Crossing Over

This past week as my schedule has shifted into something more of my own, of my newer norm, I find that I am sleeping just a little bit longer at night and having many more dreams.  Sometimes I can remember bits and pieces when I wake up, but usually by the time I started about with my day the memory of the dream fades or goes away completely.  They say dreaming is that part of you which is working through the things that are going on in your life.  You’ve heard many a person say, “I solved a problem while sleeping last night”.  They aren’t altogether crazy! 

George used to have dreams that he could describe with such detail it was amazing.  When I try to put into words what I dreamed about I am lucky to have even a sentence that is so vague I can barely recognize what it’s about.  I might remember little tidbits – but never whole dreams – at least no usually.

Last night I again had many dreams.  When you dream the story seems so real, so vivid.  They are logical yet illogical at the same time.  You are immersed in the story yet separated from it as if you are an onlooker to what is going on.

One of the dreams I had last night felt so real to me.  Again, I do not remember all the details.  I sort of remember that I was at an event that was outdoors.  I recall, vaguely, that my parents may have been there.  I was by myself, keeping busy at the event.  My thought went to George and my dreaming self knew he was away and wouldn’t be home for a few days. 

All of a sudden, I looked up – and there was George coming towards me, earlier than I’d expected.  I was so excited to see him.  His face was pale and he looked like he wasn’t feeling well. By his side was a valet with a cart holding his many suitcases of belongings. 

I ran up to him as fast as my legs would carry me, thrilled to have him back.  I flung myself at him and gave him the biggest hug and he hugged me back. I felt warm, comforted … loved… having him home again, secure in his arms.  And then…. I remembered nothing else of my dream.

When I awoke, I remember feeling grateful that George had come to me in a dream.  Although there may have been a time or two that he has appeared, this one was by far the longest time he spent with me and one that I remembered.  I took my Angel George teddy bear that is nearly always in my bedroom with me these day – and hugged him and said “thank you for visiting me last night”.

I got up and dressed and headed out for my morning walk.  My typical routine is to shuffle a playlist from my phone so I have no idea what song will play next.

Some days, I think  - no, I know – God puts songs into our heart that we need to hear.  This morning, true enough, He did just that.

The following song I heard after George passed.  It reminded me of lying next to George in his final days, encouraging him to “go home”.  It was the same home I remember my dad asking about in his final days when he lay in his bed and asked if he could go home.  I remember thinking, “you are home”, but realized the home my dad spoke of was his heavenly home, not the one here on earth.  And so, I was taken back to my thoughts of my encouragement to my father – and telling George it was okay, to not be afraid.  He could be made whole again with His Lord and Saviour and his God. 

I couldn’t find the lyrics online to the song so I don’t have all the words correct.  It is sung beautifully by Christian artist Craig Aven if you choose to look it up.

Can I Go Home Now

It might sound crazy but I’m homesick
For a place I’ve never been
A place where sin can’t sensor in
A place I know that grace is taking me

Lately I feel like I don’t fit in
This worlds’ been looking strangely dim
But I should know that’s how it goes
I guess my heart’s just where my treasure is

Can I go home now? Can I go home?
 I’m clearly aching to be made whole now
I’m not complaining, I know I’ll make it
But I can’t help asking, Can I go home now?

You say these trials our faith (sic) cannot compare
To the good times up ahead
And as I wait I’ll only taste
But my hope grows deep to finally have the rest

Can I go home now? Can I go home?
 I’m clearly aching to be made whole now
I’m not complaining, I know I’ll make it
But I can’t help asking, Can I go home now?

There are days I don’t know how to pray or what to say
Where would I be without your spirit there to pray for me
Shaping me to make me strong to help me look like God’s own son

So that I can hear the words “Well done”

And child come home now.  Child come home now.
You’re clearly ready to be made whole now
I knew you’d make it.   It all was worth it
There’ll be no more asking ‘cuz child you’re home now.

No more asking cuz child you’re home now.

Well done my good and faithful servant.

This morning as I walked and listened to this song, I was taken back to the dream I’d had last night.  Remembering this luggage cart that had a whole bunch of luggage on it, more than George had ever taken on any trip before.  What was the reason for this – and for his appearance as he came towards me.  He was obviously frail and didn’t feel well.  That signified, to me, the fact that the cancer had taken it’s toll on his physical being.  The luggage – was he packed to go somewhere for a long trip – or was he bringing it on a cart and leaving it behind in the physical world.  Was luggage really his baggage – all the things he collected over his lifetime?  His memories of his children, his wives, his parents and siblings – all the things that he had accumulated, good and bad.

I’d like to think that he had packed the bags and had come back to see me to one more time, to let me hold him in my arms just one last time.  To feel, really feel, his arms around me giving me comfort and mine doing the same for him.  I truly did feel safe, loved, warm during that embrace as we experienced a moment of honest togetherness.  The elation I felt upon seeing him.  That was so real to me.

If you’ve never experienced this pure, raw yet beautiful gift from a loved one who has passed, you cannot imagine what it was like.  I have never had a séance – or a meeting with a psychic – to help me witness something such as this.  I have been to a group meeting where John Edward, a famous psychic and medium.  It was a phenomenal experience for me.  While I’d hoped one of my loved ones would come across, they hadn’t.  But John’s words that night were so honest and pure about those on “the other side” that my loved ones’ have told me they were with me in ways I’d not experienced before.  Maybe I wasn’t ready, I don’t know. 

And, as I continued to listen to the song, I found myself looking up towards the heaven and wondering if somehow George had not truly crossed over until just now.  He had always told me he did not want to leave me.  He would miss me so much.  He couldn’t imagine being without me.  Is it possible that he was still hanging on, not ready to let me go? 

But – as I listened again to the lyrics, I could still hear the echo of George’s voice asking “can I go home now”.  On that walking path this morning, I spoke out loud to him and told him, “Yes, you can go Home now.”  Be free my darling, be free.  Do not let the burdens of this world, the baggage you collected over the years, to hold you here any longer.  And then he crossed the bridge to eternity.

I was at peace - - and I know he is truly at peace now.  Truly whole again.

I continued on my way, listening to my songs.  Thinking.  Praying. Processing. 

And, again, a song came on that I’ve listened to over and over in the past few years.  When I first heard the song, it was after George’s second cancer surgery.  The one where’d we been told “they couldn’t get it all”.  The one that told us there are no further treatments or options.  I remembered crying the first time I heard it as it speaks about change… and miracles.  And at that time in our lives we needed a miracle.

The song is “Here As in Heaven” and is sung by Elevation Worship.  It goes as follows:

Here As In Heaven

The atmosphere is changing now
For the Spirit of the Lord is here
The evidence is all around
That the Spirit of the Lord is here

Overflow in this place
Fill our hearts with Your love
Your love surrounds us
You're the reason we came
To encounter Your love
Your love surrounds us

Spirit of God fall fresh on us
We need Your presence
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
Here as in heaven

A miracle can happen now
For the Spirit of the Lord is here
The evidence is all around
That the Spirit of the Lord is here

As I listened today, however, it started to take a new shape.  It spoke to me about my future.  A miracle can happen as I move forward with my life. What that miracle is or miracles are is yet to be seen. 

What I do know is that right now I am looking to close on a house that will be new to me.  A house that I will be making my own by furnishing it with my vision, by adding touches that will not only allow me to be my new self but also will honor those whom I have loved who have passed.  I am getting ready to cross over to the next phase of my life here on earth.  I am ready, Lord.

Yes, God, I have always… always… known you to be with me even in my darkest hours You have been with me – guiding, directing, nudging, loving.  The miracle today is that I was given the gift of holding George one more time even if only in my dreams.  A touch that felt so very real at the moment my dream was playing out.  And then the gift of music and lyrics – showing me again that George is now moving more towards you than he already was, letting go of this physical realm for real and making the journey of his lifetime.  And again reminding me that miracles can happen, are always happening.  They may not be what we ever expected – but they could very be more than we expected, more than we could ever imagined.  For when our hearts are on You, dear God, the world is full of possibilities, of goodness, of healing; of love and laughter and dreams coming true; of knowing that when life hits us hard we can change our direction and explore things from a different angle.  Who knows where the road may take us.  Only God knows… only God. 

Do you ever wonder….?

Something happened this week and it made me think…. Do you ever wonder?

Here’s what happened.

A letter came back to me in a plastic wrap that the post office had put on it.  In it was an envelope I had mailed out all torn up.  I couldn’t read the address to whom it had been sent but could see stickers, “undeliverable return to sender”, “forward to (because now I wasn’t living on Lenor)” and “postage of $2.15 due to mail it out. 

I opened up the plastic wrap and pulled out the envelope.  Inside the envelope was a magnet that said, “Chicago”.  I thought, “what the heck is this? I never sent a magnet out!”  I carefully peeled back the yellow stickers to see whom the letter was addressed to.  I started laughing!

Back in March when all the sheltering in place started and a community of women came together to sew masks, I had a few people who needed elastic and I had some.  In this envelope that was addressed to another sewer up in San Francisco I had carefully sealed up 10 yards of elastic. 

Two months later this package made it’s way back to me but not with the contents I had mailed out… rather with a Chicago magnet that was not purchased by me.

I stood there and thought…

I wonder where the elastic went?  Did the elastic get caught up in machinery at the post office?  I wonder who mailed the magnet?  Will someone be disappointed they didn’t receive their gift?   

This made me think of other similar things.  Like…. A time that my luggage didn’t show up in San Jose when I did.  It arrived several days later and the tags on it looked as though it had been on a trip without me.  It had gone to several other states.  I remember thinking “I would have liked to be on that trip!”

Do you every wonder about stuff like that?  “How did this bottle from Timbucktoo end up on the beach?”  “Where did the balloon I lost drift off to?”  “Would my life look this way if I’d chosen a different response to a situation?” 

From simple and mundane to philosophical inquiries, what do you wonder about?

Apple doesn’t fall far….

I think all parents dream that their children will inherit certain traits from them.  

Perhaps physical ones can easily be seen:  hair color, eye color, built, long legs, small hands.  Those are things we genetically pass along to them along with all the other ancestral DNA. 

There are, though, traits we have no idea as to how they will play out.  Temper, temperament, demeanor, attitude, aspirations.  We hope and pray they get the more positive traits each parent has.  In truth, we cannot control the ones they will have. 

Only recently have I learned that both of my daughters have taken up something that I think came from my parents to me – and me to them.  The gift of writing.  My father used to write poetry.  He wrote amazing letters to my mom during their “courtship” in 1945-1946.  My mom wrote some as well.  I found a few short things she’d written on her computer after her passing. 

I have journaled or written diaries intermittently over the years.  Those things just revealed the mundane things that happened.  I dabbled in poetry here and there over the years.  Or, after the girls were born, chronicled some of the things they’d accomplished or vacations we took, that sort of thing.

When Mike died, I was encouraged by my therapist to write out my thoughts and feelings to assist in processing all of the emotions tearing through my mind. 

It wasn’t until I decided to take a memoir writing class that I truly started to write more.  I learned various techniques for conveying stories, for relating events and for passing on to my children information about my life.  I’ve since written at least a hundred stories about my life. 

When George was diagnosed with cancer, writing became my way of coping with the horrific times we went through and chronicling life’s passages.  Now that he is gone and things are settling down, I am drawn to writing again and started a new blog “Life Musings”.

Last year, Sara started to write a blog which she found helpful to process the events surrounding her at the time.  She titled hers, “The Life Inside Me”.

This past week, Becke joined in the family ‘hobby’ of blogging.  “Keeping It Real With Just Becks”. 

Each one of the girls writes in their own style and tells their stories in unique ways, just as I do.  They talk about things that are totally relatable and in a way that draws the reader in.  Just like their mom.

You see, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.  And this tree is thrilled to watch her apples put on a magnificent display of color, showing just how strong yet vulnerable they are. 

Memorial Day Memories

 

This is not your typical memory of this day of the year.  No, this is my personal experience of this day and how George and I celebrated it.

PBS shows a National Memorial Day event every year.  It is broadcast on the eve of Memorial Day. 

George and I never missed watching this touching program, typically hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Montagna.  We would sit in the living room or lay in bed watching it.  We would cry at the stories and celebrate the victories.  We would listen to the patriotic music, we would silent say thank you to those who served including our fathers.  I would remember my father when the Navy anthem was played.  George would remember his father when the Marine Corp anthem played.  Hoo – rah! 

Tonight, though, I sit alone and watch it.  As the show opened and Gary and Joe took the stage for this program which is different due to the COVID-19 virus, it is still the same.  I wept as I remembered how I used to spend this time honored tradition.  I miss laying next to George as we watched it on TV. 

As they replayed some of the stories and music from years past, I am taken back to those special moments in time.  Who would have known that 2019 would be the last time we would snuggle and watch, though at this time last year we were careful not to disturb George’s various “appendages” of PICC line to which he would have been receiving his nightly TPN solution, this belly wounds and drains affecting how we could snuggle.  But, right through the end of his life we could and would hold hands as we watched and wept with the world who together were watching this program and remembering loved ones – lives lost, victories won, survivors showcased. 

I miss my George this evening.  Miss this shared experience from our past.  I will continue to watch this program for years to come – as it is my personal memorial day not only for the soldiers who have and continue to fight for us – but for George who fought valiantly until his last breath. 

Letters from Vernon to Sylvia - circa 1945-46

My parents entire courtship was done via correspondence during WWII.  Although they knew each other prior to my dad's deployment (he was her older brothers' friend), it was as part of a group of people in the Christian Youth Program.
After my dad was sent off to the South Pacific, my mom began her correspondence with him as part of a way to ensure sailors knew they were being thought of.  And thus, their 'romance' began. 
Dad did not keep the letters from my mom, though his buddies on board enjoyed hearing them.  When you see the ones he sent my mom, you can only imagine what she must have written. 
It is told that my mom's family couldn't wait to hear what dad wrote to her! 
Here are the first ten letters that we found from mom's collection.  (Note: they are typed just as they were written - in silly cryptic words at times. 

The letters of Vernon H. Russell – to Sylvia Pierpont

From July 1944 – May 1946

This collection symbolizes their entire courtship while Vernon was in the Navy

July 23, 1944  Sampson NY

Hi Syl

**We’re in *the Navy now * !!

Whew - What a day yesterday, had to sleep on the train Friday nite and consequently only got about 3 or 4 hours sleep - When we got here we had to take our physical, “shots” included and get our clothes and stencil same.  All in all a pretty full day.  Finally hit the sack about 21:30 and did it feel good, yes, yes.

Haven’t had much happen yet.  Just finished chow ‘breakfast’.  Going to church at 8:45.  After that who knows?  Not me anyhow.

Say I enjoyed that party Thur. nite.  I didn’t expect it for one thing.  And then when the gifts were given - well.  You know - going away hadn’t affected me till then - and then something twisted around inside, - a funny feeling.  Thank your Ma and Pa again for everything, will you - Thanks.

   Will write more later.

                 Vern

P.S.  Don’t forget to write yourself.

S.P.S.  If you go dancing Sat. nite - please do a couple of sets for me, - and some polkas.

**************

Postcard - October 29, 1944

Hi Syl - Well - here I am!  Way down south in de lan of cotton!  Will be here 8 weeks.  Nice down here, weather included.  Classes start tomorrow.  I don’t know in what, tho.  What’s this I hear about you and the baby shop?  Have you been holding out on me?!  My My! and to think you wouldn’t tell me - one of your best friends!  Tch Tch!! Don’t forget to write - Yours – Vern

**************

November 9,1944  From Div. 31 Sect. F, B.E. School, N.T.C. Gulfport Miss.

Dear Mom,

Well I’m just about the happiest man in 3 states! And why shouldn’t I be!  I just finished handing out cigars to all the fellows, - now I only hope it’s a boy!  Just when is this blessed event going to take place, Mom, - golly - I’m all a-twitter.  Golly - maybe it will be twins!  What all shall we call it, Mom?  If it’s a boy - I like Wilmer as a name - yes - Wilmer Fauntleroy sounds swell.  But if it’s a girl - gee - I don’t know – how’s about Sarah Margaret - that’s just about the prettiest name I know of - or maybe Isabella Barbara?  Golly  - maybe you’d better pick the names out - I’m so nervous I can’t even think anymore!  Just think, me, a poppa! - and you a momma!!  Maybe you’d better begin to take it easy, I wouldn’t want anything to happen to “our” child - or maybe children.  Just do what the nice doctor says, dearie, - and don’t do too much strenuous exercising.

GOLLY - I just remembered!  Say - if we don’t want a scandal we had better hurry up and get hitched or else people will talk!! And we wouldn’t want people to do that - would we?  You just set the date and I’ll get an emergency leave and we’ll get hitched up together proper.  Perhaps you’d better ‘wire’ me, it’s a little quicker that way.  Till I see you - don’t tell a soul - or go hunting for receipts from baby shops - people might get suspicious! 

                 Please answer soon,

                             Your loving,

                                         - tho anxious - hubby

P.S.  I showed your picture to all the fellows and they think I’m a very lucky guy to have such a pretty wife

S.P.S  I’d rather give these in person but I just can’t right now - X X Xs

**************

Nov. 19, 1944 on United States Navy embossed letterhead

Dearest Wife,

Thanks so much for the birthday card, the sentiment was - was – was, - well it just overcome me.  I didn’t think you cared so much!  Now I know I have one of the nicest wifes this side of the Mississipp.  (Boy - you should see ‘em on the other side - Woo Woo!!)

As I were walking thru the ‘big’ town of Biloxi yesterday, on liberty, I thought I’d get a present for my dearest wife - so I did.  I reckoned it might be getting cold ‘up north’ and thought maybe you’d care for something to pertect ya.  I hope you like it.  It’s only a little package but it’s got a lot of sumthin wrapped up in it, - which you can’t see! - but it’s there!

I had a good time in Biloxi - bowling.  I went with a friend of mine - he’s from Waterbury to - from Scovill in fact.  I think Zeke knows him - Francis Urniezus is his name.

Well anyhow - we bowled, large pins, and I got an average of 143 for four games.  Right in the groove eh!  Have you been bowling lately, yet almost hardly maybe?

It rained cats and dogs here this morning - so hard in fact, - I didn’t even go to chow - I didn’t think it was worth it.  (About 11:00 chewing my fingers off to my elbow, in hunger!)

Am going to sleep this afternoon, I hope.  I’ve had guard duty (fence patrol) 4 nites this week.   All of it was either 2400 - 0002 or 0200 - 0400.  I missed quite a bit of sleep - and can’t afford it.  I have to maintain my good marks to get a good final average and I can’t get them while half asleep.

Last weeks marks were only 100 - 95 and 92.  I must be slipping.

I had a wonderful time in New Orleans last week end.  Moonlight boat ride on the Miss. River.  A tour of Consolidated Aircraft Corp where the PBY Catalina’s are made - and a tour of the historic ‘Old French Quarters’.  There’s lots to see down there if one has the time and the money.

Some day I’m going out to Keesler Field and look around - Maybe I can hitch a ride on a B-24 or something.  That would be fun.

I received the letter from Vi O.K.  Was much relieved to know what happened, I guess I must’ve been a little alcohol zed when it all happened -- but wouldn’t change what has happened for the world.  I couldn’t have a finer wife - and mother.  Sweet, thoughtful, generous, kind, a wonderful companion - be it grand opera or ½ mile hike you’re still the one and only one who can take them in stride.  What more could a guy want - or ask for.  I’m getting sentimental, I guess - but then I always do - when I think of you.  I have your picture in my wallet - and your image in my heart.

                 As always,

                             Your loving husband,

                                         Vern

P.S.  Give my regards to the family - Tell Zeke I think he’s going to make a swell brother-in-law.

***************

November 24, 1944  NTC Gulfport Miss

Dear Mom,

Dearie me - I’m getting rather confused - first your sister says we are married and the you say we aren’t!  Now is we is or is we ain’t?  I think you have to brave the world alone in such a position - but also mebbe a little proud - especially when I do love you - and wouldn’t make a too awful papa!  Wouldn’t you consider the situation a wee more carefull - perhaps sleep on it a couple of nights!   (makes the bed as hard as hell - doesn’t it!)  You seem to have the wrong attitude about saylors, I think.  A saylor makes a verry good husband because he is sort of a handy man (He’ll hand anybody a line) wich makes him alll the more dezirabble.  Niver underrestimate a saylor.  He is a man to be reckonned with. 

I am esspecchally sorre that you won’t let me see the quadruplets (darn near broke the record didn’t you - only needed two more!)  They are mi pride and joye.  Have you named them almost yet?  I have been and still am sitting on edge (right now it’s the edge of the bunk) wayting for your tellagrame - butt I gess bye now evrething  is all over and evrething is O.K.  Am I write in this consumption?

I hope bye now you havve gotten mine udder letter wich I cent erlier in the weak.  Did you?

I see you are still staing att the Loving Arms Hotel.  Itt must bee a swell place to stay att almost.  I like - or I think I wood like the ‘uninhibited chambermaids’.  Don’t you too also mebbee?!

We had our tests today att wich I did not doo soo hott.  Math 94, Naval Discipline 50, Shop Theory 90.  How doo you like that nix 50.  I think he gavve mee too muche don’t you perhaps.  One more like that and I wood have a hundred.  50 + 50=100  Yup - one hundred.

I saw ‘None but the Lonlee Hart’ with Gary Cooper and ‘The Songge of Boinadette’, both uf wich was very swell don’t you!

This Sunday I is going to Biloxi to church and then cum bak latter to Gulfport in the aftertwelveoclocktime.

I am sending the ‘pictures almost’ back.  It’s too badd they did not cum out - like I hoped they wood.  How about sending mee a picture of you anyhow - for a Xmas present maybe, almost, perhaps - huh?!  Gif min love to da kids - all 4 of them and Mom and Poppa Pierpont - also sayye hiho! To bruther Zeke - forre me - will you huh?  As ever - yore loving husbande – Vernon

*************

Desembrrrr 11, 1944

Derist Sill,

I wil b fyne yestrda end hopeng u whis the ssaim 2moraoh.  Don’t u?

It cems u have A imppedalmetcha inn yure ryting.  i knotissed itt inn yure leturs 2 Me! [xkuze - pleese] Mae B i kan hellp u 2 ohvir cum itt.  i Shal tri 2 xplane sumtimes Abowt the simmpulscitty uf the Ingulish Langwhich.  Itt iz verre simmpul wunce u lern how  iff u waache kloslee how i ryte u kan kahpe me end lern dat wey.  K.O.?

i wiish I cood here the don Kasack corus.  i herd itt wunce end njoid itt imenslee.  Don’t u?

thangs four the “wite Rubbin Banter”.  i c that the Why Tee Cee iz styl goen!  Ain’t dat nyce - i shure mis itt.  speshully u! 

Yore ma showre had the rite idee aBout the skarf!  Onle i wood ruther bee the skarf, wear itt iz then wear i iz now!!  imajin beein deraped erond yore nek.  Itt thrrils mee awl ohver jus two thinnk abowt itt.  izint itt 2 baad thet u r sew fare away?!!

i went inntew towne last weak luking four sumthin four the for kidds - onle i haad truble fynding watt i wanted - sew i ddid nott gett itt.  Nex weak I wil gett itt four shure!  Tell Abigail, Buster, Carmen end Dudley I hav nott fourget themm.  (Four yure innfourmayshun - i amm nott yett enyways inn the brigg - nott yett enyways.)

Skule iz fyne she iz - tho sumtymes she end i does nott ageree az 2 watt i think i shood have four Marks!  Soon i wil fynd owt iff i have gott Fyremen 1/c.  Mae be thiss weak, - all most!!

The wether hear iz 2 kolld four mee.  Wee r whering our koats end sweters all sew galoves.  Tew kolld four me!  Have yew gotten eny sno yett?

Sonday when i was tew town i stopted intew A methudistt Church beecuz i saw a sine wich sed sumthin abowt gaims end refereshmints - sew naturle i stopted inn - naturle.  i spented A most innjoyebel 2 ours singingg hims end favoritt peeces.  Itt was A pyle uf fun.  Don’t yew??

Thair whirr sum nyce gurls thair tew.  Thay reremyneded yew uf me only xceppt four thair kewt suthernn akcentt.  Itt iz funy how everre peritty gurl reremyndes mee uf yew, mi own peritty weyeff.  i neverr wil fourgett yew inndeed.  inndeed.  indeed i wil.  Don’t yew tew all sew leyekwize??

Puleese giv tew yore ma, meye Bestt wisshez four A hape Nu Yere end A Mary Krismus - allsew tew yore paw.

Whut iz going onn inn Why Tee See  Ennythink uf imporetentce?  Wil yew give tew awl mi ferends thair mi reeguards?!  i wil be much ablijed.  Thenk yew 2 muche.  Ore az itt was sed in Frenche “Mare si bow koo”.  Hoeping yew have a Mary krismus yoreseluf, mom.

i miss u mom - dew u miss mee?  Have yew bin barn dancing uf lately?  How i wood luv tew dew our fayvoritt pollka, don’t yew?  i will gett russty iff I don’t dew sum dancing soones.  i will klose now, all most,

                 Yore luving spouse end hubbe           “POP”

P.S. indlosed fynd A pikchur uf our chaple.  Nott baad four a chaple, don’t yew! i live akross the road frum itt all most.

*************

January 6, 1945 – (from F.S.S. Class (A) Diesel Class 1945, U.S.N. Repair Base, San Diego, 36, Calif)

[first paragraph written backwards)

Tch Tch – how you spell – I didn’t know you were so ignorant.  But it’s O.K.   I love you just the same. It must be kinda tough to feed so many young’uns but then that will give you something to do!

Whew – that takes too much energy to write like that – and too much time besides & you know how valuable my time is!  Yeah – I know, just about 7 ½ cents per hour!! Slave labor pay – that’s what it is – I oughta hit ‘em for a raise!!! That’s one thing you can’t do – one of the many “ones” one can’t do -----.

Gee – I’d like to see you in your ‘page boy’ hair do-, - why don’t you have some one take a snap of you – while you still have it – so you can show me what you look like in it?!  You know how I like long hair.  I sure would like to get my hands in it right now – (yes, you’re right) – just to muss it up for you.  Say – Wwho do you get to muss up your hair do’s now – or do they stay in place now-a-days?!!!  I am proud of you growing such nice long hair – darn proud – I’m glad there’s someone in my ‘family’ that can grow it ---!!!  I just got mine cut tonite – it was getting so long, - no cracks -, it does get long ----- in places (not the right places!)

What happened to my sister-in-law Alice as a nursemaid?  Did she up and leave?!  I thought she would make a swell nurse-maid.

School is progressing rapidly – one week all gone already.  Darned interesting classes and getting better all the time.  if I don’t get anything else out of the Navy I’m getting educated anyhow.  They tell us this course would cost us around 4 or 5 thousand bucks elsewhere if we were to pay for it!!!  The equipment they have here is first class and mostly all new too.  I’m glad things are going as they are – and I know that God is guiding, guarding, and loving me now as always.  All I have to do is follow along lifes true path and I shall progress.  Progress is a law of God – there is no retrogression in God’s kingdom – all is progress forward.  It’s rather hard to see sometimes but nevertheless it is there.  Navy life has, even now, made me a little more humble and grateful for those little things in life we overlook sometimes.  A clearer sense of ‘home’, brotherly love, forbearance and patience are mine too.  So you see, I have progressed spiritually even if not materially.

Say – didn’t I send you a picture of me?!  I thought I did – so you could add it to your album of guys which think you are pretty swell – but maybe I didn’t.  You know – I had to practically steal the pictures I have of you – you didn’t give me any – but cheer up honey – we’ll see what we can do about it (we – meaning me and some kind of camera!)

The radio was playing some swell square dance music, with the prompts, too, just a little while ago, - made me a little homesick, almost.  ‘Tis Saturday nite too – sigh – I can remember other Saturdays when;  --- well, you get the idea I guess.

Am going to church tomorrow and going on a hike with some young people (C. Scientists) in the afternoon.  They (the young people) held a dance just before New Years to which I went, and had a wonderful time.  It’s hard to get acquainted with young people sometimes and get the right kind – and what could be a better way than thru a group of this sort?!!  I’m not much on playing around with pickups and such trash like some guys do – but I’d rather be a little choosy of my company anyhow.

Am glad Sandy Claus was so good to you – but he’s a pretty good egg -- !!!

School hours are rather long, 8 hours a day 6 days a week, and I don’t find time for writing like I used to – but 9/10 of my thoughts are in Waterbury – so you see I think of you anyhow – even if I don’t pen a line too often.  Wait till I get to sea – then you’ll get letters in a bunch!!! Heaven forbid!  (the ‘sea’ I mean!)

Tell Zeke I didn’t see his picture in the Bulletin for buying a $1000 bond for the 6^th war loan – whazzamatter – I thought he was makin lots of jake what with woodcuttin and all!!

Give the kids a hug and a kiss from ‘Daddy” – and you can have one too --!!

                             ‘Pop’

***************

Feb. 6, 1945

Hi ya yankee! 

It may be a long time since you’ve written but it’s longer since I’ve written (you figure it out).

I looked up Eddie Lovett but with no results.  They didn’t have any info on or about him in the office.  Maybe I went to the wrong place to ask – or maybe he just isn’t here!  Could be!! 

So Frankie has met at last his “young lady”.  Seems to me I’ve heard that one before!  Or do you suppose he means it this time?!  Give me the dirt.  “Shoot the dirt to me Gert” – or sumpin -.

We ‘graduated’ Saturday and tomorrow we head for Shoemaker, California – that is, we have 7 days to get there.  After that we hit the – hmmm mmm  

– well you get the general idea I guess.  Maybe I’ll have a F.P.O. number?!! 

I was only 12 from the top of class so I consider myself a natural genius. (o’course) (naturally)  Our class was pretty darn good – or else I would have been even higher.  Comparative estimates, my dear, prove that.  We did have a good class tho – we all agreed on that (all – meaning the class itself!)

Yes – I do miss missing – I mean miss mussing your mangy locks, -I mean, hair.  Am getting confused myself, here.  But I guess Zeke will have to carry on my arm isn’t 3 or 4 thousand miles long – or else I would oblige by doing the same. 

Glad to hear Les got home – he’s been away quite awhile hasn’t he?

Well I have to dash over the the Post office and see if I got any mail.  It will be a long time afore I get mail again.

Will try and drop you a line while in L.A. as I intend to go there on my leave.  Maybe I’ll even visit Hollywood – hmm-m – could be.

Keep yore fingers out of your mouth, Mom it aint good for growed up pipples.

Will write more later.

Gif mine luf to da kids.

                             Luf,  Pop

***************

February 21, 1945   from F 2/c 8992861, Barracks 0533, Naval Receiving Brks, Shoemaker, Calif.

Dear Syl;

Long time no see!

At the present moment I am sitting comfortably in the “legal office” of the main administration bldg.  Would you like some legal advice?  Advice of food and gas rationing?  Well, well, I’ve guess you’ve come to the right office.  Yup, the right office, - but the wrong guy!  I’m ostensibly serving in the unlimited capable capacity as a messenger.  Would you like a message delivered?  I don’t peek – and I don’t charge much either!  What! – no sale?! Awh – gee –

T’other day I had messenger duty in the “Public Works” office and how I did work there.  – Nix!  I wrote letters and twiddled my thumbs – (all ten of them!) – all the time I was there.  What a racket eh!  They’ll kill me with overwork yet!

Just came in from liberty this noon.  We get every 3^rd day off from 1330 to 1200 the next day.  Some fun.  I went to Oakland with my pal Howie.  Went bowling and went to a show and then to bed.  Some excitement eh what!  Up just in time to eat and catch a bus back to the camp.  Next time I think I’ll go to Berkeley – that’s where the Univ. of  Calif. is.  A co-ed college too!  (Long **++****whistle!)  Wantta come along.  Gee – tanks!  Naw, I wouldn’t appreciate it I’m afraid.  I’m a changed man since you saw me last.  Would you believe it.  I’ve got ‘someone’ on my mind and I can’t get her off!  I don’t want to either.  Gals don’t mean much when a guys’ got what I got.  I don’t know why I should be telling “my wife” this.  Goodness me, what a dope, - first thing you know you’ll divorce me and then what would I do – with 4 kids – Wow – what a purdickament!

They tell us that we’ll be here about a week or 10 days.  ‘Twill be a week tomorrow nite – and no word yet.  Oh well, - I’m beginning to like it here and not anxious to go to sea anyhow.  I’m a landlubber at heart.

Thanks for the valentine – I just got it today.  Such centiment – ah me – what a wife I have.  I sortta slipped up this year dearie, or you’d a got one too.

I hear tell ya was working on my sister’s hair.  Ya musta done a good job ‘cuz she thought it was swell.  I hear tell too, that you’re a gonna go up and visit her.  Are you going to take my heartthrob along?  I hear tell that something was cooking along them lines.  Whatsa latest dope on this?  Anyhow? 

My sis tells me that my heartthrob wasn’t eggsackly the one you had picked to be me heartthrob.  Just who was the one you had picked out – Hmm?  I’m downright curious.  Not that I’d change my mind but I was just wondering who the gal was.  Enlighten me will yuh?!

Golly I’ve rambled on for 2 pages and haven’t said a thing.  Guess I’d better shuddup.

How’s Y.T.C. coming along?  Tell them I am deeply honored and humbly grateful for continuing my membership for me.  I make you my mouthpiece for the occasion.  Thank you!

     So long for now

                 Vern

**************

Mar 3, 1945

Hi Syl,

You know – if you wrote me sooner after events have happened I wouldn’t hear about them from other sources and you wouldn’t have such complaints!  Hint?!! 

So Frankie done brang his gal home with him eh – hm-m, sounds pretty serious I’d say, - coming all the way from New Orleans.  Say – she and I would have things in common wouldn’t we – me visiting New Orleans when I was in Miss. And stuff – hm-m.!  Carol Street and me were just like X that .  Guess I’ll have to talk with her someday.  Do you think that might be possible?!

Natcherlee I heard about you and Alice visiting Dot – natcherlee.  It’s a good thing I don’t depend on you tho to hear about such things!  Whatsamatter wouldn’t anyone give you my new address?  Sending it to Diego – tsk tsk sich sich – oh me.  Pick yore chin up offen the floor – I didn’t mean it – honest.

So ya wanta bowl – huh?  OK.  I’ll take you on.  I haven’t bowled duck pins since since – well since I was home last.  But I have bolwed infrequently with the big balls, - mans game (that lets you out).  I managed to get 170 t’other day! My average is about 140 to 150 with the big balls.  If I ever got ahold of one of them pee-wee marbles I’d probably put it right thru the back of the alley!  I will gladly bowl you a nickel a string as I am short of funds most always and this will be a convenient way to earn some money and have some fun at the same time!

Rain rain go away – etc.  It’s raining today, darn it – my liberty day too.  I’m not anxious to get wet so I’m staying in.  Dope?  I was planning on taking a hike up in the hills around here – mebbe next time.  Lots of flowers are out here – roses and hyacinths I can call by name but beyond that they’re just pretty flowers.  I can’t name ‘em, not these anyhow.  Trees are in blossom – white, red, pink and yeller ones.  Purty, so it is.  Nature lover that’s me – waal I gotta love something don’t I?!

After yore comment about Orie Holihan I felt gespired and writ him a letter last nite – just to keep up the home front morale you know.

Today is our (wait’ll I take my shoes off) 17^th day here and no sign of shipping out yet.  Oh well, - I’d rather be here than out at sea any day.  I have decided I am not meant to be a sailor – but no one pays any attention to me!

Am glad a good time wuz had by all at the Y.T.C. party – you make me feet jump when you talk about the heel and toe polka.  Am glad somebody can still do it – somebody will have to show me all over again by the time I get outta dis here outfit – pooey.

Went to a show here last nite and saw a cowboy picture and a detective one too.  All fer a 5c (nickel).  I think I would almost be tempted to splurge and ask you some day – o’course it would be a strain on me finances, o’course, nacherly. 

Don go away yet – I got another sheet of this paper I want to throw away – or stick around a bit.  O’course I haven’t got anything to say but mebbe if I were to write a little bigger it would take up more space and I wouldn’t have to say so much to write something.  I mean I wouldn’t have to write so much to say nothin’.  Do you think it would cover more space if I wrote bigger?  It looks as tho it might doesn’t it!

A friend of mine says that this is not the proper way to cover a sheet of paper.  He says that the proper procedure for filling up a page is to drop a line to the bottom of it like this…. 

$

$

$

$

$

$

Goombye,

             Pop

P.S. – S.P. Have you been barn dancing lately out to Wolcott.

S.P.S. – wantta hear a good joke?  Do you know why the Waves wear a tie?  You know those blue things they wear?  Well there is a Navy regulation that says all “sea bags” must be tied at the top – that’s why!  Get it?  Ha ha ha - I’ll laugh anyhow.

S.S.P.S.  You shoulda been here yesterday.  All the fellers stripped (calm yoreself!) to the waist and stretched out on the lawn and took sunbaths.  Don’t you wish you were here?  No!  Well – no need to get huffy.

******************

Mar. 18, 1945

Dear Mom,

Youse coitanly reeleeved me A lott whin i gott yure letter.  i was wundering how yu wood take itt, mi luving sum udder wuman, i mean – itt shure iz A lode offen mi mine.  Youse ken have da kids, i diddent want dem anywaze az fore iz two meny i tink fore wun man.  Da pore kids, - i feel soree fore dem tho, cuz dey wil no dout hef two suport there lasee ole mudder az soon az dey ar abel.  Pore little kidds – itt mite bee wize mebbe ifen yu didd maree sum ole galoot wid lotts uf munnee, - den dey woodent hef two suport you, like dey wood almost iffen yu diddent purrhaps.  i don tink yu like mee veree much enyhow orr yu wood uf att leest gifff me da congratulusions on piking on sum veree nice beutifull girrl like I didd.  i tink mebbe yu ar jellus dats wat i tink.  Zhame fore yu.  i amm gladd yu diddent get two much outta mee – butt i new dat iz wat yu we affter enyhow.

i wood veree much appreciate hering about da kidds tho – dat iz ifen youse aint two lasee two rite noww and den.  i laff everee tyme i here about dem – mebbe itt iz becuz youse use such tearible langwich dat iz wy i laff, i dunno.  enyhow i wood injoy hering about da kidds progrest.  dey shood bee going two skul soon – butt iffen dey take affter there mudder dey woodent lern much enyhow soo dere iz no neede uf sending dem i gess az itt wood bee a waste uf tyme, end it wood bee veree embareassing two youse two hef itt nown data dose kidds were yures.

iff Carmen looks lik yu itt iz onlee becuz shee iz a woman – dat iz all.  Dere coodent bee anudder face az badd az yures.  Dat i no.

itt looks az tho da milkman end da iceman shure had a whale uf a tyme att da house wile i waz att work.  How dey stood itt i don no.  mebbe dey iz crasier den i thot dey wer.

Youse shok mee wen youse say yu saw wun uff mi kidds inn town.  i never had no udder kidds inn town.  i never had no udder kidds inn town, so dere.

Whew, - can I write straight and good English now?!  O.K.  Well, Syl, it looks as tho they have finally caught up with me at last.  I’m shipping out on the 20^th – to where I don’t know, - rumors says “New Hebrides’ – but it’s only rumor so far, no facts as yet.  We won’t know, I don’t think, till we get there.  That’s usually the way the Navy works it.  There’s 344 on our draft, part Gunners mates strikers, part Torpedomensmates strikers and part motor machinists mates strikers (dat’s me!).  It looks like we’ll probably be sent to an advanced base somewhere and be sent out or split up from there.  At least that’s the way I have it figured out.  I could be wrong!  Shut up!!

My new address will be ‘Me’  F 2/c 8992861, Draft #3551 from Shoemaker, c/o Fleet Post Office, San Francisco, Calif.  that is if you care to write!  I get a kick out of your letters – especially about the ‘kids’ – it sorta keeps my morale up, which does need a boost now and then.

I hear tell you had a Y.T.C. bowling party!  I knew I couldn’t depend on you to tell me about it!  I didn’t hear what your scores were tho.  Were they that bad?  I used to know a Syl Pierpont that could bowl a darn good game.  I wonder what happened to her!!!   I’ve been bowling nearly every day for over a week now – it sorta helps pass time and breaks up the monotony too.  I can’t get back up to the 220 I hit a while back but I have hit up in the 180’s a few times since.  Yuh think I’m kidding you about the scores?!  O.K.  I’ll prove it to yuh ---- some day!

I’m going to church this morning, yes sir, I’m a gonna get to hevvin sum day --!  Church is over in Camp Parks, the Seebee Base next door.  Know anyone over there? I’ll drop in on ‘em and tell ‘em how awful you are-----n’t!  I’ve run into a few Waterbury fellows out here.  Johnny Francis, ‘Red’ Tammany, Roy Johnson, Spencer Shean and Harvey Hendrickson.  Know any of them?  Ask Zeke if he knows any of them – I bet he does – or he should, - they all worked in Scovills.

Afore I forget it – let me wish you a belated ‘Happy St. Patrick day’ – and a “Joyous easter”.  I haven’t any cards so this will have to do.  What has the bunny left for you?  Tsk tsk!  You shoulda put him out doors a little quicker!  Ha hah!  That one smelled -!!  P.U.!!

Say ‘hello’ to the family for me – that includes Zeke too!

                             With love,

                                         Pop

P.S.  Say – what is Art’s address?  Isn’t he out in the southwest Pacific?  I might hunt him up if I get in that area.  Let me know – huh?  Wouldn’t we have a swell time talking about you – ha hah!  Wouldn’t you like that!  Ha hah!

S.P.S  Can you find out and tell me where art Peterson is now?  I lost track of him back in Sampson.  How’s about it?  Can do?  Swell!

S.S.P.S.  Don’t forget to write, - - - often!!

April 14, 1945  From F 2/c 8992861, R/S Nave #150, c/o F.P.O. San Francisco, CA

***************

April 14, 1945

Dear Syl,

Yesterday being Friday the 13^th, and thinking of all the unlucky things that has happened to me, I naturally started thinking of you.  So today, being tomorrow from yesterday, which was really today then, I thought I’d drop a few words your way and thank you for all the grief you’ve been to me.  So, here I is am, was or sumpin to that effect - .

Am sorry to hear that Buster’s so slow at every thing.  I think it must be the influence of those around him. But why should he learn to walk when he can get carried around!  Mebbe he’s smarter than you think!!

Thanks for Art’s address – now all I have to do is find him.  How about Art Peterson’s address yuh big dope!  That’s the one I asked yuh for didn’t I?!  Do yuh think I wanta get me haid busted in by lookin up the other ‘Art’?!  Are yuh crazee!  Just what would he think and do if I told him you and me was already married and had had 4 kids while he was out here in the Pacific???  No, I think it would be safer not to see him at-all-at-all.  Now how about Art Petersons address – do I have to come home and get it myself?  Thanks – (Ha, ha)

It’s pretty nice here.  Nice sleeping quarters – army tents and only 6 or 8 to a tent, so we have oodles of room.  Our camp is nestled right in a coconut grove so its pretty picturesque (notice that long word there!)  Coconut milk and meat aren’t bad either – tho I’d rather have my coconut on top of a cream pie.  Yum-m.

Chow here is swell.  I’ll list a few of the good things we have – pancakes, iced tea, cocoa and lemonade, pie a-la-mode, chocolate pudding.  Is that enough?  And we can get all sorts of candy and ice cream and cake at ships service so we don’t do half bad.  I’ve got a whole box of ‘butterfingers’ up on the shelf here.  Have one?  Don’t grab – hah  … ha ha.

I don’t think I’ll let you have any candy, on 2^nd thought – you might get fat again.  And you know what happened the last time you got ‘fat’ – Quads!!!  No candy for you – and that’s that –

There’s a chapel just up the road from here and we have our C.S. services there so it’s pretty convenient.  The chapel is quaint – made of strips of bamboo, thatched.  Quite novel.

One of the best things here is the nice cold showers one can get in the shower house.  Boy, do they go good on a hot day – you betcha.  it’s so hot here you sweat doing nothing at all.  When it rains it really rains – as much as 15 or 20 times a day.  Some fun, especiallly when you’re standing in chow line.

I saw coral the other day, down at the beach.  Exquisite shape –  sum-m not bad.  I hear tell she’s as hard as rock tho – tsk tsk - too bad!  Ha ha – Some pun eh kid –

We had a nice trip across ‘cept some of the fellers got sea sick the first couple of days.  They recovered pretty fast tho. We didn’t see much of anything ‘cept flying fish which kept us amused for hours.  We saw no land till the day we anchored here and terra ferma sure looked and felt good believe you me.  We got our membership cards into the ‘Ancient Order of the Deep’ for crossing the equator and the “Domain of the Golden Dragon’ for crossing the international date line.  Some honor bestowed on us, eh!  We missed being initiated becuz there were too many of us – but I don’t mind – as the initiation is gruesome.  I must tell you about it sometime.

By the way I haven’t told you where I am, have I.  I’m in the New Hebrides.  We’re here only temporarily and awaiting further transfer to somewhere  - where, no one knows.  I’d just as soon stay here.  Blame me?  No one to shoot at me from down here.

I got me a close crew haircut (no comments) – and it is really very cool, aside from the fact that I don’t have to comb it at all at all (no comments). Remember you told me I’d grow hair down here!  Well I’ve started in already.  Be prepared to give me a permanent when I get hom, ‘cuz I’mm gonna let it grow and grow and grow- !

Who was the best man at the bowling party?  And no fibbing!  You tell your brother Zeke that if he thinks he’s so good at bowling I can take him anytime anywhere.  So there too -.. 

I can just imagine what a good influence you will be at that youth canteen.  Nix.  Sech pore judgment some pipples has.  I’m sure you will contribute much to the degeneracy of the younger generation.

My honey tells me spring is springing ‘up thar’.  Ah me – “spring, when a young mans fancy lightly turns to thoughts of … “  Tell me, what does a young lady’s fancy turn to?  I guess I should ask a young lady tho and not you shouldn’t I? 

Have just finished reading ‘The Robe’  A swell book.  Was it you that said you read it?  Gloria had I know, but I’m skeptical about you.  Very much so in fact !!  (Snicker snicker)

Edie Hosking tells me she met you on the street one day.  Tsk tsk – out wolfing again were you?

Must close now as I can’t use up my whole pad of paper on one letter on someone that doesn’t love me.  Guess I’ll write to my honey – she loves me (I hope)

Give Zeke a kick in the pants from ‘respeckfully yores’.

Keep writing – I love your unintelligible, unintellectual, uninspiring, uninteresting, unreadable letters.  Ha  Ha!

                             Luf – Vern