WW II Letters: Dreams of a Vine-Covered Cottage, White Picket Fence, and Children, but a Girl First!

Mom was probably more a romantic than Dad was, but she dreamed of a vine-covered cottage with a white picket fence, a porch swing and kids everywhere.  I was surprised to see that Mom and Dad wanted to start their little family by having a girl, followed by boys.  This explains the stupid doll that was already there when I arrived in 1946, but I'm not sorry she was around.  The photo here is of my sister's first doll from 1953, but it's like the one that was purchased in anticipation of the first child being a girl named Sharon.  The doll made a good punching bag and got thrown across the room quite often during my childhood sessions of releasing tension before she and all my other toys were inherited by my younger brother and sister.  I honestly think Dad was glad to start the family with a boy, and it's probable that he had been going along with Mom's wishes just in order to appease her.  That's my guess (hope), anyway.

                                                                                                                    April 16, 1945
                                                                                                                    Monday afternoon

Dearest Mom and Dad,

     This is just going to be a short note to let you know that the sergeant and I are just fine, and I hope you and Dad are feeling tip-top.  A day never passes, that we don’t wish we could see you.  We miss you both so very much.

     Elwood and I are always making plans for the time when he becomes a civilian.  Naturally, like every other couple, we dream of the vine-covered cottage, children, and all the things that make life worthwhile.  We also decided that on Sundays you and Dad are to have dinner with us.  You can scream, pull your hair, and beat your heads against the wall, but we have made up our minds.

     It has rained for the past two days (dat-rat-it), but I still don’t see any May flowers.  Do you suppose somebody’s been kidding me?

     Madame, do you realize that in ten more days I will have been Mrs. E.J. Bolinger for four months?  Elwood and I had copies made of our marriage license.  I am sending one for you to keep for yourself.  I think it’s rather nice, don’t you?  

     Ah, through the window I can see one little Pussy Willow.  I will close for now.  Please let me hear from you soon.  I hope you hear from Eddie.  God bless you both.

                                                                                                       Your loving daughter,
                                                                                                                Bonnie B.