October 31, 1944

V-mail from Marguerite Vincenzo to Seaman Tobias Vincenzo

Toby,

Remember my stories about the man who lived in the moon and ate Swiss cheese all night? He’ll take care of you. Draw your soul into a tight ball and toss it to him. He’ll keep it safe.

And that way, I’ll be able to see it smiling down on me on nights like this.

Don’t die. Refuse to. Come back to Iowa and let me fix what the war has broken. Sleep in your bed with your baby snuggled against your chest. Eat the meals I prepare. Sit on the front porch and watch the new world unfold. You have a place in it. I’m counting on that.

Happy birthday, baby.

I love you.

Ma

[Letter never sent.]