This is the eighty-third of 87 letters exchanged during World War II between Nicholas Salvatore and Elizabeth Galloway. For more see Nicholas and Elizabeth.

Soldiers_heading_home_on_Siboney

July 9, 1945

This place is temporary but so are we

Dear Elizabeth,

Men are going home left and right, it can’t be long now. They asked if I wanted to stay in the Army, but I, ahem, politely declined. It’s been some two years now. I don’t know if the self I was when I left would recognize me now. While I’d never wish what I went through on anyone, I do feel that I’ve come out of it a better person than when I went in. I too used to live my life in fear, but what did it ever get us? Don’t get me wrong, I still get afraid, but I’m more confident and know that I’m capable of more than I could’ve ever imagined. I was so self absorbed before. While you might have avoided me if I’d stayed at that base, if you hadn’t and we had gotten close, I wouldn’t have been able to love you fully, not like now. I feel I can love you better now, completely. I can’t explain it but I feel it in my whole body.

I hope New York is everything you hoped for and more. Give my love to your family.

Love,

Nicholas

Next letter – July 17, 1945