It started with a letter mailed on November 22, 1942. Pvt. Jack L. Wilson wrote a letter to Miss Pat Hughes. Mom’s name was really Mary Jane but she was so Irish looking that she earned the nickname Pat early in life and that is how everyone knew her. A simple letter was the catalyst for a love story that never ended. On April 14, 1944 Jack Wilson and Pat Hughes were married. I found Mom’s treasure box and in it were some letters to her from my Dad. This is the love story of my parents some of it in my Dad’s own words.
Dear Miss Hughes,
You are doubtlessly wondering why a perfect stranger would be writing to you, but I am writing in the hope of getting some information that I greatly desire.
I was stationed at Kesler prior to coming here, and while there became acquainted with a young man, Glen Zeigler, who I believe is a close friend of yours. Since leaving there I have tried several times to get in touch with him, but with no success. So I was wondering if you would do me the favor of putting his present address on a card and sending it to me. I would be eternally grateful if you would be so kind.
Respectfully yours,
Pvt. Jack Wilson
That letter started it all. What Mom didn’t know was that Dad had seen a picture of her that an old boyfriend carried in his wallet and he was smitten and used the excuse of finding a mutual friend as a reason to write her. Well Mom wrote back and they started a serious correspondence. Mom was 17 at the time and living at home with her parents. She was working at the local drug store at the soda fountain.
In a letter postmarked April 14, 1943 Mom and Dad were making plans for them to meet for the first time.
Well, Pat, that about covers that, so I’ll sign off. With the greatest hopes of seeing you real soon I remain.
Forever yours,
Jack
The first meeting was indelibly etched in their minds. Dad came into town and went to the drug store where Mom worked. He was in uniform. Mom was so nervous that she dropped the hot fudge sundae she was making in Dad’s lap. It was definitely love at first sight for the two of them. The next letter Mom received was dated April 29, 1943.
Dearly beloved, was how the letter started. It ended this way.
Well, darling, its bedtime again so I’ll close for tonight and write again tomorrow. Just remember I love you more than anything else in the world, and I won’t be happy until you are my wife. And don’t worry, Pat, I’ll never change my mind. I remain.
Yours and yours alone,
Jack
On April 18, 1944 Mom and Dad eloped to St. Louis. Dad was getting ready to be deployed to the Pacific front. Like many young people they did not want to wait to get married. They arrived in St. Louis and got the marriage license and then looked to find a church. The Pastor of the church they found was cleaning out the furnace. He got a couple of people to be witnesses and Mom and Dad became husband and wife. Mom was a country girl and had never been in a big city before. She was “gawking” at the skyscrapers and stepped off the curb and sprained her ankle.
On April 21, 1944 Dad wrote to Mom’s parents. He told them about his life. He talked about losing his Mom when he was 6 years old and losing his Dad a couple of years before. He talked about a family that was split up by a stepmother who hated her husband’s children.
I know this letter is just like placing the cart before the horse, as its customary to inform one’s prospective parents-in-law of one’s intentions before marriage --- not after. But I hope you won’t feel too harshly toward me for not doing so, for above all I want people’s respect, and Mary Jane’s families respect above all. I hope I am able to prove worthy of your respect, for now you are the only folks I have. You see I love Mary and she loves me, but even the knowledge of that love wouldn’t make me hold her to the bargain if I felt her parents objected to the marriage.
The letter ended with
I hope you won’t feel to hard towards me for marrying Mary without getting your permission, and I’ll make it up to you someday. I remain as ever.
Your son-in-law,
Jack
Mom’s family adored my Dad. He was very loved and he found a new family in them.
Dad wrote to Mom the same day as he wrote her parents. He explained that his orders were coming through and he wouldn’t be able to fly up to see her. The letter ended by saying.
Well, darling, this should suffice for this evening. So until tomorrow I remain forever.
Your ever loving husband,
Jack
Mom and Dad continued to write to each other every day. Their married life continued and eventually they had five children. They moved frequently but came back to Indiana when Dad retired. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They had been married 55 years when on May 4, 1999 Dad suddenly keeled over from a heart attack and was dead before he hit the ground. Part of Mom died with him that day.
During the six years I was caregiver for my Mom she and I would talk about Dad. He was the only man she had ever loved. She frequently talked about being anxious to meet him again in Heaven. On May 26, 2010 Mom died in her sleep. She finally got her wish to be reunited with Dad.
So happy anniversary Mom and Dad, I really miss you but I’m comforted knowing that you are together again for eternity.
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