Letter #37

Letter #37

June 21, 1918

Bountiful, Utah

Dearest Henry,
My, but it looks pretty here this morning, for we had a good rain last night. It didn’t forget to lightning and thunder either, and I came pretty near to getting frightened. I received your sweet letter of Monday night yesterday. Oh, but I was pleased. You asked me to forgive you, dear, for writing again so soon. I came pretty near to saying I wouldn’t if forgive you if you hadn’t written me. But I could not get mad or angry at you if I tried. Oh, it made me feel so much better. I believe I’ll have to pay you a doctor’s bill, because your letters are like doctor visits. They are the only tonic I need.

You say you want to write to me and that it is hard not to write, so don’t you suppress that one bit sweetheart, just “lamb away” as the saying goes. If you run out of stamps, call on me. I’ll have to tell you a story. I had two stamps left over yesterday from paying for the parcel so when I received my letter from you I opened it at the gate and came in and read my letter. I was so anxious to read it that I left my stamps somewhere and can’t find them anywhere. That’s just one little incident, for you see how much those letters mean. Oh well, I don’t care about the stamps because the letter was a hundred times worth $.06.

I was sorry about the soldier who forgot to appear when told to. Thank God my soldier has more respect for me, his folks, himself, and his service. When you told about the officer having the power to classify you, we were all sure you would get something good if you received your merits. We are all so proud of your loyal, true, pure, clean, bright soldier heart. My heart, especially, nearly bursts with pride. I’m surely proud of you sweetheart, for your bravery and courage all the time, and I surely do delight in telling people about your success. I don’t brag, but just tell the solid truth, and that, love, is enough to make anyone very, very proud of you.

You know I’ve often imagined what I would do and how I would feel if you should suddenly stand in a doorway before me. Well, just wait until I see you and I’ll show you what I’ll do. It would be worse than the flypaper to try and pull us apart. You spoke about the furloughs. Will someone have to die or get married to get you here? If that will do it, just send word, and we’ll be your humble servants in every respect even unto death if necessary.

You know when I feel blue I’m never going to be that sad or lonely. I just make myself think of the good times and things yet coming for us. I won’t make life sad for your sake or mine. I just change the subject when I start thinking about how far from me you are. I just say Violet, you know that is wrong, for his love surrounds you and protects you right now. My, but that helps and it makes me so very happy.

I heard last night that Dr. Stocks had his call for service if not right now, very soon. So you see we are not alone in our separation sweetheart, are we? I went to choir practice last night. One week from next Sunday night there is going to be a big musical in Centerville. You know, it is conference time there, so you must remember where we were one year ago. Well, we are learning a soldier’s chorus for it. I like it fine, for it gives praise to the soldier. The first part is:

“Honor and love to the soldiers give,

Their deeds of valor will ever live.”

Esther and I were talking. I said I liked it because it said to give them love. She said she didn’t, if it meant to love everyone, but I said one was enough. What do you say about that, sweetheart? They changed the menu for the night. They are going to have chicken sandwiches, potato salad, olives, punch, ice cream, strawberries, and cake. I was the only one against it they said. But I said it was not “Hooverizing” and it was too much for a wartime party. I believe that Hooverizing is just as patriotic and loyal as anything, don’t you?

Mamma went down to the temple this morning. She didn’t go until the ten-car, as she was going in the afternoon. Your father stopped at the gate and talked to the folks. I went out and wished him many happy returns for his birthday. Just think. Fifty years old. Mary and Irvin were coming down to spend time with him on his birthday, but your mother sent word for them to come Sunday instead.

Lucile was telling me last night that Mary Mavin was going to be married in the fall. Have you heard anything about it? You said my letter was opened. Do you think it could account for it being so long in coming? I do hope you get this Sunday, love, and enjoy the day the best you can, and I will try too. I do hope I get a letter Saturday, for it’s so long from Friday until Monday.

Well, sweetheart, be careful of yourself and be cheerful, which I know you are, and get the most you can out of your schooling. May God keep you and bless and guide you and bring you back to me is my humble wish. As ever, yours forever, Violet

I couldn’t help thinking how much David Call, Henry’s father, looks like the actor Richard Farnsworth .....