29 July 1944

Saturday

Darling, darling,

Today this is not just a newsy letter for there is none. I just wanted to write you so that this will arrive (I hope) on our anniversary. NINE years if I am any good at addition and in that particular addition I am.

I am indeed sorry dearest that we cannot be together on this years anniversary for I believe that this would be the best that we could have had. I had hoped that we would be in Mexico City together on this date and could have properly have celebrated. A little champagne and of course a little------ or maybe a lot, who knows. However it turned out to be that that was not the way fate desired it.

I do know that nine years ago the luckiest thing that could ever have happened to me did happen. When I met you here in Panama ten years ago and then married you a year later my whole life changed and changed for the better. More than my desires and dreams called for. I didn’t know it then and it has taken several years for me to come to the true realization of just what it did mean to me. That is only natural I suppose for one does not get to know so much of such importance in a trice, but I do know it now and am ever grateful dear. I love you beyond all other things and am devoted to you more than words can express. To know that love is returned by you is a source of satisfaction that is comforting no end. My only hope is that we have many more years to spend together to enjoy each other. This war looks as if the end at least can be seen and tho we do not know what will come after I am sure that we can be together once gain before to long now. That is my most urgent wish dearest and I know that it is yours also.

In short what I wish to say my dearest is that after nine years with you I love you so far much more than in any previous year and it continues to grow with each month. I don’t know how long a thing like that can go on but I know that it will. A big hug and kiss for you darling for just this day. Be sure to give me one back---.

I have been having a little headache everyday now for a while and am afraid that malaria might be creeping up on me. Now wouldn’t that be swell. Anyway I am alert to it if it comes and will be right after it. I hate to feel badly, I guess because I so seldom do. However I have little patience with it but I guess that that doesn’t help any. Darling Diane I will close but send you my love again and happy returns.

Edwin