DIARY - Monday, Jan. 12
Tonight our new son goes back to Ft. Sheridan, after a seven-day furlough. When will the next one be? Nobody knows. These young folks must crowd so much happiness into seven days. As I watch these young married lovers, I think how much sweeter life would be if we would think of each week as a 7-day furlough, into which we must pack all the joy, unselfish giving, tolerance of each other's short-comings, intelligent and alert planning - of which we are capable. Is it a mistake for a girl to marry a soldier? I would give an emphatic "no." It is woman's nature to love sacrificially - if she is living up to her best. Why not let her feel that she is giving her best - her heart's treasure - to her country? As for the young man, he is sure of the girl he loves; he has something very real - very vital, to work for, to fight for. Marriage is a great stabilizer.
Tomorrow Estelle will go back to her daily grind - a soldier-widow, and Tommy will answer the call at reveille - and be taking orders from his superiors. But tonight the house is ringing with laughter. Even the old stairs shake with glee, as romping feet run up and down. No, our young people never brought on a war. But they always see it through. And America hasn't lost yet .... Please excuse a dozen interruptions - and this short letter. Better luck next time.
Sincerely,
Florence B. Taylor
Next - 1/29/42 - ONLY ONE LIFE