In the Summer of 1944, the mountain was alive and full of beauty, despite the events in the world at that time. While turmoil was the norm overseas, there was a sense of peace as the lazy Summer days rolled from one into the next. My sister Erin didn't know it yet, but she was about to experience the biggest change she ever would in her life. It was the biggest, but she also says that it was the best thing that ever happened to her.

July 21, 1944

"I'm going to town, Erin. Do you need anything?" Cindy asked.

"No thanks Cindy. I'm all right."

"Okay then. I'll see you in a bit."

"Tell Ike hello for me."

"I will."

A couple minutes passed.

Mary Ellen stepped outside. She walked over to the lawn chair Erin was seated in.

"Daydreaming?" Mary Ellen asked with a smile.

"I guess so. Did you call me?"

"No, I was just checking on you. It's not like you to sit out here in direct sunlight when it's over 100 degrees out. What's on your mind, Erin?"

"Nothing."

Mary Ellen handed her younger sister a glass of lemonade. "You sure?"

"Promise not to laugh?"

"Of course Erin. You know you can tell me anything."

"I'm thinking about Ashley. I can't get his letters off my mind. I…" Erin paused. "I'm in love Mary Ellen."

"I know." Mary Ellen smiled.

Erin's eyes widened. "You do?"

Mary Ellen smiled. "It's written all over your face. We've been sisters for far too long, Erin, for me to not know when you're in love."

Erin smiled.

"He looks at you the same way that Curt looked at me." Mary Ellen said, a lump in her throat.

"Mary Ellen, I'm sorry." Erin said softly.

"It shouldn't hurt this long afterwards but it still does."

Erin squeezed Mary Ellen's hand. A tear rolled down Mary Ellen's face.

"Don't be sorry at all." Erin gently replied.

Mary Ellen smiled. "I couldn't ask for a better family." She squeezed Erin's hand.

Erin smiled.

"Get that guy." Mary Ellen smiled.

"What?" Erin was confused.

"Ashley, go get that guy. If you think he's the one, go after him."

Erin paused for a minute. She smiled. "I will."

That evening, Elizabeth and Joy turned in early.

"You sure you don't want to go for a walk Elizabeth?" Erin asked.

"No thanks. I'm really tired. But Joy and I had fun today. Can I take you up on that offer of a walk tomorrow evening?"

"Sure." Erin smiled.

Erin sat in Mary Ellen, John Curtis, and Adam's room. Mary Ellen put John Curtis and Adam to bed so the sisters could visit. Soon they both grew tired and went to their respective rooms.

Around 2 o'clock that morning, Ashley called Erin's name.

Erin ran to the window.

"Ashley!" her face lit up and she smiled.

Ashley motioned for her to come down.

Without thinking, Erin flipped on the light switch.

"Erin!" Elizabeth complained.

"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry Elizabeth!" Erin turned off the lights.

"Are you sick Erin?" Elizabeth asked.

"No, Ashley's here." She whispered with a smile.

Joy was exhausted and still snoring.

Elizabeth looked out the window.

"He's even more handsome in real life."

"I think he is."

"But he's cute in his pictures too."

Erin nodded.

"Are you goin for a drive?"

"We are. He just got back."

"Have fun." Elizabeth smiled.

"Thanks."