The letters in the suitcase
By Special to the Times
Published August 28, 2005
My parents had dated before my dad enlisted. They met when my dad, John Ochen, was 18 and my mom, Shirley Krale, was 15. As we were growing up, a suitcase of letters was occasionally alluded to. The instructions were that the letters were only to be read after the passing of both parents. Since my mom's death last year, I've been reading these letters. There are close to 200 of them.
-- Jan Sheridan, Palm Harbor
"April 19, 1945
Hello, darling,
Here is your favorite girl again. You can look at all the pinup pictures you wish when you're away, but don't forget I'm the only one for you in the flesh.
Instead of every parting being easier, it seems to be harder, doesn't it? I would have done anything to keep you with me, but still I'm proud of you going out there to make a free and happy home for us and our children.
Goodnight, my darling, and I will love you
Forever,
Shirley"
* * *"March 21, 1944
Dearest Johnnie,
Johnnie, I don't think you're being very fair to your family. I really would like you to drop your mother a line.
Why do you insist that you drink because you want to forget? Can you tell me anything about your past life that is so unbearable that you constantly want to forget it?
I'm rather worried about your actions. I do hope you're doing your best so that you will have a good chance.
As always, I love and miss you.
Forever yours,
Shirley."
* * *"Dec. 25, 1945
Dear Shirl,
I'll give you a brief resume of what I did on Christmas Eve. First we sang Christmas carols on the fantail, then a movie, Kiss and Tell. From there we all (10th Division) went to the after superstructure to combat aft where, lo and behold, a Santa Claus came down our fireplace with presents for everybody. I got a couple of packs of butts, some Vaseline hair tonic and some wax for my mustache.
It was a conspiracy. I have given up combing my hair, and I've grown a moustache which I do not trim and take care of. My beard has been the cause of much discussion and arbitration and kidding for the last month or so. The boys decided that it would be fine and dandy if I took care of the blessed thing, so that's why I get the beeswax and Vaseline hair tonic. All in fun, though.
We got the good word today but still it is tentative, so nobody really knows. The word came from the captain himself. So maybe you will be looking at this ugly face of mine before long and maybe not.
I miss you something terrible, dearest Shirley. I love you beyond recall. There can never be anyone for me but you, my darling. I love you. I hope the heck we leave for the states pretty soon so then I won't have to write to you any more. All I'll have to do is to hop into the jalopy and tear up Sacramento Boulevard to your place. Ah, heaven again. It will be heaven on earth to have you in my arms again.
I know, I'll get back to you with intership communication talk. "Cavalcade, Cavalcade, this is Volunteer, message to follow: Item love oboe victor easy yoke oboe uncle x-ray initial. This is Volunteer. Roger, wilco and out.'
I love you, dearest babe.
Johnnie"
"April 19, 1945Hello, darling,
Here is your favorite girl again. You can look at all the pinup pictures you wish when you're away, but don't forget I'm the only one for you in the flesh.
Instead of every parting being easier, it seems to be harder, doesn't it? I would have done anything to keep you with me, but still I'm proud of you going out there to make a free and happy home for us and our children.
Goodnight, my darling, and I will love you
Forever,
Shirley"
"March 21, 1944
Dearest Johnnie,
Johnnie, I don't think you're being very fair to your family. I really would like you to drop your mother a line.
Why do you insist that you drink because you want to forget? Can you tell me anything about your past life that is so unbearable that you constantly want to forget it?
I'm rather worried about your actions. I do hope you're doing your best so that you will have a good chance.
As always, I love and miss you.
Forever yours,
Shirley."
"Dec. 25, 1945
Dear Shirl,
I'll give you a brief resume of what I did on Christmas Eve. First we sang Christmas carols on the fantail, then a movie, Kiss and Tell. From there we all (10th Division) went to the after superstructure to combat aft where, lo and behold, a Santa Claus came down our fireplace with presents for everybody. I got a couple of packs of butts, some Vaseline hair tonic and some wax for my mustache.
It was a conspiracy. I have given up combing my hair, and I've grown a mOustache which I do not trim and take care of. My beard has been the cause of much discussion and arbitration and kidding for the last month or so. The boys decided that it would be fine and dandy if I took care of the blessed thing, so that's why I get the beeswax and Vaseline hair tonic. All in fun, though.
We got the good word today but still it is tentative, so nobody really knows. The word came from the captain himself. So maybe you will be looking at this ugly face of mine before long and maybe not.
I miss you something terrible, dearest Shirley. I love you beyond recall. There can never be anyone for me but you, my darling. I love you. I hope the heck we leave for the states pretty soon so then I won't have to write to you any more. All I'll have to do is to hop into the jalopy and tear up Sacramento Boulevard to your place. Ah, heaven again. It will be heaven on earth to have you in my arms again.
I know, I'll get back to you with intership communication talk. "Cavalcade, Cavalcade, this is Volunteer, message to follow: Item love oboe victor easy yoke oboe uncle x-ray initial. This is Volunteer. Roger, wilco and out.'
I love you, dearest babe.
Johnnie"