Pulling Dad's letters from an old tin, I feel his loneliness as I read his letters home.
(FYI, Jo was my mom)
Jan. 18, 1946
Friday
Dear Mom and Dad,
"Just a few lines to let you know I am well..."
"I have been transferred again, this time on a ship..."
"Have you seen Jo lately?"
July 15, 1948
"I got paid yesterday. Boy I sure did need it. I got forty four dollars....."
Tokyo: Sept. 30
Dear Mom and Dad,
"Just a few lines to let you know I am well and hope you all are the same.."
"How's the garden getting along this year?"
"I got a letter from Jo the other day...."
"Don't forget to send me some pictures..."
Monday, Aug. 13
"We sure have been having good news lately about the war. It looks to me like it's almost over..."
"I haven't gotten any mail from you in about a month. I guess I'll get it all at once..."
"I don't want to miss this chance to get home for Christmas..."
"Have you seen Jo lately? I wrote to her tonight. Tell her to answer and let me know if she gets it..."
"Well this makes almost 2 1/2 years I have been in the Navy. It don't seem that long. I am getting to like it better than I did before. I get to see a lot of places and things.."
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| Dad, the handsome sailor on the left. |
Love, Bob EM 3R
Dad died when he was just 53 years of age, leaving with me many memories and a heartfelt gratitude to God for an earthly father who was quiet, loving, generous, compassionate, hard-working, and honest.
I was blessed with two brothers who also served in the military, Jimmy, Marines and Larry, Navy.
God bless those who serve... who give of themselves... to keep our country a safer place.
