His Letters are Treasures

On By Michele LeeIn Inspirational People, love, Prose, Writing

I am trying to not cry on his letters and war artifacts, but my tears I can’t hold back. I’ve returned to a project I started before beginning my blog – reading my grandfather’s WWII letters. Inspired to do so after publishing my post, “My Last Stamp,” which has put me on a one-letter-a-week writing campaign. I have revived a writing practice that was once a routine part of my life. A few handwritten words have a way of lifting the spirits, for the receiver and the sender.

Back to my grandpa’s letters…    

I’ve let go of my goal of transcribing each letter for posterity’s sake. My approach to my grandfather’s WWII letters is different now; I am just a granddaughter learning more about the man who died when I was a child. The quiet man who loved reading Louis L’Amour novels. The brave man who risked his life to save fellow soldiers – a Bronze Star Medal his reward.   

My grandfather’s WWII letters and artifacts connect me to a man I briefly knew. His letters offer a human side of war’s brutality. His letters are historical treasures for humanity.

My response (to him):

Dear Grandpa,

Through your handwritten letters, sent home to kin, I’ve learned you had a beautiful relationship with language, and much to my surprise and delight, I’ve discovered that you were a poet and a jokester. I knew we shared the same green eyes, as did my father, your son, and that we shared the love of reading, which my father did not, but to read your poems written on Army issued stationery has me longing for your presence. To have just one day to write poems with you. What a treasure that would be.

Through a report card from your one-room schoolhouse in Saskatchewan, Canada, I’ve learned you were “a clever student” who was not “overexerting himself.” Your teacher’s comment made me laugh. I wish I could tease you about that. The teasing would not last, because despite your lazy approach, you managed to have the top “standing” in your honors class. I wonder where your cleverness could have taken you if your life had gone down a different path.     

I wonder what it was like to fire machine guns at an enemy and write poetry to family.

I wonder what you would think of the atrocities in Ukraine and the rampant violence in the U.S.

Many things to wonder about and questions to consider. Things I will never get to ask you. It is only through your letters that I will get to know you. Thank you for writing.

Love, Your Granddaughter

With so much to read through, this may be a topic I return to from time to time. Of course, I will share some of his poetry and although I will not be transcribing his letters, I will look into sharing some of his letters, photos, war documents, and newspapers with the Library of Congress. I first shared photos and mentioned my grandfather in a poem titled, “Blood Builds a Bond (audio poem).”

Additional details: My grandfather, Charles Wilcox, was a Sergeant (heavy machine gunner); Co. K 351st Infantry Regiment

Battles and Campaigns: N Apennines, Po Valley, Rome-Arno

Decorations and Citations: Bronze Star, EAMET Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal

Letter excerpt: letter I was reading when I snapped photo. Every letter I’ve read is a gem – what is not written is equally interesting. Confidentiality and security, I reckon.

Featured photo: newspaper (does not list date of publication)

Thank you for visiting and reading. Be well. 💗 Michele

© 2023 MyInspiredLife

126 thoughts on “His Letters are Treasures”

  2. Michele, what a treasure you have! Thank you for sharing your precious photos and your grandfather’s memories.<3

    Three of my uncles were in World War II and came home with stories and medals. My father lied about his age and joined the navy, hoping to get into World War II. He ended up as a cook on a ship just after the war. I remember him bragging that "Men are the best chefs!" He once told my mother he could still fit into his middy blouse. He did get into it. I remember my mother trying not to laugh as he struggled to get out of it! 🙂

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    1. I agree – priceless possessions! Although I feel more like an honored guardian, than an owner. Thank you for reading and appreciating. My reading, which will continue, took me on an emotional journey yesterday. 😢 Thank you for sharing a bit about your family’s service. Brave men! That’s a cute story about your dad. 😊

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  3. Timothy Price

    Beautiful memories. Interesting to see a war letter that’s not redacted. Maybe they didn’t do it in WWII. All my grandfather’s letters from WWI are redacted. So when he started describing a battle scene, the description was blacked out. He began all his letters “Somewhere in France”.

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    1. Thank you, Timothy. A beautiful experience to connect with my grandfather through his words. I haven’t read every letter, but I have not come across redacted content. It seems he self-edited. I am fascinated by the entire process – what they may have been instructed to not write, how the letters reached them, etc. “Somewhere” and yet the letters managed to make it to the intended parties. Amazing.

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      2. Sounds like a common theme, especially back then. I can see how your grandfather’s perspective would add interest, yes. Best way to learn about history – through firsthand experience – although gaps in letters leave a lot out and a lot for the imagination.

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  4. What a touching connection you have to your Grandfather. To hold letters he wrote by hand—that’s incredibly sweet and such a wonderful way to get to know him. I’m so happy you have this chance to honor his memory and bond with him. Thank you for sharing–it reminds me of my own grandfather. (And I love Louis L’amour! That reference brought back so many sweet memories.)

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    1. It has been a few years since I last looked at his letters and war documents. My emotion took me by surprise, but yes, what a touching experience. I am grateful for it and for the many letters he penned. I shared some of his content with my former students – it is a gift to have a place to share more and again. A fan of westerns too? Bravo, you! Most of my memories of him include him reading. 📚 Very sweet memories, indeed. Thank you, Samantha, for reading and sharing. 😊

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    2. Beautiful Michelle, thought provoking & poignant! He sounds like an interesting; decent & brave man with a sense of humour. 👍😁 I often wonder the same about my grandfather (my mother’s father) who passed away when I was just 1 year old. He’d been a member of the original IRA on the run from the Black & Tans; emigrated to the States, then came back a few years later and joined the Garda Siochana when it was founded. I love your approach to talking to him and your commitment to writing letters again! 👍👍😁😁❤️❤️

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      1. Sounds like there are many stories to discover about your grandfather! Certainly, a lot to imagine if details aren’t traceable. Thank you for sharing – fascinating family history. I appreciate your thoughtful comments about my grandfather. Thank you, Ken. 😊

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  6. I found this post so interesting, My father was in North Africa and the invasion of Sicily during WWII. I know a lot of people who were in WWII; even some that were German (I was in tool & die for a while). When I was in Vietnam, I served with a sailor who was on the battleship and watched the Japanese sign the surrender papers.

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    1. Looking through his letters and documents does stir up emotion, but it is wonderful, yes. Reading his letters is helping to expand my relationship with him that ended far too soon. Thank you, Brad, for your graciousness. 🙏🏻

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  10. History, ancestry, genealogy…be careful Michele, as you may well become happily consumed with family research into the future. 😎 Your grandfather’s handwritten letters are a treasure, indeed, as is learning of his poetic proclivities. A beautiful connection! I think the Library of Congress is an excellent idea. Thank you for sharing, my friend, and best wishes. 🍀

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    1. I am committed to reading my grandfather’s letters and making sure they are shared with interested parties; however, I only have time to dabble into ancestry research. It can consume people, yes. Researching and visiting places of ancestry connection holds the greatest attraction for me. Thank you, Phil, for sharing your thoughts and best wishes. 🙏🏻

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      1. Right on and thanks, Michele. 🙏🏻 My dad got started with ancestral research back in the earlier 1990’s and, even now, at 90 years old, he spent a good portion of yesterday pursuing his favorite pastime…genealogy.

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  12. asumoftheparts

    Good morning, Michele. I love this post as it awakens in me again my desire to “do something” with my dad’s WWII letters and photos. Perhaps I will pull out a couple and send to you, along with a photo or two. Luke Field was as far as my dad got away from his home in Florida, but his parents missed him and their two-way correspondence is heart-warming. Thanks for keeping me encouraged in my writing. Vicki

    >

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    1. Sounds wonderful. Thank you! It is my pleasure to encourage your writing – thank you for that honored acknowledgement. I have your “letter” poem in the cue to share soon. Thanks so much for that!

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    1. I am delighted by your reaction to my post. Thank you very much, Margaret. My grandfather was quiet and certainly did not talk about the war, when I knew him, so yes, reading his letters is a cherished way to learn more about him. 😊

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      1. Glad to hear it, Michele. Here in Madison there is a veteran’s museum that preserves letters and other artifacts. I wonder if there’s one near you that would be interested in copies of letters if you wished to share them.

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  18. Oh wow Michele my Belle, what amazing treasures you are uncovering. I love how you have immersed yourself into the soul of your grandfather through the artifacts you have in your possession. 🙏🏼

    I love this: “Every letter I’ve read is a gem – what is not written is equally interesting. Confidentiality and security, I reckon.” 🥰 But oh my gosh girlfriend, how I wish I had something so valuable and personal from my grandfather when he was in WWI. Priceless and nostalgic. Cheers to your genealogical travels my dear! 😊🥂🤗

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    1. Your understanding of this personal project is perceptive. When people write personal letters and share of themselves, it feels natural to get a peek into their soul. Being my grandfather, it is an added layer of absolute love.

      I wish you did, too. I told David, I wish everyone who wished for that, had that. I was crying and laughing at myself yesterday, thinking, I must be getting old… DNA testing and family artifacts. Sounds like what old people do. 😂 Teasing. I was the Honor Society historian, so it feels a nostalgic for that reason too. That’s my cover. 😂 Cheers to a beautiful weekend! 🥂 It is gorgeous here! The rains and wind cleared out, leaving behind a beautiful spring-like day. 🌞

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      1. Girlfriend, I don’t know why I am not shocked that you were the Honor Society Historian! 🥰👏🏼🤗 I know you did them proud. Michele my Belle, I am so smitten by your passion to uncover the soul of the spirit within the confines of a handwritten letter. There is so much that spills out of it. A lot of emotion that is a normal process of the human heart. So I am so there with you.

        Well, as this day ends, let’s make a toast to all of the love and beauty surrounding us! 😘🥂😊 I appreciate you my dear friend. 🙏🏼💖🙌🏼

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  19. Thank you for sharing this special space with us, Michele. “but to read your poems written on Army issued stationery has me longing for your presence. To have just one day to write poems with you. What a treasure that would be.” I love that. Happy weekend, my friend. ✨💖🌳

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    1. This was a special share, so the privilege and pleasure are mine. It is personal for me, but I believe there are people out there interested in letters/documents from WWII. Sharing feels a responsibility to me. Thank you for enjoying with me and for picking two sentences that describe the heart of that letter. 💗 Happy weekending, Jeff. 💖🌳

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    1. It has been fascinating, and sweet and revealing… many beautiful emotions. 🥰 Seeing a bit of him in me, makes the connection that much sweeter. Thanks so much, Ingrid, for acknowledging, my writing and our resemblance. 🙏🏻

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  25. Oh, my goodness, Michele. I’m deeply touched by this post. Your beautiful words brought back memories of my Dad who fought in WWII. You are the curator of your grandfather’s artifacts; treasure them. I couldn’t help but notice the strong resemblance between you and your granddad; it’s in the eyes. I did not read the other comments so I wonder if anyone else mentioned that.

    A lovely and loving piece, Michele. Beautifully done! 💫

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    1. Your sincere words and personal connection to my post greatly contribute to my joy in sharing. Thanks so much, Nancy, 🙏🏻 A few people did mention a resemblance, with a feature I had never considered – cheekbones. Sometimes we need others to notice things for us. 😊 Have a beautiful day! 🌞

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      1. It would be an exhausting search. My grandfather died about 45 years ago, absolutely no one left in my Mom’s direct family to gather info..had I done this kind of research in my 20’s perhaps 🫤

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    1. It is rewarding and making the decision to not transcribe the letters removed all the stress. Now I can just enjoy, share occasionally, and upload to war document databases. I appreciate your comment, thank you Dawn. I believe our ancestors are with us. 💞

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  30. I think it’s wonderful that you have those letters. I had an Aunt that had some letters that my Dad had written to her when he was deployed but she did not want to give them to me. Now she’s gone as are the letters. It would be lovely to have them. I am so happy you have your Grandfathers, you can learn so much about someone through their writings. And I did not know your Grandfather was from Canada did I? I may have forgotten if I did ! As a side note, my Dad loved Louis L’Amour novels too!

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    1. Sad to read about your Aunt’s decision. A shame. Thank you very much for sharing my enthusiasm and appreciation for the gift of his letters. 🙏🏻 The only time/place I’ve mentioned he was from Canada was in a poem I wrote that included him, so you may not have known. I’d love to go to his birth town! That is a sweet side note. 🥰 Thank you.

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  31. Beautiful letter, Michele. It seems those questions never end, and it’s great that you have his letters to peruse so that you can know him better even now. Before my dad passed away, we tried to ask as many questions as we could. He served in WWII and so did my father-in-law who is still with us; he’ll turn 100 in May. Anyway, there’s something so special and priceless about knowing their experiences during those times. Your post was very moving. 💗

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    1. So true. If we let our minds ponder the questions, one leads to another then another. It is smart that you asked your dad questions before he passed. God bless and happy birthday to your father-in-law. Wow! Lovely comment, thank you, Lauren. 💗

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    1. I am delighted that you think so. Thank you very much, Belladonna! Ha! My first thought after finishing that letter… this is going to be a tearjerker. I started crying as soon as I opened the box of letters and didn’t stop for a few hours. Just sharing the love. 😆

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      3. I was lucky dear Michele with my grandmother. I was deployed to Iraq when my grandfather died. He had 40 old style hats. When I returned. They saved little. Not one hat. The simple things can mean everything.

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  34. It must be a priceless feeling geeting to know your grandfather through these letters. Thank you for sharing his story with us. This is a great idea, Michele. I shall be looking forward to your posts. 😊

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  39. A lovely read, Michele!

    A heart, filled with artifacts, the soul filled, with precious memories. A heart filled with words, a soul filled with letters. Love and poetry, etched with the pages, of the heart, and soul! Mission accomplished, his letters, are a treasure!

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    1. Thanks so much for your enthusiasm, Conny! It truly is a special connection and project that I look forward to continuing. Reigniting my love of letter writing/sending and reading his has enriched my life, with more to come. I love how either writing or reading letters allows to slow down and enjoy a quiet moment. 💗

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  42. What a treasure for you to unearth. I someday think about my future grandchildren and wonder what they will make of all my poems and stories. Will any of them be tied to words like me? It’s a beautiful idea.

    “I wonder what it was like to fire machine guns at an enemy and write poetry to family.”

    I’m constantly in awe of those soldiers who managed to use words to heal themselves as they were seeing and participating such harsh and unspeakable things. Your grandfather sounds like a beautiful and sensitive man.

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    1. That is a lovely thought of legacy. 💞 Thank you for sharing that, Bridgette.

      I did not know my grandfather for long, but he seemed gentle. Thank you. As someone who assists with narrative therapy workshops, your words on writing and healing speak to me – they speak to all of us who understand the power of writing, as I know you do. 😊

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  43. Pingback: His Letters are Treasures ~ II (w/audio) – My Inspired Life

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