V-mail from Gloria Whitehall to Sgt. Robert Whitehall
Dearest Robert,
My heart is so heavy today. I received news that my friend Rita has lost her husband to the war. For some reason, this news brought the reality of what is at stake for all of us right into my kitchen. Please come home safe, Robert. You have two young children that need to know you, need to grow up with you by their sides. They need to learn to ride their bikes and dive off tall cliffs with their father. Not me. Not Levi. You.
How on earth will Rita recover? Why does her new grandson have to grow up in a world where that wonderful man is a memory, instead of a real, live grandfather?
I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. Don’t go out of your way to find danger. Stay safe. You became a hero the moment you enlisted. You have nothing more to prove.
And know that I am here and waiting for you. If I didn’t understand what waiting meant, I do now. It’s an active thing. Full of worry and solid, heavyhearted memories. I remember you, Robert. I remember your hair and your eyes and your beautiful smile. I won’t forget again.
All of my love and prayers for peace,
Ladygirl