The watch you got me really works swell

July 4, 1940 Gene Fast, 20 years old
Cumberland, Maryland
Constitution Park

June 27, 1945 (Wednesday)

Dearest husband Perry,

I didn't get a letter yesterday, but I didn't mind--I'm still reading the first five that I received the day before. Oh, my dearest, do you know how happy your letters have made me? All day long I think about the things you've told me. Your plans of taking up radio broadcasting thrilled me so Perry. I do hope that you can go into that kind of work.

Oh, darling, I can hardly wait till I see you again. I do hope it will be soon like you hinted in your letter. How wonderful it would be if you could get a leave. I would want us to go to Utah then right away!

Instead of going to work yesterday, Viola and I went to the beach. It was such a beautiful day and it had been so long since I had been to the beach. We had a lovely time and got a slight tan too. I went in the ocean for awhile. The water was so nice. It was such fun. Oh Perry, I wish we could go swimming sometime--to the beach--and play in the waves or walk along the shore. How I would love that. Can we do that sometime, Perry? Huh!?

We worked today at the shop then told Mr. Tabes we were looking for another job. He said he would like us to work on there but didn't blame us for wanting to get a salaried job. I guess he'll miss us, poor old man.

The 1940 US Census has recently been
released to the public.During that time
Gene was living with her parents
in Cumberland, Maryland

Nellie is with me tonight. I called her up this eve and she said she was still all alone. (She is looking for a roommate.) So I invited her over for the night. She says she can't stand being all alone. Sister Osborne is looking for some girl from Adams Ward to live with her.

Darling, I do wish you could have gotten the Era this year. I wonder what could have happened? I do hope they will send it to you regularly now for the number of months you didn't get any. I must close here, darling. I do hope I hear from you again tomorrow. I love you my dearest. Your own, Gene

June 28, 1945

Hello My Darling,

Today I received your letter written on the 20th. It's the one you wrote at your new job. The last one before that was dated the 15th. I knew you would be wondering why you didn't hear from me for so long. You see, I didn't go to the Hawaiian Islands this time so I couldn't buy those things you wanted me to. If I do, I will still do it.

Yes, your job sounds pretty good. It's too bad it only is for a few days. If you sort'a keep your eyes and ears open, you may be able to find something permanent that is nearly as good. However, the main thing is to find something you will enjoy doing. Don't take anything just for money's sake.

Sweetheart, I'm glad you do like to go shopping with me. I'm not ordinarily very fond of shopping, but sometimes I do enjoy it very much and that is when I am looking for something special for you, and very, very much when you are with me. I am really going to enjoy buying you that white evening gown. Also some other things too. What would you like? Just so I can think and dream about it. How do you like the mirror and brush? The watch you got me really works swell and it surely is convenient. Just what I have always wanted but didn't feel I could ever afford to buy.

I love you, my dear sweet wife, and can think only of that day when I can be with you forever. It's pretty hard to "wait and not be tired by waiting" isn't it. Goodbye for now, my love. Your Perry

June 30, 1945

My Darling Wife,

No letter from you last night, but I have new hopes for today. I'll be glad when I get your letters you've written after receiving mine. I hope it will cheer you up a bit.

Gene, did you ever see the show "Music for Millions?" I saw it just last night and I thought it was really good. The music was really wonderful. Most of it I was quite familiar with which made me appreciate it more. If I could have seen it back there with you at my side, I would have enjoyed it a hundred times more though. I love you, my darling, and I love every moment I am with you.

Gene, do you still want me to write requesting some film? The reason I didn't do it before is because I thought I would soon be in the States and then I could try and get some myself, but that didn't work out either. I would surely like some more pictures of my wife if she could get some film and have some taken. Could you?

(Later) Sweetheart, I thought I would wait until this evening to finish this. I thought if I had a letter from you, it would give me the necessary inspiration to finish this, but they didn't bring any aboard at all tonight so I guess I'll have to do my best without.

This is Saturday and the last day of the month. Saturday night really can be "the loneliest night in the week" sometimes can't it? But it could also be the pleasantest if I only was with a certain somebody. What do you do on Saturday nights now, sweetheart? Have you ever been horseback riding again?

Do you notice that my letters aren't as good as they used to be? It seems like since I was with you this last time, letter writing seems like such a poor substitute for really being with you. I have such a hard time putting my thoughts on paper. All I want to do is to be able to be with you and talk to you.

This afternoon I read over some of your old letters and saved the best ones, which was most of them, and tied them up to keep for that scrapbook I've told you about that I am going to make. Also read over your patriarchal blessing. All that gave me enough inspiration to hold me over for today, but I'd better get a letter tomorrow. I'm sure a hopin'. I send you all my love, my darling, which is very, very much. Always yours, Perry.

I'm the luckiest girl in this world to have you

June 23, 1945

My Sweetheart,

As though it weren't bad enough that I let two days go by without writing to you--I wrote you yesterday then put the letter in with several others in my stationery folder. When I went to mail them, I missed yours and today found it still there. Please forgive me sweetheart. I am sorry because I want you to know that when you go for several days without hearing from me, it isn't my fault but only because of the movements of the ship. That's why I try to write you nearly every day as long as I am in port even when I don't hear from you. This may be the last letter you will get from me for a few days so please don't worry or get blue.

Last night I saw the show "The Princess and the Pirate." Do you remember when we saw it? We only saw the last part of it so I really enjoyed it. No letter from you again tonight, so I guess I won't be getting any for a few days now. I surely hope it won't be too long. Guess I'll have to get out some of your old ones and read them--some of those I received while I was in San Francisco. I didn't bother to concentrate on them much or reread them because I had you right there.

Darling, I surely hope it won't be too long before I can see you again and then until we can be together forever. All my love, Perry

June 24, 1945

My Darling,

Guess I was wrong about not being able to send you any more mail for a while. I'm glad I'll be able to still get mail, but I will surely be glad to get out of this place.

I went with a recreation party over on the beach today. All there was to do was to drink beer and swim, so I enjoyed myself swimming. The water was real warm and clear. It's a little hard on the eyes and mouth though. (I just can't seen to keep my big mouth shut.) I really think I prefer fresh water.

I reread some of your letters today. It's been so long since I heard from you. They were those ones when you were feeling so badly because of that one letter I wrote you while I was in Pearl Harbor. You never did say if you forgave me for it. Please try to understand my feelings at that time.

We held our church services again today and I gave the lesson. We had eight today. We are getting about one more each time. What have you been doing lately, darling? Have you been going bareback riding anymore or been going to the beach? I hope you can do enough interesting and constructive things to keep yourself occupied and keep you from getting blue. Are you still good friends with Nellie and is she still interested in the Church? In all of your letters, you mention her so I assume you must really be getting to be good friends.

Sweetheart, it's becoming rather difficult to write when I don't hear from you. We are hardly getting any mail aboard at all. Anyway, it's rather difficult to go back to expressing my love on paper when I was able to hold you in my arms and speak it to you only a few weeks ago. I constantly pray that it won't be too long until I can do that again, but most of all when I can be with you forever. That is the constant and foremost thought in my mind. It is only because I love you so much, my sweetheart, and because I know I will never tire of being with you. Always yours, Perry

June 25, 1945

My Darling Wife,

I finally received your letter of the 15th today. It surely did seem wonderful to hear from you again after such a long time without any letter. Darling, there is nothing that can take the place of your letters while I am away from you.

No darling, I am not in the Hawaiian Islands this time. If I were, I would have my picture taken, as you want, and send it to you. If I go there again, I really will have my picture taken this time if it is at all possible. I would rather wait, though, until I come back and I could have it taken with my sweetheart. How would you like that? I would buy you a special orchid, or something as good, just for that occasion.

Your letter quite thrilled me and you seemed to be in good spirits for which I was glad and which makes me feel happy too. You know it's only when you are happy that I can be happy, and I suppose it's visa-versa. And I know exactly what you mean when you say it's hard to put your heart into the things you do.

The chorus party sounds like quite a lot of fun. I wish I could be there to take my sweetheart to it. Perhaps that day won't be too far off. At least by so thinking, I am able to live each day a little easier. Goodbye for now. I love you, my darling. Your lover, Perry

June 25, 1945 (Monday)

My dearest husband Perry,

Oh I am so happy today and you are the cause of that. Yes, my darling, I have received 5 wonderful letters from you. They were dated June 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th, and 19th. Oh, such sweet letters. I can't tell which one thrilled me most unless it was your last one telling me that maybe in a few months you would send me to the Manx. You will be in again and I will see you again (would it be only a few days again, but I guess it would.) Oh, Perry, when I read it, I could hardly contain my joy. I wanted to shout it out loud.

Darling, we had such a perfect time when we were in San Francisco, but then it seems we always do when we are together. I look forward to our next "honeymoon" with all eagerness. I think I feel about the same as I did when I was a child waiting for Christmas to come. Perry, I love you so. I long for you so.

Christmas Day, Salt Lake City, 1945

The dream you told me of in your first letter fairly took my breath away, darling. It will come true, Perry, even this Christmas. I know it will. I shall pray for this anyway. Your poem is beautiful, Perry, and very expressive. I like it though I do wish it could have been a happier one. My feelings were very much the same as yours at that time, darling. For almost a week after you left me, I felt so lost and almost helpless. Golly, Perry, I don't know what I'd do if it wasn't for the church and all its activities. I'm so thankful for this. You are right, Perry, when I can keep busy, I feel much better.

When you said that it was crowded where you were, I guessed that it meant your ship is carrying a lot of Marine troops. But I'm glad you found someone you knew and also so glad you found that many LDS fellows so you could hold meetings.

Yes, Perry, I am looking around for another job cause I don't think this painting work will last much longer. Mr. Lang's office girl came back today. So he paid me for the three days that I was there. I shall start looking around for something else now. Saturday I worked at the shop and finished painting some little figurine dancers. Then Viola and I had dinner downtown and went to a show. We saw "Experiment Perilous" with Hedy Lamaar and George Brent. It was quite an exciting show.

Yesterday after church eight of Adams Ward's girls (including me) had dinner downtown at Clifton's. Margaret and Lillian Copp, Mary Watts, Ferris Kent, Marge Allred, Nellie, Emily and myself. It was a regular "old hens" party, but we had so much fun. but I ate so much that when I came home, I fell asleep and didn't wake up till hours later. In fact, I missed church last night and when I woke up (about 8:00 o'clock) I thought it was morning. (Are you laughing at me, Perry?) I really don't know how it happened.

Oh, I am so glad that you can take a correspondence course, darling, and radio broadcasting sounds so right for you. I do hope you can go into that kind of work, Perry. You have such a good voice. whenever I think of our future, when we shall be together and have our home and truly start living our hopes and dreams, it thrills me so I can hardly believe it's true--these wonderful things that are happening and will happen to me. I just know I'm the luckiest girl in this world to have you, dearest Perry. Surely I have been richly blessed.

I think it's wonderful that Hazel has graduated with a degree. How proud you all can be of her. This letter is beginning to get quite lengthy. That's what happens when I hear from you. I can find so much to say. Some of my last letters were awful, I guess. It's so hard to write, darling, when I don't hear from you for so long, but I guess you understand. Perry, the pictures were beautiful. How I would love to visit that place someday.

Well, darling, I think I'll have to stop here. (I'm in my room writing this and it's almost 6:00 pm) Nellie and Emily are coming over. We are going out to dinner. Till tomorrow, sweetheart. Forever your devoted, Gene. I love you, my dearest husband.

Perry, why am I not hearing from you?

June 19, 1945

My Darling Sweetheart,

I don't think I have ever been much happier (except when I have been with you) as when I read your sweet letters tonight. I had four of them dated 8, 9, 11, 14th. The first three were the sweetest. I think you were rather blue when you wrote the other. I know how it is not to get any mail and then you, no doubt, had other reasons too. Don't feel too badly, darling. There is still plenty of time and anyway, in our prayers we have asked the Lord's help and direction as we are unable to see. There are many reasons, I suppose. How can you know for sure now?

I think it's possible I'll send you to the Manx again in two or three months. Does that make you feel better? Will you like that? Of course I can't say definitely as yet until I get the final word from the "Doc."

Gene, sweetheart, I feel much better now that I have heard from you and know how you felt about the way I had to leave. I liked the way you put it, to always leave as though you were expecting to see me very soon. You are very sweet and understanding, my darling.

Darling, you asked me what I thought about you getting another job. I think that while you are finishing up your present work, you ought to keep your eyes open and inquire around a little and probably something good may open up. I don't think you ought to take any job just for a good salary, but if you'll watch and inquire a little, you will probably find something you'll like and will be a little more regular. Don't you think so too?

Perry at his sister Hazel's house in Salt Lake City, 1958,
with Hazel's husband, Walter, and son, David

I received a letter from Hazel and also my grandmother. They were very surprised and happy to know we were together in San Francisco. Hazel is going to start working in the genealogical office in Salt Lake. The doctor told her she wouldn't be able to take another year of teaching. She was beginning to get ulcers. She finally got her degree from college--the first in our family to graduate.

I'll mail this tonight and hope I'll get one from you tomorrow. It can't be very much longer now until you get some mail. I know you must be getting very impatient. I love you darling, Perry

June 20, 1945 (Wednesday morning)

Dearest husband Perry,

Remember you said you would like me to type you a letter sometime? Well, here I am. I am at the Service Enameling Company and will be working here for about 4 or 5 days. One of the kids at the Bishop's office called me yesterday and asked me if I would like to do a little office work for a few days. As our work is somewhat slow now down at the gift shop, I thought I might as well earn a little more money. So here I sit at a desk in a Mr. Lang's office. All I'm supposed to do for the time being is answer the telephone. Mr. Lang said I could use his typewriter and type you a letter, and besides that, there is a radio in here too--and for this I'll collect $5 per day. I think there must be a catch somewhere!!

I didn't get to write you last night. I was over at mother's trying to fix a dress to wear for today. It got so late that mother made me stay for the night. So I told myself I would write you this morning. I worked till 5:00 o'clock last evening at the shop. I was alone all day yesterday too--Viola didn't come in.

Perry, why am I not hearing from you? It's been so long. Every day I say, "Maybe tomorrow. . ." But of course it's not your fault. I love you so, my Perry. I get awfully anxious about you when I don't here from you, but I don't worry cause I know that the Lord is with you. I pray always that His Spirit be with you to protect you and guide you. All I want is for the war to end so that I can have you back again, my husband.

(Later) My typing isn't so good. I've gotten pretty stale on it. I'd rather write to you this way anyhow. Have you left Hawaii, Perry, or are you still there? Wish I were there with you. I would like very much to go there sometime. Did you find me a little white blouse in Hawaii? Someone told me that prices are terrible there. Maybe you had better not try to get anything there, sweetheart, if they are too expensive. You can take me shopping again when you get back to the states, Perry. I surely do love the things you choose for me, darling. You have such good taste. Please come home and take me shopping again.

There's not much more to write for now, darling, till I hear from you. I do hope I get a letter soon. I love you, Perry. Your devoted wife, Gene

June 21, 1945

My Darling Wife,

No letter today, but then with mail service being what it is, a letter every day is too much to expect. Anyway, you still haven't received my mail yet so why should I complain. I received a letter from Genevieve. The boys surely were pleased about the Japanese money I sent them. They also asked if I could send them some sea shells so I wonder if you would send them about 5 or 6 of those I sent you and then I'll get them some more later. (Just for a sample.)

The watch is really swell, Gene, and surely convenient. I haven't had a very good chance to test its accuracy because we have been changing the clocks so much. Every time I look at it, I think of you and that funny time when we missed the street car. It's quite a pleasant time to remember, don't you think? All of my times with you are pleasant though, sweetheart. I keep thinking of all the things I could and would like to do if I were back there. I have plenty of ideas, but I'll never know if they will work or not until I can get out of the Navy. Guess I will just have to pray for "patience to wait and constancy to endure."

June 22

Guess I wasn't in the mood last night. I just couldn't finish this. Thought I'd wait for a letter, but still no letter came again today. I haven't even received a letter from home since I arrived here so I think there must be a tie-up in the mail situation someplace. I received three letters from some of my friends scolding me for not ever writing to them. Really makes me feel ashamed of myself for I know I should have written them long ago. All in all, I feel as though I am being picked on tonight.

Darling, I surely do long to be back there with you. I really don't feel much good without you. Guess maybe you really are my better half. I love you very much, my darling, and will love you forever. Always yours, Perry

Gene, I wrote a poem

June 17, 1945

My Darling Sweetheart,

Today is Sunday. We had our LDS service this morning and it was really very good. There were seven of us. We held it in the chaplain's office. This afternoon I had a little nap, then a shower, so right now I feel pretty hep. It's that kind of feeling that if I were back there with you would make me want to take you and do something interesting or exciting.

What are you doing now? Did you go back to the same job? I hope you will still go on with your entertainments with your friends the same as you were. Don't take too seriously what I said in that one letter. If you do a lot of interesting things, it will help you to keep from getting blue and depressed.

Gene, I wrote a poem about the second day out. It was when I was feeling rather blue because of the way I had to leave you. I ran across it again today so I'm sending it to you. After reading over some of the things I write when I am in one of my deep, serious moods, I sometimes think they might sound rather silly--too passionate or something to someone else unless they were in the same mood I was when I wrote it. But since it's all about my thoughts of you, perhaps you'll appreciate it anyway regardless of its form.

I could write much better if I had some of the letters you've written since you returned to LA, but it shouldn't be long now. I look forward more to those little pink envelopes of yours than anything else, with the exception of seeing you in person. It's only because I love you so much, my sweetheart. When I can be with you forever, I don't believe I will want anything else, just like my other poem says.

Goodbye for now, my darling. I send you all my love. Yours, Perry

I Must Go Back

I must go back to the sea again

To the cold rolling waters so blue.

I must go back to the sea again

And my longing and thinking of you.

I must go back to living again

In memories now we're apart.

I must go back to suppressing again

Those foremost desires of my heart.

But waters can't part nor tides interfere

With the love for my sweetheart so true.

And time cannot shadow, nor distance bedim

The memory of moments I've lingered with you.

The thought of each moment while we were so near

Gives me joy that space cannot numb.

For to think of each moment with someone so dear

Creates hope for the days yet to come.

I must go back to the sea again

To the cold rolling waters so blue.

But time, nor foam, nor lands far from home

Can take my love away from you.

June 18, 1945 (Monday evening)

Dearest husband Perry,

My darling, I was unable to write you over this past weekend because of the chorus outing. Yes, I did decide to go after all. It was impossible for me to write you while out there, sweetheart, but I did think of you constantly and wished so that you could have been there to share the good times with me. The reason I did not want to go at first was cause you weren't here with me, but Mother insisted that I go with the gang.

Oh, Perry, it was a huge ranch owned by an LDS family named West--such a beautiful place. They had about a dozen saddle horses, a swimming pool, a volleyball court, a big, beautiful home with trees all around it and a large orchard full of trees laden with oranges and grapefruit. It was such a beautiful place, and we were there all day Saturday and Sunday having such fun. 

Sunday morning we all hiked up to the top of a hill overlooking the orange groves and sat under a shade tree. There we had our Sunday school services. Brother West gave such an interesting talk on his studies of the Indians of the American continents and of the cities and ruins and things that are being found which were of those peoples written of in the Book of Mormon.

I think there were at least about 30 of our chorus group came out on this weekend outing. Then Sunday night we went in to Baldwin Park and sang in their ward--in fact, we had the whole program. Friday night Margaret Copp and I stayed at Nellie's house. (We rode out to the ranch next day in Mark's car.) We got up early Saturday morning and got all ready and packed to go. Mark and Evan came just in time for breakfast--we had waffles. Mark has a big car but he promised to take so many kids that when we had gone around and picked everyone up (including his dog) there were about 10 of us. We surely were crowded, but we got there ok. It's about a half hour drive from LA.

I was pretty tired when we got home last night so slept quite late this morning. Perry, I didn't get a letter from you today. It's been more than a week now. Will I hear from you soon, darling? I hope I do. Your letters mean so much to me, Perry. I want to know what you are doing and what you are thinking, and what you think of me. I love you Perry. I know your folks are anxious to hear from you too and your grandmother. I have written your mother and father and told then how grand you looked and how happy we were for almost 6 days. They will want to hear from you now, darling. 

Please take care of yourself, my husband. I pray that you might come back soon and that the war might end soon because I want to take care of you, dear Perry. I want that little home. But most of all I want our children. I'm so lonesome for you and our children, Perry. Oh how long must we wait for this? Surely it will be our heaven on earth when we will be together and have our children and those wonderful blessings which the Lord has promised us.

Perry, do you understand my thoughts? I put them so poorly, but I know you do. I love you so. Always your own, Gene

June 18, 1945

Darling Gene,

Hello my dear sweet little wife. I'm sitting up here on the deck on the bridge writing to you. It is just 7:00 pm (our time) and is really quite cool and pleasant. Yes, if I could just have you here with me it would be a very beautiful evening. It's one of those cool evenings that would make me want to go for a bike ride if I were back there with you. Or maybe even a horseback ride, huh?

I'm feeling good because I think I'll have some mail from you tomorrow. I suppose you are getting awfully disappointed about not hearing from me. I often like to imagine what you are doing at different times of the day. If my calculations of time are correct, you are sleeping soundly (I hope dreaming about your husband.) Unless you are staying up rather late, which isn't impossible as I know you and your mother used to like to stay up late and talk and read and now with Emily there, it is rather probable.

Gene, your parents bought me a subscription to the Era but I have only received one copy. I thought at first it was because I was moving around so much that it never did catch up with me, but it seems I should have received some by now, so I wrote them to find out the reason. If they haven't been sending it to me at all, they will make it up I hope.

If I get a letter from you tomorrow, I will have a lot more to write about. I want to hear you tell me how you enjoyed yourself in San Francisco and if you arrived home safe and if you are well, etc. etc. I hope you enjoyed yourself only half as much as I did. It was so wonderful to be there with my wife, but it only made me long more and more for the time we can be together forever and can have even a few of those things we desire so earnestly.

Sweetheart, I do love you so much, I can hardly think of anything else all day. I can only think of you and of those things we will do when at last I can be with you to stay. I pray constantly for those things and know that each day brings us closer to realizing them.

Must go on watch soon so must leave you now. I love you, my darling. Yours, Perry

I had the most vivid dream about you

June 10, 1945 (Sunday)

Dearest husband Perry,

Hello again my darling!  Last week this day you were with me. Oh how sweet it was having you sit there beside me reading the funnies to me. It was all so perfect, Perry, those wonderful days with you. How good the Lord is to us.

Yesterday Generals Patton and Doolittle (of LA) came home and Los Angeles really honored them. There was a big parade for them downtown. (The stores were closed.) Dad and I went to see them. There were a lot of war heros with them too sharing in the honor. Last night there was a huge program put on in their honor in the coliseum where they say 130,000 people came to witness. Margaret Capp and I went to see it. It lasted from 7:30 to 10:30--a very dramatic show. Then the major spoke and also the generals. General Patton surely curses a lot.

I went over to the Capp's house yesterday afternoon to see Genevieve's baby girl. She is such a pretty baby and so sweet. Oh, Perry, I hope I shall have a baby soon. Our baby shall be the very best baby in the world, I know. I love you Perry.

(Monday morning)

Good morning, sweetheart,

I didn't write a very long letter yesterday, did I? After Sunday school, Nellie invited me to her house for dinner--in fact she wanted several girls to come. Most everyone had their afternoons planned tho so it was just Margaret Capp and I who joined her. It certainly was a big dinner and delicious too. Nellie is a wonderful cook. She has such a pretty little apartment out on Adams where she and another girl live. We spent a nice quiet afternoon together, we three.

Last night the chorus sang again. We did quite well too. My husband is rather a popular guy at Adams Ward I think. Darling, everyone is asking me about you, wanting to know how you look, where you have been, etc. I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. I show all my "pretties" that you gave me to my girlfriends when they come over to my place. Oh, Perry, I'm a lucky girl--truly.

I must get this off to you now and hurry off to work. I love you, Perry. Your devoted wife, Gene

June 13, 1945

My Darling Wife,

This is the first letter I have written you since we were together just one week ago today. After being with you and talking with you, it's pretty hard to go back to letter writing. Also, it's so crowded on here that it makes it pretty hard to write very well or concentrate.

Sweetheart, it's good I waited this long to write because I was so mad and disappointed when I didn't even get to call you up before I left. (I've cooled off somewhat now.) I don't know when I have been so angry. There was absolutely nothing I could do about it though--that is what made me so mad. It wasn't so much for myself but because I knew how disappointed you would be to have to have someone else tell you goodbye for me. The only consolation I had though was that there were several others in the same fix. It took us all by surprise.

Darling, I will never forget the wonderful time we had while I was there though and for that I guess I can overlook our abrupt parting--that is if you can. I hope you were able to get your bus ok and arrive back home safe and well and not too worn out.

I can hardly wait until I can receive some of your mail, which will be several days yet, and have you tell me you love me and all about yourself again. I hope you enjoyed yourself just half as much as I did in San Francisco.

Gene, every time I look at my watch, which is quite often, I think of that lovely afternoon you bought it for me and how we missed the street car. You are so very sweet and lovely, my darling wife, and I love you with all my heart. It all only makes me long more for that day when we can be together forever. Then we can do what we want when we want without any Navy to interfere. Our time was so short that I hardly knew how to spend our time to the most advantage. (I guess going to sleep in the movie wasn't a very good way, ahem!) I was satisfied most of the time just to be close to you.

Christmas Day, Salt Lake City, 1945
I dream that truly did come true

I guess if you will notice the date of this letter you will know that I am writing his on our eighth month anniversary. Shortly after I left you, I had the most vivid dream about you. It was the most beautiful dream that I believe I have ever had. It was Christmas and we were together. I woke up just as we were walking down the street amid beautiful falling snow. It caused me to ponder quite a while after. That is one dream I surely hope comes true. Perhaps if not this year, it will next.

Sweetheart, I am going to write you as often as I can from now on, nearly every day if possible because I want you to have a lot of letters from me when it does arrive. I am eagerly looking forward to yours. I love you very much, my darling. Eternally yours, Perry

June 13, 1945 (Wednesday evening)

My darling Perry,

I long for you so very much tonight. I am wondering where you are, what you are doing, and if you are thinking of me too. I have been asking the Lord each day since you left if I might have you back with me soon again. Surely it cannot last much longer this separation. It is so unnatural. But I must have "strength to endure" and "patience to wait" as my blessing tells me. I love you, Perry. I love you.

Perry, I don't think I am pregnant--much to my disappointment. Oh, I did want a baby. What could have happened Perry? Why must I wait? But then there is probably lots of reasons. Tell me what you think, Perry. You know what, I do weigh 122 lbs. Darling, I think I gained some while I was in San Francisco with you. Mother thought I looked quite well--said my face was fuller.

Golly, I really got ambitious this evening. I did a washing, some blouses, pajamas, a dress and a night gown. Then I ironed nearly everything too. Now I am quite tired. Oh, I hope I get a letter from you soon, my darling. Your loving wife, Gene

June 14, 1945

My Darling Wife,

I suppose you are finding it rather difficult by now to write me and I hope you don't get too discouraged before you can get my letters. I'm surely looking forward to your letters because of the way I had to leave you in San Francisco and everything makes me rather concerned. I've met a fellow on board that I knew in Farragut. He is just a passenger. We, five in all, had an LDS service last Sunday and are planning on another next Sunday. It seemed good to meet some LDS fellows and someone I knew.

I'm sending you some more pictures of Honolulu. I couldn't find them before when I gave you the others. They were misplaced in my locker. Gene, I wrote you some time ago about me taking a correspondence course. I suppose you thought I had forgotten all about it. Well it is only because it took the university that long to get me the information, mostly due to the poor mail service. Well, now I have my applications all filled out and I'm going to take a course in radio broadcasting.

Of course it will only be theory, but then that will be valuable. I talked to an officer here who used to work in a radio station and he encouraged me. He said he thought it would be a good field after the war. Of course the real thing will depend on whether my voice is adapted to that kind of work, but if not, possibly it can work in to something else.

Surely do wish the war was over so I could make some definite plans and could have an opportunity to work or try out some of my present plans. Right now they can only be general and flexible enough to meet the existing conditions. Anyway, I know I have a wife who will stand by me through thick and thin.

I'm standing up writing this. If it is is difficult for you to read, I hope you will credit (or discredit) it to that. Well, Sweetheart, your husband loves you very, very much. Only want to be with you. Yours forever, Perry.