Document Type
Personal Letter
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Transcription
[Transcription begins]
28 December 1944
Somewheres [sic] in Belgium
My adorable love,
Today I received an air mail letter dated the 11th Dec. and a V-Mail letter from the Speerts dated the same day. Capt. Shaw told me that he received an air mail letter from you, too.
We are feeling very good toay as the situation is turning in our favor. It was good to see the Belgian men returning to the town when they had heard that the drive of the Boche had been stopped. Yes, even Joseph & Mimi’s father came home. He is about 28 or 30 years old and is the school teacher of the town. He had many interesting stories to tell about the activities in the rear areas of Belgium. The children were very happy to see their father and I imagine he was happy to see them. His wife told him that the soldiers burned a lot of coal that they had stored up in the basement. I replied “When you come to visit us in the United States, you can burn as much of our coal as you lie.” All these people seem abashed at the good treatment the Americans give the Nazis [sic] prisoners. I told them it was because we are still an ultra-humane people and will take our retributions later.
Darling, I’m glad that you and Miss Ingram “hit it off.” It makes it so much more pleasant to work with an assistant who is cooperative and cheerful.
I’m sorry to hear that Ukie was ill and I sincerely hope that she is well at this time.
By the way, I haven’t heard from Mother and Dad for a while. Dad is excused—he just doesn’t write but I’m a little bit disappointed in mother. I really like to hear from her and she writes excellent letters.
You know, sweetheart, there was a time when I was indifferent to babies in the same way like I was indifferent to marriage, etc., but now I know that the reason I want babies is because I love you so intensly [sic] and our love has reached a point where it is capable of attaining new horizons. Do you know what I mean? No guesswork in our relationship whatsoever—our marriage has a foundation of solid granite and now we are ready to build upon that foundation.
Eadie, Honey, ask Ukie to please let you have those letters in French that this Belgian woman wrote to her. I’d like to keep them among our memoirs if it’s O.K. with Ukie.
Don’t you worry your little head about that $25 bond for September. I understand all the bonds were cancelled as of Aug. 31 and my new one didn’t go into effect until Oct. 1. I’ll check up anyways [sic] and see if the above is correct, sweets.
I’m glad to see that you’re corresponding with the other wives. Yes, I agree with you Karla is a nice name. According to [D]oc, they wanted a girl for the first one but he was ready to accept a boy, too.
[?], please take care of your health and see that you get sufficient recreation. Every month or so take a visit to a friend in another city (if rail facilities permit and you’re not denying a soldier a place on the train).
I’ve read and re-read the poem that Alma & Harold sent you entitled “GI [?]” and feel that the poet has “hit the nail on the head” when he expresses himself and the feelings of the American soldier thusly:
“Although on my violent hands is blood
In my mind is a garden of beauty.”
I think you have gathered the same theme in my letters when you find me speaking vehemently about the Nazis and in the next breath extolling the charm of Mimi and Joseph (the Belgian kids). The American soldier has not lost his perspective and will not present any psychological problem when he returns home to his loved one. I admit there may be some exceptions, but I am speaking for the majority. Darling, you won’t have any problem, I assure you.
This morning we had a brief glimpse of snow flurries but they did not stay with us very long.
Tell me, dear, has Sanford spoken to you about any prospects of marriage? I’m speaking like my [?] Goldberg now, but seriously, I wish he found [sic] a swell wife like I have and got [sic] himself married.
Do you ever hear about the rest of the Goldbergs? (I mean from a casual source.)
Bubsie, doll, I’ll close this letter by kissing your nose, your eyes, and . . . O.K. if you want me to—a real passionate kiss on your lips.
Forever,
Vic
[Transcription ends]
