My Valentine - 1943

In 1943, Curtis was in WWII stationed in Santa Ana, California. I received this Valentine from him before he went off to war in Italy.

He had given me his portrait before he left, that was autographed, "Love Forever, Curtis Wayne".

For two more years all I had of him was his picture, his cards and letters, and promise of a love for a lifetime. I penciled this poem on a scrap of paper. I'm not sure if I ever sent it to him, but it's how I felt as I looked at this picture.

Love Forever

It's love forever that's written there,

It's love forever in your eyes, in your smile, everywhere

And I know that it's true

For it's written by you

In your eyes, in your smile that I love.

It says love forever

And I know it was never

Meant to die

For it's there in face, in smile, in eye

It's not only a picture, 

It's you.

To look at you means memories,

Those hours together, just two care-frees.

It was oh so much fun

Just to hold you, sweet one

In my arms and to kiss your sweet lips.

It says love forever.

Did you mean it could never

Leave our hearts?

For my dear if you do

It sure means I love you

And it's true, darling you

Just you.

by Gertrude Short

1943

Copy of penciled poem

Our love did turn out to be true. We had 59 years of sweet marriage before Curtis went to be with the Lord. I still love him so. Happy Valentine's Day!

Next entry: "Clueless"

To read about our how we met, click here.

Read about our early marriage here.