February 14, 1945
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310.112.1.2016 Transcription
14 February, 1945
P.S. – My regards to the rest of the Anesthesia dept. – and
my love to you two—See?
[In 2 to 6 days I will give this girl away in marriage
[just as a father does][1] if plans go as planned/hoped. She is
given a 7 day leave from the Genl Hosp so as to marry Jim & then
be sent right on back to the U.S.A on a physical
technicality. This letter means a lot more to me than it would to
you & I know you’ll save it.][2]
Dear Pappy & Son –
Just because I’m going away – or rather, because they
are sending the physical part of me home – don’t go thinking
this old business about “out of sight out of mind” – ‘cause
you two will be always with me. When I’m blue and lonely I’ll
think of my “tuff little one” – somewhere in France, and his
big, tall Papper, who was always there when he was needed. (for Anesth. emergencies)
And don’t you two go out shopping for another “Mammy”
either, see? Or I’ll haunt you every minute & that’s no
promise, either – that’s a threat! See, we had some good
times, didn’t we? (& we 3 went through plenty of “Hell” side by side, too!)
I haven’t been ignoring the notes I got from you
all – I’ve merely been waiting until the night before I’m
supposed to leave to write to you two. But his morning I
was told that we’d probably be here another week so I just
took myself in hand and here goes – Have a wonderful
opportunity for quick delivery, too – one of the girls is coming
up to 2nd Aux headquarters, and I feel I can’t pass that up.
Mail delivery is so awful. I’ve had mail once in the two weeks
I’ve been here.
Words are rather difficult for me to put down –
[2]
especially when what I’m trying to say comes from such
a vulnerable spot. Honestly, knowing you two “bays” has
been wonderful – I could have searched the world over
and never have found as swell a Pappy & Son as the
Gods very providentially threw at my head.
Two and a half months certainly isn’t very long
for a Mammy to get to know her son and pappy very
well, but it was grand while it lasted.
And – it can’t stop now – so, I’ll be waiting for
you two to come home and help me celebrate your
safe return. We’ll really celebrate, too.
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with
you + Always my love, [{that catagory of Love weakly
termed Love For Friends,
which this war has
taught me—& has
taught so many of us.][3]
Doris
Don’t suppose you
all could get down
sometime? But I’m selfish
to ask – it’s such a
tiresome trip.
Son, you watch Pappy and don’t let him get himself
court-martialed – will you? That temper, you know.
[(I use to really blow to her about those 2 majors)][4]
And Pappy – you watch son and don’t let that little
Polish gal get him – That charm, you know.
Bye – or rather – Au revoir
Doris
My home address: 3892 Isabella Ave., H.P.
Cincinnatti (can’t even spell)
Cincinnati 9, Ohio.
Use it sometime,
will you? And I’ll
write often – as
soon as I know
my address.
[1] Bracketed text is part of original.
[2] Bracketed text written by Wilsey on the top of this letter written by Doris.
[3] Bracketed text added into original by Wilsey.
[4] Bracketed text added into original by Wilsey, with arrows pointing to “court-martialed” and “temper” on the previous line.