June 13, 2006

Eileen A. Woodworth

Vero Beach, Fl. 32963

(772) 492-1295

Editor

Press Journal of Indian River County

1801 U.S. I

Vero Beach, FL 32960

Re: World War II Love Letter

Dear Editor:

Once in a while we are privileged to peek into the window of another person's heart and soul. The letter enclosed, written by my father to my mother in 1944, expresses the deepest love and yearnings of a young soldier for his bride.

My father is John J. Engett. He is 86 years old now and has weathered recent battles of stroke and Parkinson's. My mother, Florence, died at age 86 from cancer almost eight years ago. They were married June 6, l943 when Dad was a dashing Army lieutenant. This sweet note was written from Ft. Dix, New Jersey. Shortly thereafter, he was dispatched to serve in the Philippines.

Recently, Dad was going through some of his old files here at our home, and found this letter, only a few days before what would have been their 63 rd wedding anniversary. He asked me to make a copy of this and send it to the Press Journal.

Dad wanted to reach out to your readers and fellow veterans by sharing a memory of great love, which continues to live within him. It is timeless in its message and may provide comfort to those who have lost a beloved spouse. Our lives may be mortal but love is eternal. My Dad is a true believer in showing kindness and love to all who know him.

Thank you for considering my father's letter for publication.

Very truly yours,

Eileen A. Woodworth

25 April 1944

Service Club

U.S. ARMY

4117 AAF Base Unit

ARMY AIRBASE

FORT DIX

Dearest Adorable Wife,

I have a poem that I want

you to read and to treasure it in your heart,

because it expresses in a small way my cares

for you.Please read and think about it as I have-

even though I have not written the words-----

But after all what are words- unless they act-

ually convey their meaning.And in this case they

do mean something because I act them, I live

them-- I mean them!

****

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling is out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to level of every day's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to, use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seemed to lose

With my lost saints-- I love thee with the breath

Smiles, tears, of all my life--and if God choose

I shall but love thee better after death.

That's from " SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGESE

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

--- What do you think ---- No I don't want your

answer, rather I want you to keep it for

yourself, because after all--- it does take a

whole life to live --to love you as I do ---

and even that takes a life to love, YOU.

Love Always,

Johnnie