girlscout's Blog

As many of you know, my mother-in-law and father-in-law passed away in the last year. Many bittersweet moments occur as we clean out their house and decide what to save and how to divide everything up between family members. This past weekend we were going through mom's old cedar chest and found some love letters that dad sent her when he was overseas during World War 2. One particular letter brought tears to my eyes and I'd like to share it.

(Dated June 15, 1945)

     "My Dearest Darling,

     I received some of your letters the other day. Darling, when will the day come when I can stop writing to you, and see and talk to you in person instead? I wish I could see you soon, but I guess it won't be possible for a while.

     I'm being sent to more training and it will be 6 weeks before I am finished. As you know, I am in Italy. We couldn't find a house to sleep in last night, so we are out in pup tents. It gets awful damp at night and on top of that, every fly and bug in Italy must hang around here. It looks as if we are going to stay here for another year, but no one knows for sure. I know you aren't going to like that, and neither am I. You've waited a long time for me now, that's why I love you so much.

     I know it's a heck of a way to ask you, but I want you to know the truth. I love you, Marge, more than I can say in this letter, and I want you to be my wife someday. How soon I'll be able to ask you that question in person, only God knows. I wish it could happen today, but the whole world is mixed up in this war and we're a part of it.

     I guess you should get this letter around your birthday darling, so let me take you in my arms and kiss you, even though it is only make believe. Happy Birthday from a G.I. that will love you forever. Wait for me, please. There's an end to everything, and one day there will be an end to our seperation."

                                                   
             All my love, Chet

     We are sharing this letter with all of the grandchildren. What a wonderful way to show them that their grandparents were once young and madly in love!

     Mom and Dad celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary last year. 3 months later, mom passed away. Dad missed her so much that he left 9 months later to be with her.