Transcription of Document FFDoc-0805.pdf |
| Document Details |
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| Document Number |
Date |
Type |
From |
To |
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| 805 |
08/01/1944 | Letter |
Pelletier, Dot |
Shields, Frank |
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Tuesday 1 Aug '44 Dearest Frank: This is the nearest I can come to being with you on your overseas furlough. But you must know how much I wish I could share the family's every minute with you. It would buoy me for a long time if I could shake your hand, murmur all the irrelevant things that folks say on such occasions, give you a bug hug & kiss & wish you a fervent "Godspeed." Even then, I suppose I shouldn't have the courage to voice all the things that are in my heart - things which I may never say but which I"m sure you know. Only on paper could I tell you what you already know: that my love & prayers will continue & that you shall, naturally, be in my thoughts more than ever. Funny - I've always marvelled at your maturity. And now that you're about to take a live, active part in the war, I can only think of you (as I did Joe) as a little boy - as my LITTLE brother, who realizes academically, how dirty, and [section missing] a warrior's [section missing] now must come to a fuller, personal realization of that life _ _ _ much like watching a determined little boy trot off down the road - running away - knowing he'll come stealing back in the middle of the night, scared of strange noises & glad of his own warm familiar bed - but a little more settled, serene, and mature for his short adventure. You're equal to all of it, I know. So please forgive my wishing I could spare you the dark, & the hard ground, & the strange noises. That's natural to woman & must be multiplied millions & millions of times this world over. I feel, too, for Peggy, who I know will be sending a big piece of her heart with you. Tuck it away & cherish it, for it will keep you warm & comfortable when the going gets rough. I'm a poor substitute but shall be happy to give Peg what I can of you, on furloughs - & between times, in letters. Let me ask one favor - that you include me amongst your APO notifications. To conclude - I love you dearly, you & Joe are my two most cherished friends. Good night & love, Dot
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