Excerpt Love

We lived in the German district. It was a hard working core of people; all the construction going on meant a lot of work all the time. I worked mainly building the stock yards, I was seven when I started but I had to do what I could, it is just how it was. I knew my way around tools, I became very good at building. The years rolled by, letters continued coming from dad. Every weekend we would walk to the post office, Mom would not open the letters until we got home.

To my Love:

The day turns into night

As the sun sets

As a flower wilts

My soul longs for you

In the blood and coldness of war

My love for you warms my soul

I close my eyes and see your face

I breathe deep and smell the lilacs

You are the anchor of my soul

Without you tomorrow has no value

My thoughts of you are the heartbeat of my soul

I long for your touch, your beauty

The smell of you perfume

Your kiss, your hug

You are the anchor of my soul

I will always love you.

Kiss Kiss - Baby, I will see both of you soon!

She so wanted us to be together again. Dad only wrote about the good things, he would tell of his friends, the laughs they would have around the fire, how bad the food was, sleeping under the stars and so on. He would mention the battle but only in the fact we were always running the rebels back. I thought it was the greatest.

To My Love:

Since the day I met you; my heart has been yours!

The golden lace on your white dress

The deep red of your lips

Your gorgeous deep brown eyes

Your hair, your lovely, lovely hair

Your soft skin, the skin of an angel

These are the thoughts that cleanse my soul.

Today I saw Ben from the lumber yard, he is still wearing grey, across from our position I could see him manning the cannon. It is quiet today, no bloodshed, and no hatred. I do not know if Ben saw me but I know I hope our paths do not come that close again during this war. It will never be too soon for this war to end.

I remember the day I met Bill. He moved from Arkansas to find work in the big city. He never let that accent go. It’s funny how we remember certain things.

Tell David I acquired a new Henry Riffle, accurate as hell.

Kiss Kiss - Baby, I will see both of you soon!

I kept some letters and later in life I learned what it was really like, but I had the greatest respect for dad. There was no need to provide the full detail, the pain, death, cold, starving agony. No, that wasn’t his way. He made us feel safe, those of us at home, simply waiting, longing for the day.

To My Love:

Sweet dear you consumed my thoughts today. I was granted a two day leave. I got a bottle, loaf of bread, bag of jerky, and headed for the river. I found a weeping willow sat down closed my eyes and went right to the State Fair.

You were so cute sitting with your friends at the soda stand, vanilla shake; whip cream, cherry on top. Remember when we met? I walked up nabbed your maraschino cherry and you looked so upset. But you were at my side every moment from then on. We rode that Ferris wheel a hundred times that night. Your smile was so intoxicating. I can see it right now. We finished that night with corn dogs and another vanilla shake. That time you got the cherry. You were part of my soul every day since.

When I get back we are going straight to the lake front, and soak up that fine fresh lake air.

Page 2 is for David Babe, I miss you.

Kiss, kiss I will see you soon baby!

Dear David;

I had a wonderful memory of one of our days fishing. While I was on leave I got to sit down and do some fishing on the Mississippi. When the line hit the water it took me back to your fifth birthday. Do you remember that trip? We loaded up the wagon; camping gear, wood, both horses, you, mom, and me. You caught your first everything that weekend. Sunfish, Bass, Trout, and the biggest Cat fish we ever saw.

Your mom cooked that fish to perfection, lemon, garlic, a loaf of sour dough bread, some butter and we were in heaven.

Remember when you fell in the river? You were so angry at the time but at the fire that night we laughed and laughed, your mom laughed so hard milk shot out of her nose. She won’t admit it but we know the truth.

Did you fix the step? Did you get your hair cut?

Love you guys – see ya soon!

There was a letter that worried us, it wasn’t the content but it looked like it had blood splatter.

To My Love:

Me and my buds went hunting for squirrel and rabbit today. We just couldn’t take the military grub anymore. I miss your cooking baby, your ham, mint leaves, pineapple and sweet potato. Oh my I can taste it right now.

David:

Remember when you shot your first squirrel? What a shot, you smiled so big, it was a fine shot. Make sure you keep that mussel loader oiled and clean, we are going hunting as soon as I get back. I hope you kept up practicing.

Sorry to cut it short but gotta go.

I hope both of you are well, I miss you guys so much.

Love you guys – see you soon!

Mom and I were so worried, we had no idea what happened and could only wait until the next letter. However he gave no indication to why the last ended like it did. But this one made me so proud of my dad.

To My Love:

Oh what a story I have for you guys this time. I know how you like rubbing elbows with the who’s who. Our regiment had some guests today. Lt. General Sheridan, and get this – President Lincoln; Yea! The president! They walked through the whole camp and shook hands with everyone. That dinner was to also include our guests, but wait it gets even better. Our commander picked six soldiers to have a competition. The prize was a seat at the head table. Got your attention David? Guess how they determined the winner? Ok I’ll tell you – a shooting contest. Lincoln and Sheridan were the judges. Long riffle, hand gun, discharge, reload, discharge, target stationary, target moving, quick draw and accuracy. I took all categories! That’s right baby; I sat at the Presidents table. We talked all night; once dinner was over we sat and talked over brandy. The president knew of a few of our missions, and shared his views and hopes.

It was a great night, many of my buds were harassing me the next day but that didn’t matter. I was the best shot!

I wish you guys were there.

Kiss, kiss Baby – See you soon!