Writing To You
From http://www.bcregiment.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Duke-2007-December.pdf:
“A bronze kitchen table and a bronze steamer trunk, placed in the central grassed area between the pedestrian walkways, each hold a Veteran's personal letter from overseas and a letter from his wife in Canada. The words are cut in stainless steel and are perpetually lighted from underneath. The letters, written during World War II, are from Major Lloyd and Mary Augustus. It is a very moving art work allowing all to have the privilege of sharing their love and devotion to each other in a time of world conflict.”
Photo of Lloyd’s letter: http://imgur.com/jh9Spxu
My Dearest Darling,
It’s still raining and the fog’s rolling in. We never know when it’ll be time to move again, the suspense can be terrifying. Your letter and Lin’s both came this morning. You can’t imagine how comforting the presence of these little pieces of paper are. I cling to what you write so lovingly, they are the best possible birthday present other than you magically appearing before me! Trust me, I could never imagine a life without you. Every moment here my love for you and the children becomes more precious to me. It gives meaning to being here.
Home is a tent that can get pretty cold in the morning! I dream of white sheets, a warm room, hot bath and you beside me. What would we do without dreams! The pictures of you, Tadi and Peter are great. You all look so well with the sun and blue sky and the colour of that great big maple behind you. Please kiss the children and tell them how much I love them and miss them every day. Great news that Sarindar is now a lieutenant in the British Columbia Regiment too, Thanks for the news from home. It keeps me in touch with their other life. Glad to hear Kentaro’s second year of teaching is less stressful. Writing to you stops me from worrying about tomorrow. Give Mom and Dad my love. Please don’t worry. I’m in good spirits and determined to come home as soon as possible.
Before we he…
by soldiers fro…
inspiring!
I know you…
but I can’t…
rather forg…
Darling…
strength…
for each…
I love…
Photo of Mary’s letter: http://imgur.com/EhxpDQR
Sweetheart, love of my life!
It’s been a long day with work and the kids – you know how it is. I’m in our bed with its white sheets you dream about. It’s the moment I’m alone with my thoughts, working out in my mind what time of day it is for you. It somehow makes me feel closer to you. Every day I listen for news and as best as I can I follow things over there. Pretty much everyone here does the same. The other BCR families are a great comfort, we’re very lucky to have each other. I imagine that at any time thousands of thoughts from home are with all of you. Even in our sleep we dream that our loved ones are safe, like your dream of the white sheets you mention in almost every letter. Anyway, lying here I think so hard hoping that you can feel my presence. I find writing letters a great comfort. It’s so different from writing my book. I’ve nearly finished the first draft. I’m excited and nervous, but my editor’s very encouraging. Writing to you is like caressing you with words – words have no distance. Tell me if you can feel me in my words or I will try harder. I miss you so so so so much!!!! I only let myself imagine you in your tent or with the unit enjoying a pleasant evening. I try not to think of you in action, or I make myself crazy. Please be good I’m counting on you! I know you can’t tell much, but I look forward to hearing all about how people live over there when you come home. The children are as always
joy. Amy’s teaching her little brother what she learned in
kindergarten, but he’s not always co-operative its very
funny. She already seems to be following in your footstep...
They kiss your picure every night before they go to sl…
and Amy always tells Phillip all about you but…
its all a little abstract for him. At least I…
both and when I hug and kiss them I thi…
and Dad are very well, they went up…
weekend to close it. I’d love to…
lake this winter, I know of…
could stay at for a few…
your return. I better…
early! My most…
between us, I…
here to…
Wit…
The couple were reunited after the war and were living together in a retirement community until Lloyd died in 2009.
http://www.comfortlife.ca/retirement-community-resources/inspiring-seniors-true-love
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestar/obituary.aspx?n=lloyd-george-augustus&pid=132176623
Submitted by: Jennie Eggleston (www.instagram.com/jeggle)