Confessions
"Kimberly, My Love,
Every day away from you I feel a little less whole. It's hard to be apart from the one you love, especially in lieu of the plans we had made.
I intend to return to you someday and make good on that promise. On that day we will say our vows and become Mr. and Mrs. Coffey. I eagerly wait for that day.
But with each passing moment, each second I spend out here, I begin to wonder.
I wonder if I will return to you. This fighting is a constant hell, one in which many good men have lost their lives, and many more will. I can't help but fear that I may be one of them. I have already been wounded, in minor ways mostly, but my left hand is now short a finger. If I do make it home, will I be a whole man? If not, will you love me as I am then?
I also wonder if you can wait for me. There is no indication how long I will be out here, and I have heard of regiments being on the line for upwards of ten or twenty years. That is a long way to wait for someone to come back.
I cannot find it in myself to fault you if you fall in love with someone else in my absence. Already, I have had to fight feelings of longing for others, shake them off and carry on in the belief that I will see you soon again. I know you will think no less of me for having these thoughts and emotions
Many within my platoon have fallen in love, and are not ashamed to hide their love. This is usually not a problem, but sometimes it only accentuates the fact that
you are away from me.
I feel myself sliding into a chasm, a trap that will catch me and steal me from your love and forgiveness. I keep myself on watch for such a trap. I will return to you, and I will do it as I was when I left... though my body may not be in quite as good a condition.
Please give me an indication that you are fine. Send me a letter, or something. Let me know you are well and waiting for me.
I will watch for your letter, and hope it arrives soon.
You remain in my heart and my dreams.
I love you, now and always.
Paul"
|
