Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

Letter to Mr. and Mrs. Lodor Nordstrom, Sr.

1943

Dear Mother and Dad,

I am so sorry the way things turned out. I wanted so much for you to have been there with me so I could have introduced you to my bride in person. I wish we could have waited but as it was we only had five days with each other before I shipped out. I am sure Marion has written to you by this time and told you about the wedding. It was just a fast courthouse affair, but Bemis and Faye, my sergeant and a few buddies were there so we had some people with us but it was not the wedding I wished I could have given her so I promised her that when I got back we would do it all over again at home, in church, and I plan to get back, believe me, and with Marion waiting for me I know I will, but if for any reason something happens, if I don’t get back, I want you to know that the past weeks she has made your son the happiest guy in the world so please take care of her for me. Her folks are dead and she will need you so much. I know I can count on you and that you will welcome her with open arms that way you have always welcomed all my friends and after a while you might encourage her to try and find some nice guy who will love her. I depend on you to check him out thoroughly for me. I know anything happening is a long shot, but all the guys are making sure to talk about it just in case. I don’t know when I will be able to write to you again so I thought I would say a few things to each of you.

Mom, you are the best mom a guy could have and I thank you for everything you ever did, especially for loving me even when I messed up the house like I did. Dad, you are my best buddy and you always will be and if I am one half the man you are, I will be OK. Off of serious things. I want you guys to be looking around town for a place for us. Maybe not too far from you. Maybe the old Darthsnider place is still for sale, check it out, will you? Pat that stupid flea-bitten old canine of mine for me. I guess I better sign off now. If I sound funny it is only because I am feeling scared and proud at the same time. I am scared because I don’t know where we are being sent but proud as punch that I am one of the guys that is going. Proud that I am standing up for my country.

Your loving son,

Eugene Lodor Nordstrom