Secrets to lasting love remain unchanged for 70 years

Great-Aunt Hazel’s letter written to Mama in 1945 nested in an ancient steamer trunk in the dusty basement of my 100-year old childhood home. It was atop a flurry of yellowing envelopes with old-timey air mail stamps and addresses embellished with exquisite cursive writing.  Tucked away (but I suspect not forgotten by Mama!) for seven decades, my great-aunt’s letter called to me from its hiding place … almost as if Mama left it there for me to find.
​

Mama's trunk top: letters, cards, ribbons from my baby shower

Clearing my parents' estate was difficult enough, and the discovery of my mother’s stash made it bittersweet. Aunt Hazel's missive revealed secrets my parents kept concealed. I had no clue about their turmoil as young sweethearts.
 
Aunt Hazel's letter was a gift to me about my parents and timeless love. I don’t share her words easily outside the family. They are beyond precious to me.  I hope you find them meaningful, too.

---

True Story 

During WWII, a handsome young sailor from New Haven, Ct.,
met and fell in love
with the beautiful USO Queen
when he was stationed in Everett, Wa., on the USS Elmore.
 
Her family didn't want their youngest to leave home 
with a stranger of a different-to-them culture and religion.
​  
They did their best break up the young couple.

Handsome sailor and USO Queen: circa 1946

However, one person,
the USO Queen's Aunt Hazel,
wrote to her niece
with compassion and wisdom
about finding lasting love: 
​

I'm grateful
the handsome sailor and the USO Queen 
listened to Aunt Hazel.
​
My parents 
remained deeply in love 
for their 65 years together 
on this earth.
​

Great-Aunt Hazel's letter

Your Turn
Have you discovered letters from your past that helped you better understand yourself and your family? What do you believe are the secrets to lasting love? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.
​

---

---

---

Join Cat’s Tribe of Readers

   Twitter   Facebook   Pinterest   Goodreads   Amazon   Instagram