Ida+E

I’ve been waiting for weeks to get to hear from you at home. I just wanted to know that everything is fine, and that everyone is ok! And now, knowing that everyone is ok, I can live with happiness, trying to live my life, or live our life better. I know I’ve disappointed you, but I’ll try to get rid of the guilt. But can’t we just forget it, for now? We can talk it over, next time we meet. We do our best here. I was happier in Norway. There is something with John, something changed. But he won’t tell me. It’s hard. One day I try to tell him that I missed Norway, I tried to suggest moving back home. But he just got angry, and didn’t talk to me rest of the day. I don’t know what to do! I need your help. I need you to come visit us. I miss Norway. I miss the mountains, the rivers, the beautiful nature… I can’t wait visiting you back home! I thought my life would be better here in America, but I became just the opposite. The American dream is just over advertised. You can’t imagine how unhappy I am. It doesn’t go one day without me crying Everything is huge, it’s noisy, and it’s really not what I expected. I can’t say it too much, how I miss you, and how I regret this. My life could absolutely be better. I hope hearing from you soon. Miss you, and remember me to my beloved brother, Harald. I miss him too. Can’t wait to reach a new letter from you. Love from your only daughter, Ida.
 * D**** ear Mum and Dad **

My only and most beautiful wife on earth. I miss you. I hope you reach this letter, and I hope you understand what I’m writing. It’s not easy to write correct, because I’m now sitting on the train. We’re being transported to some other area. Don’t know where yet, I’m just following the others, where they’re sending us. I hope you’re ok, and that you’ll answer as fast as possible. I know you will. Yesterday was the worst day in my entire short life. You know my childhood friend David, we lived next door in Stavanger from I was 6, till I was about 16. You used to drink tea with his parents, you know. It was always too sweet for you… However, during a struggle, he got shot. I saw my once best friend got killed. But that’s normal life here. People are dying every single day. There is no such guarantee that the next one may be me. But we try the best we can to support each other, help each other during difficult days. I’m glad every single day I open my eyes, and am alive. Every letter I get from you let my day go easier. Thank you, for keep holding out with me. You mean the world to me, you know. How are the kids? Tell them I miss them, and when get home I’ll take them fishing. I hadn’t got any chance before I left. And I’m sorry about that. My efforts could have been better. But I promise, if (when!) I get home, I’ll do better. Don’t worry. I have to stop write soon. The road here makes a turn all the time. I get sick of it. I’d love to tell you more, but I have to write letters when I can, and it’s not THAT often. I’ll write you a longer and more detailed letter under calmer circumstances. Oh, I just can’t stop writing. I have a lot unsaid, that I would like to tell you about. Now we’re almost there. I just have to end this letter now. I’ll write you back as soon as possible, when I get your answer. I look forward to come home. I miss the kids. I miss you. I’ll never stop loving you, whatever may happen. Take good care of the kids. Your Roger.
 * Dear Amalie ** March, 8th. 1967