Second Day of Christmas

Second Day of Christmas

16 February, 1916
My dear Frieda,
We are advancing towards Verdun. The weather is horrible, and we have been delayed. Nevertheless, I am well and hope things are well with you. I miss you my darling Freida, I will be with you again soon. We will bleed France white. Yours truly,
Heinrich

25 February, 1916
My dear Frieda,
I am well. We launched our first attack the 21 of February. We captured the front line. Yesterday was a good day for Germany with the capture of the second line France will bleed white. I will get to see your beautiful face soon again, my Frieda. Yours truly,
Heinrich

These are the first two letters I received from my husband, Heinrich. I miss him terribly. Day after day I pray to God for safe return. It has been almost two years sense Germany has been at war. I got to see my husband once for a short while in June before he had to depart again. They say on the radio, taking over Verdun will help us win this war. After reading the letter Heinrich sent to me I am very hopeful. Everyday when I have some free time I go to the the post to see if there is anything. I know I won't get a letter everyday, but I still hope. I enjoy getting Heinrich's letters, despite he is at war. They tell me that my love is still alive.

9 March, 1916
My darling Frieda,
Things are looking up for Germany. We are given more artillery supplies furthermore, progress has improved wonderfully. With progress with this France have no other choice but to end their retaliation and to surrender. I am in high spirits today. I have received word that you had a baby boy to carry on the kin. I approve of Heinrich Ernst. Your love,
Heinrich

I am please to read this good news. However, I first thought being pregnant alone was hard. I was wrong. Taking care of a baby alone is hard work. But, I wouldn't change anything. I continue to pray for Heinrich safety and I pray for him to return soon to see his baby boy.

13 May, 1916
Dear Love,
I am tiered and warn out. It seems that progress is at a standstill. We lose just as many of our men as the French looses their men. Sometimes I wonder if there is meaning to continue on days like theses. However, I will continue to fight for honor, for Germany. Your dearest,
Heinrich

31 May, 1916
My dear Frieda.
I feel there is a glimmer of hope. The battle wages on nevertheless, Germany secured Mort Homme Hill on 29 May. I am grateful to still be alive and to write to you, my love. How are you and our baby doing? Yours truly,
Heinrich

10 June, 1916
Dear Frieda,
If there was anything I the damn French commendation for. It would be persistence. Yet, despite their efforts we have successfully captured Fort Vaux on 7June. It was a good day for Germany. I will soon see you and our baby. Yours truly,
Heinrich

At first I was worried reading the letter Heinrich wrote to me on 13th of May. My worries where put to ease when I read the other two letters. Between caring for Heinrich Ernest and my regular house keeping duties I volunteer to roll bandages and prepare meals to send to our men at war. It helps to talk to women who are also waiting for their husbands to return to them. It keeps my mind busy and makes each day seem to go faster. I read each letter as soon as I get them as the months pass.

15 December, 1916
Dear Freida,
Germany is withdrawing from Verdun. This battle is over. There has been many causalities and very little progress. France may have won the battle but we will win the War. I will return to you soon. For how long I do not know. I missed you very much my love. Your Love,
Heinrich

15 December, 1916
My truest love Frieda,
I hope you may never have to read this letter. If you are, I am truly sorry to inform you that I will not be coming home to you alive. I loved you very much my Darling, and if I could I would come home and spend the rest of our lives together. Alas, it is not in HIS plan for that to be. I understand it will be hard for you at first, my love. You must go on, I wish for you find another good man to marry and take care of you in my place. Though I will wont be with you anymore on Earth, I will always be by your side. Forever and more yours,
Heinrich

Today, I was informed that two letters came for me. The mail carrier also informed me that the letters was brought in by two turtle doves arriving at different times. I was filled with hope reading Heinrich's first letter. However, I was confused when the date on the second letter was not my Heinrich's handwriting. I found out why as I read the letter. There was no mistaking besides the date, it was his hand who wrote the letter of farewell in advance. I broke out in tears. Instead of getting my late husband for Christmas. I was sent two turtle doves on 15 December.