She once told us that she burned all the letters she and Dad wrote to each other during the war. After her death in 1995, we found some she missed. This is the most poignant one. We publish it here in dedication to all those who sacrifice for our freedom, and their heroes they left here at home. Thank you. May God bless you all! Randa, Missy & Laura]
February 17, 1944
My Darling,
Let's dream awhile - our thoughts drift back to February 1943. That unforgettable Wednesday. From the cold and windy dawn when we left for Saginaw until we fell asleep in a moon drenched room. That whole perfect day. I'd like to tell you how I felt that day. The peace that filled my heart. Mom said I wasn't any good at all for several days before.
From the moment I talked to you until the day you arrived home. First I had to have some new clothes and then I couldn't do anything for anticipation, very flighty except in knowing what I wanted - our marriage. I had no patience at all for all the people around the afternoon you did arrive. Wanted you all to myself. I've learned what patience means in the past year, what it means to wait for a letter, word of my loved one, not knowing where he might be, eaiting for him to come to me.
Our visits that evening and not breathing a word to anyone. How surprised Dad was the next morning. Nice of him to be our chauffeur. Saginaw, Bay City, deciding on the ring - home to lunch. So much fun to decide things as we came to them. And I remember thinking as I went through Unionville, "Everything that is happening today is indelibly printed on my mind, the way things look, the people we've seen."
The flowers, Howletts, and then to the Court House. Dad talking to the Judge, the Clerk and back to the Judge and then the Clerk again. Arrangements for photos and I'm so glad we did get them. How the arrangements were made. "I do" or "I will" or whatever it is one says. I didn't know how right that would be. Trying to tell myself it was true. Much less excited than I thought I'd be. Waiting in the car for you when we went up to have our pictures taken. Too tired and content to want anything except to come home to you.
Our Sunday morning stroll - "For Me and My Gal." Reading the funnies together. I never read them now but I remember that. The next leg of the journey I very much enjoyed. Our twilight stroll in the park. Our struggle to get aboard the train and how you laughed at me.
Why write more? These words don't begin to express my feelings. The pride I have in you. How much I love you. I love to travel with you, Honey. That trip down - our three weeks together - were heaven. So many highlights I can't begin to mention them. All gathered together in that last Sunday we spent together. Happiness as I've never known before.
And so a year has passed. A year of working, fighting, praying for the peace this country is fighting for. Working, waiting, praying for you to come safely home to me.
On this, our paper wedding anniversary, there is something special I'd like to do with you. There's a waltz, "The Anniversary Waltz." I'd like to dance the Anniversary Waltz with you. Won't you take a few minutes and just imagine that we are dancing it together? I'll do likewise.
I love you, my Darling, all the things you are - your courage, strength, your sweetness - everything about you. Your loving me, your belief in me, have helped me so much this past year. It's so much harder to imagine where you are or how you are. I've never lost my belief. Frank will come safely home. I just know it, and I'll be waiting. And ahead of us are all the years to come - together.
All my love always,
Your Elspeth
Beautiful letter! Thanks for sharing.
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