Valentine's Day
Feb 14, 1942

My dear Jack,

Momma had a surprise for me this morning. And you know what it is or rather was! When I came to the breakfast table this morning, there, at my place was an envelope with only my name scrawled across it in your handwriting. You must have been in a hurry because the ink is smudged. Was I approaching when you did it? Oh Jack, when I opened it my eyes filled with tears and I had to leave the room. It was the most beautiful Valentine I could ever have wanted. You asked me to wait for you.. I will Jack. I promise, I will. You fill my thoughts when I should be concentrating on other things. Know that you are in my heart and mind.. a part of me. I will wait to hold you and touch you and kiss you and... and.. and even that. Now I"m blushing and if you were here you'd be laughing at me and telling me not to worry.. that it will be good.

Gentle man.. are you fearful? I imagine you bouncing on a ship somewhere in the middle of the ocean. Papa says you're probably going to England. He watches the newsreels and listens to the radio every night. He looks more and more worried. And pale.

Can worry make a man pale? It's winter so it's probably just because he doesn't get out much. He and Momma are always whispering. You don't suppose she's going to have a baby again, do you. After little Johhny died when he was not yet 3 months old, I remember her saying that she would have no more. But the way she's acting seems so similar.. I asked her and she said she couldn't talk.. was too busy. I think she's too old. How old can a woman be to have a baby? I don't know so many things.

When you come home, you'll have seen the world and all sorts of people. Teach me Jack. Teach me everything you've learned. Teach me about men and women.. and babies. I think I'd like to have one.

The nursing school at the county hospital has sent me an application. I think I'm going to fill it in just to see if they'll accept me.

It's Sunday and the chicken is ready. Momma has just called me to set the table for dinner. Come back to me Jack. Come sit beside me at Sunday dinner.

Love from your Vivienne.