing enough, or spectacular enough that “okay” is okay and perfectly wonderful and to find gratitude in that just like Art did.
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The Calling 