A Letter From The Eyes of a World War 1 Participant

To my dearest Fiancé, 1

I’m alive and well, but work in a room of death. I know not what truly goes on the front of war, but see the outcome of it pile in. Severed arms, bloody wounds, bullets embedded into the flesh. Men who just began to breath in reality, now face death with open eyes. So glad am I to know this would never come of you, not as you lay in a sterile, white room. You wounds, aches, and pains fall short in comparison to the bloody hell on which surrounds me. As head nurse, I try to provide direction for all the other nurses. Many need calming down, and need not to forget their role in this continuous event from hell. A test of faith this all is, whether the enemy will be wicked, and bomb our station. The ground shakes, the sounds of bombs whistling down, and plunging into the dirt. Cackling, crunching, high pitch squeals, screams, and cries. What keeps me sane is the thought of seeing your warm, caring face. You open arms, and mine the same as I run towards my future husband to be. Your soft kisses, and words of comfort, and love. I must remain strong in all aspects, and shake away the feeling of being fatigue. My life is to sustain life, save it! Many times I must take a deep breath, and fight back tears. Men no older than you or I, face their beginning in a place of much end. With very little free time I write to you, my love, my joy. I break to eat, rest, and think. Trying to condition myself to continue to do what I so love. I do not love the aspect that I care of those in such horrible pain, torture, seeing them being pulled by the arms of death. Meaning that I wish my job wasn’t in need, I deal with death everyday, yes, but must all this go on? War, hatred, cruelty, pain, suffering, the continuous list of things I wish it all away. I know I can’t make the world right, full of peace, and love. As a nurse I can only do what my skills, resources, and situations will allow. If it be God’s will for those I’ve tended to to pass on, than let it be his will. I do what I can. I sit by many bedsides giving comfort, and attention. Some refuse my aid, for many know they’re soon to greet death. I hope to find success in all I do, but can only accomplish so much. I miss you dearly, and my heart aches as it cries out your name. You and my faith keeps me going, keeps me alive. I love you with all heart, and soul. Do not fear for my life, worry or stress, leave it in the hands of God. As of now I see red, but hope soon to see white. Keep me and all who fight in this war in your prayers. I must return to my duty, and I’ll write to you when possible. Much love.2

Loving You,3

Stephanie     4