Forever Waiting
The Compilation of an African-American Woman's Original Writings and Letters To Her World War II Serviceman
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Following are selected excerpts from letters that Nellie wrote to her serviceman:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. From October 12, 1944………. “… Buddy went downtown with me today to do my Xmas shopping for the fellows I write to overseas. Their gifts have to be in the mail by the fifteenth. I’ve bought everything from toothpaste to shaving lotion and writing paper. My dogs are really barking because shopping on F Street on Thursday night is a forty mile hike … for real. Of course I didn’t find it a too troublesome ordeal because I would feel lower than a heel if my pals didn’t receive something on Xmas day. Even if it isn’t an expensive gift, it really comes from my heart…”………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. From October 14, 1944………. “By now I suppose you are still in the woods because I have received no mail for two days. Today you made up for not getting letters because Mother, Buddy , and I received our cigarettes. We all thank you a million times. You are the sweetest boy and really a man of his word. There was even chewing gum for us, nothing but the best. These things make you more than tops with the whole family. Mother has told all of her friends about her future son-in-law and has shown that carton of cigarettes until the box is falling apart (smile).”…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. From October 15, 1944………. Dear Teddy, It is sunset, and I am alone with my letter and my dreams. Another night in the woods for you, I suppose. Hope your cold doesn’t get worse. I am taking a puff or more on the cigarettes you sent, and with each smoke ring, I dream of you. It is cool and windy today, wonderful for riding; but I was too lazy to get up. I’ve been listening to the Redskins play the Boston Yanks in Massachusetts. The score was tied 14-14 with 9 minutes left to play. Then the Skins fell in with a terrific touchdown and a goal score and went over the top 21-14. Boston put up a tough fight, but oh, those Skins really played. Next Sunday they play the Brooklyn Tigers in D.C., so you know Milly and I will be there… …The sun is gone, as will be the nasty old war someday, and all dreams of yours and mine and all other people in love will come true.”………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. From November 1, 1944………. “I had a solid day at work today. Those chicks know more jokes than a Sgt. They are a swell bunch of gals to work with. Filing the first few weeks has ruined my skin around the fingernails. Those drawers have heavy folders packed in so tight they cut up your fingers if you don’t know how you should push them back. I’ve lost about two layers of skin and eight fingernails; but I am working in rubber nail covers now, so my fingers feel much better.”……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… From November 10, 1944………. “We had to be at work by ten o’clock this morning because we had time off to welcome the president back to the White House. He made a speech in the park across from Union Station and even though the rain came down like mad, he went on with his campaign.”………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Following is an excerpt of one of Nellie’s original writings:………………………….. To Nellie - From Her Conscience………………………………………. “Dear Nellie,…. At this period of your life, I think it would be wise for you to be exceedingly careful when making any decisions that might cause a crisis in your life. You are young and I know it is your intention to get an early start on your future. At the present your future is centered around a boy in the United States Army. We know that your courtship was a brief one because now you are separated by 160 miles. But let us be frank with each other, at the present you are faced with great doubts. You ask yourself many questions about him, his true character and reputation. You are puzzled about his background and habits. You can’t answer these because you really know little about him. But you know very little about any man no matter how long your relationship has continued. Then you ask yourself what difference does it make what his background is? You want him for what he is…”
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Nellie Briscoe lived in the Shaw area of Washington D.C. during World War II and was a pen pal of 89 African-American soldiers and sailors stationed all over the world. Her letters to one of these soldiers, a former boyfriend, showed the blossoming of a love affair and gave a picture of life on the home front during a historic time in America. They revealed the pride that Nellie felt in supporting the war effort through her work at the Veteran’s Administration, the pride and support that many women had for their servicemen, and the sacrifices by all Americans in support of the war. Nellie’s numerous social activities in the Shaw area were evident when she wrote about going to nightclubs and dances, attending movies at the U Street theaters, rooting for the Washington Redskins football team, and attending black college football games. She showed her patriotism by being part of a crowd of 300,000 that welcomed President Franklin Roosevelt back to Washington D.C. after the 1944 election. Nellie expressed her innermost thoughts and feelings in original prose and poetry and used colorful comments to annotate photographs (in her scrapbooks) of her pen pal servicemen. In addition to Nellie's letters and scrapbook photographs, FOREVER Waiting is supplemented with historical notes that explain and elaborate on her specific references to people, places, things, and events of this historic era.
About the Author
Johnarthur H. Lightfoot, Jr. grew up in Washington, D.C. After his godmother’s death, he was inspired to share some of her written thoughts and feelings about her experiences during a historic period in America. Now a retired information technology professional, he lives with his wife in North Potomac, Maryland.