Lost at War

World War II: September 1, 1939 - September 2, 1945

December 13, 1940

It's been just over a year since this war began, just over a minute since the man from the army showed up at our door. He carried a single envelope. Mother sent me and Sarah to our rooms right away so they could speak in private. 

   Even Mother can't hold in her tears and keep it together for us. "No, not George." She whispers. "Please, don't let it be true. God, let me be wrong." The man just stands there and patiently waits for us to leave the room. 

   Sarah's already crying. I grab her hand and lead ourselves out of the room. Sarah never cries. 

   "He's gone. Gone."

   I refuse to let it be true. Father couldn't be dead. No. He was too strong. 

    "It's okay, Sarah." I tell her, "It might be something else. Don't assume the worst."

   But it's not okay. No, not Dad. No, please! But if he is gone there's nothing we can do now. 

   "William, Sarah," Mother calls, "You can come out."

   She sits on the couch with her hands covering her face. It hits me. He's truly gone. Forever. It's just going to be me, my mom, and Sarah from now on. The man at the door offers a letter, I take it and bring it to Mother. 

   "It's from dad." Sarah notices his handwriting on the front. 

   Mother reads, "Sarah, William, and Helen, I write this in the case of my death so someone will be able to give you something to remember me by. I wanted to say a few last words to you, and know that I'm trying my very hardest to make it back to you." Mother chokes up at these words then continues,

   "First, Helen, take care of the children and yourself well. I know you'll be able to find what I left for you. Sarah, stay strong, daddy loves you. And William, I did this so you all can live a better life. Please don't be upset at me for going to war. Love always, Dad."

   My father is gone and he's not coming back. Never. I cry now, tears pouring down my cheeks as mother holds me and Sarah tightly. 

   "We'll make it on our own. We can make things work." She whispers, as though she has to convince herself. 

   I never wanted him to go. I begged him to stay, Please daddy, we need you, don't leave us. I would give anything to have him back again. Unfortunately, that's not possible.