“WW1 Writing Activity”
3/9/2000

The usually familiar wind seemed strange to me as it made it’s way through my backyard. I stood out there in the pale light, lost in deep thought, recalling the contents of the letter I received a fortnight ago; one particular sentence had burrowed back into the recesses of my mind: “You are to report for duty in the port of Dover at the end of November to serve for your country in the War which we are currently involved in…” After I read the letter to its entirety, I sank to my knees; my mind clouded with thoughts of what could occur during or after the war; injury, capture, loss of family, or even death. I kept silent about it the rest of that day, but my wife, Lenora, knew something was up. She confronted me that evening with a concerned tone in her voice, it was apparent to me that she found the letter. Whispering quietly she said: “Bruce, my sweet, I understand you have no choice, and I know you don’t want to leave me or our daughter. But the call to duty has sounded, and you must go, and I will miss you, so will Liza. Do not fret Dear, we will get through this…together.” 

We talked the rest of the evening, recalling moments we love and cherish; Our wedding, the birth of our daughter, and other unforgettable moments in our life together. The time from the day I received the letter, to the present, has been difficult and full of pain. Pain from the thoughts of what could happen to me in the war. Lenora worries constantly about this issue, I could see that it was taking its toll on her lovely face. Her face, which once showed no sign of age, is now full of sorrow and depression. It is evident that this was seriously harming her, but she would not admit to it. 

It is now a week from the first of December, and I will be leaving soon. Lenora will leave Liza with her sister, and she will come with me to see me off on my way to Dover, and to war. I asked her not to come along when I left, because I knew I couldn’t bear to see her hold her emotions in and not cry when I left, but she insisted on coming along to the train station with me. I knew this was the battle I would lose, and hopefully it would be the only thing I would. 

I closed my eyes and envisioned the time after the war, when I came back to see our daughter for the first time in years. I let out a long sigh and sat down in one of the deck chairs to reflect on the situation. After a few minutes I heard the soft footsteps of my wife. She trotted softly to where I was sitting, and bowed down to where her lips were level with mine. Leaning forward, she gave me a soft kiss. One I will always remember. I drew her near and held her, smoothing her hair as I spoke: “Lenora…Don’t cry. We will never be separated, for our love keeps us close. Whatever may happen, know that I love you and I will do every thing I can to come back to you. While I am away, I shall write you…But in the meantime, you should do something besides worrying. Its getting cold now, let’s go inside.” 

With that I lifted her up into my arms, and I carried her into our room. When we got inside I placed her gently into the bed when she fell asleep, lost in a wonderful dream. I was sure it was wonderful…it must have been, she hadn’t smiled since the letter came. Entranced by her smile, I stood there for moment, watching her sleep before settling myself down beside her.