My Dearest Rudolph,
It was such a pleasure to see you once again. How many years has it been? At least fifteen by my calendar. You were looking so youthful and full of vigor. I am quickly reminded of the days I sat on the terrace watching you play football with my brothers Ned and Thomas. How in love we were back then. And then the war came and we were torn apart.
“War is Hell” as Churchill once said. People all over the nation sat by their radios listening, hoping that it would all end. Day after day Edward R. Murrow brought everyone the latest statistics. The battlefields full of tragedy, both on our side and theirs. Purple bunting draped on the houses and little wreaths in black attached to the doors. Many tears were shed. But freedom is ours.
Was the price worth it? We will never know for sure. But I do know that for me, my darling, I had to help the war effort. I could not merely make bandages and send them abroad like the other women did. I needed to honor those lives being cast away for an idea of righteousness.
I didn’t really want you to know that I lost my legs when they bombed the hospital. I always wanted you to remember me the way we were, dancing and laughing at the Spring Ball. Now I am merely a mermaid.
As I told you last night I have become a writer. Remember those little scribbles on paper that I was always doing? I am quite happy to be writing for Look, Life, and even an occasional piece for Vanity Fair. Even though there is no more dancing, I have much to be thankful for.
Just a mere ten hours ago when you once again flashed your magnificent blue eyes at me and said that you wished to forget the years when you could not find me, that your desire above all else was to be with me no matter the circumstances, my heart fluttered. But today in the bright sunshine of morning I realize that I did not wish to be found. I could not straddle you with me as I am now. It would give me great pain to make you have to care for me. You, my darling, are a will-’o-the-wisp. You would suffocate from my neediness. You need to travel and photograph the beauty and pain of the world. I have seen much of your work in National Geographic. Truly outstanding imagery!
So I must say good-bye.
Ruddy, you will forever be in my heart.
With Warmest Regards,
Charlotte