Letters
Dr. Benjamin Pierce
1275 Gordon's Wharf Rd.
Crabapple Cove, Maine
May 3rd, 1955
Dear Margaret,
Well, it's been three weeks since I got back from my trip to Montana and I still haven't heard a word from my favorite nurse. So, I thought I'd better drop a line before she decided to fall off the face of the earth again. I'm sure that life in Rawlins is keeping you very busy, but I hope that you won't forget your old friends - especially the one that you promised to write!
Things are fine here in Maine. About the same as always. There are a few snow flurries falling, but like I said things are the same as always. Our winters can last well into the Spring months (I always wondered where the guy was living who decided that March 21st was officially Spring. May 21st is even iffy at times!).
Dad's doing well. Still talking of retiring this year and going fishing. Though I think it would be great if he did, I have my sincere doubts that he'll ever actually retire. He'd never be able to give up his patients. I don't think there's a single person in Crabapple Cove that Dad hasn't delivered, bandaged or stitched. He's one of the most dedicated doctors I've ever seen. I guess I come by my love of medicine naturally. But it's not hard to love my job when you see some of the adorable patients I have. Like today, I had Sally Glouster come in with a broken arm, she'd fallen out of her tree house. Sally is six years old with these big brown eyes that seem to just look right through you and a big grin that is so infectious that you can't help but smile back at her. She is one of the most adorable little girls I have ever seen. Even while I was setting her arm she was talking away as happy as a lark while her mother hovered about like a protective mother hen. It was funny, on Abby's fifth circuit of the room Sally just looked at her and very calmly and patiently said. "Mom, I'm fine, will you please stop pacing, you'll wear a hole in Dr. Hawk's carpet." Then when I finished up, I gave her a sucker for being such a brave girl and she asked if I could give one to her mother because she was trying to be brave too! Kids, you gotta love them.
Well, I'll close this letter for now. My three o'clock appointment is here. But I'm going to ask you one more time to please write to me, Margaret. I don't want to lose touch with you again. I'd like for you to be part of my life now that we're back in the States again. I don't want to lose the friendship that we managed to create in Korea. I'll be waiting eagerly to hear back from you.
You're pen pal,
Ben
Margaret Houlihan
14 Willow Street; Rawlins, Montana
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May 12th, 1955
Dear Ben,
I'm sorry that I haven't written to you before, but to be honest I lost your address. After you left, I put it in a 'safe' place that seems to have been so safe that I can't find it. I'm sorry you thought that I was deliberately not writing, but please be assured that isn't the case.
Montana is definitely into Spring. Things are growing and popping. I love Spring. It's like a rebirth of everything, a time to start everything fresh and new again. I'm already planning my flower gardens for this year. I've also been thinking of putting in a bit of a vegetable garden. Mrs. Robbins, an elderly neighbor that lives on the next street has decided that she can't do the work by herself anymore, so I've offered to do it all for her if she wants. She seemed quite pleased with the idea. I think she likes the thought of being able to still watch the garden growing even if she can't do any of the work. And I don't mind at all. In fact, last year I was kind of kicking myself for not having put in a garden after seeing how well hers was doing. It's funny, I didn't realize how much I enjoyed gardening or landscaping until that Colonel Ditka had us do those stupid beautifications to the compound that time. It was kind of a redundant act there, but I did discover that I had a bit of a flair for it. Maybe next time you come out for a visit I'll be able to give you some fresh vegetables that I've grown with my own hands.
Work at the hospital is going well. They're looking for a new surgeon in the trauma department. Interested? I'm sure you'd be a shoe in. Of course, Great Falls, Montana is quite a long commute from Crabapple Cove, Maine. Especially in that old clunker Walter told me you bought. Speaking of Walter, he and I have been getting together for coffee at least once a week. It's nice to hang around with someone from Korea. Who would have thought that it'd be Radar, eh? I think we're both still a little surprised at how things have worked out. Our relationship in Korea didn't seem to lend itself to a close civilian friendship, did it?
Colonel Potter called the other day. He invited Radar, Julia, and me to come down to Hannibal for the weekend in a couple of weeks. It took quite a bit of planning, but I think Radar and I have finally found a weekend where we're both off. I didn't realize how busy we both were until we compared our schedules. His is as bad, if not worse than mine, which was something I never thought was possible. No wonder he seems so tired what with school and working at the vet clinic than having a wife and family to look after. I tell you he's got himself quite a busy life. But he seems happy. I think the only thing he's missing right now is the farm. I won't be surprised if after he finishes with school that he'll move back to Ottumwa. His face just lights up when he talks about the farm and the town. Kind of like yours does when you talk about Crabapple Cove or Klinger's does when he talks about Toledo. Oh, did I tell you? Klinger sent me a dress that he made. He told me that it was the very first of his new 'Klinger Collection'. Apparently, he and Soon-Lee are opening a dress shop in the heart of Toledo's fashion center. Can you imagine? He certainly does have a flare! He'll probably be a smashing success. Hopefully, he'll still talk to us after he becomes rich and famous.
Well, I guess I should go. I'm writing this at work and my break is almost over. I hope to hear from you soon. I'm with you that I don't want to lose touch again.
Sincerely,
Your long-distance pen pal,
Margaret.
Dr. Benjamin Pierce
1275 Gordon's Wharf Rd.
Crabapple Cove, Maine
June 17th, 1955
Dearest Margaret,
When I woke up this morning the rain was beating heavily against the house and everything felt damp and dismal, including my mood. Then when I went downstairs and found your newest letter sitting on my kitchen table, I was immediately a happy person. My nurse and my receptionist will be very grateful to you for that!
Dad's enjoying his semi-retirement. He comes into the office three days a week and the rest he spends out on the lake with his rod and tackle. I don't quite know what he does out there all day since he's never actually brought any fish home with him, but as long as he's enjoying himself that's the main thing.
I was talking to Beej the other day. You've probably already heard this, but it seems that he and Peg are expecting again. Beej is over the moon he's so excited. He says at least this time he knows for certain that he won't get sent camping in any foreign country during their baby's early years. I think he's still a little bitter about missing Erin's early years. I can't say that I blame him. I'm sure I'd feel the same way if I ever had a child. I couldn't imagine what pain and heartache it would be to be separated from my wife and child. It was hard enough being that far away from my dad.
You'll never guess who I got a call from the other day! I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count. Okay, give up? Charles! I actually got a phone call from Charles! And you know what he wanted? He wanted to know if I would be interested in giving a lecture at the hospital on arterial transplants. I couldn't believe it. Not that I'm all that excited about having to give a lecture to a bunch of wet behind the ears up and coming stuffed shirts, but the fact that Charles actually called and asked me to do it made it impossible for me to refuse. I still don't quite understand why he chose me when he could very easily have done it himself, but never-the-less he did call me. The lecture is on the 30th of this month, not a lot of time to prepare, but I'm sure I can struggle by. As long as I can do better than Henry did, I'll be happy. And I'll do my best to keep the idiocy from coming out of this mouth. I know, I know what you're thinking - Don't make promises you can't keep. See, I know you better than you think.
So, when are we going to get together again? Don't get me wrong I've been thoroughly enjoying your letters, in fact I savor them just like Beej use to savor Peg's. But I want to see you again. I want to be able to talk to you and touch you and listen to the sound of your voice. I miss you, Margaret. I miss you a lot. Let me know when you think you might be willing to make a trip out East or let me know when I can come see you. Either way, just make it soon.
Your lonely friend,
Ben.
Margaret Houlihan
14 Willow Street; Rawlins, Montana
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June 27th, 1955
Dearest Ben,
So how are the preparations coming for the lecture? I wish I could be there to hear you and cheer you on. I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job. And I'm sure you'll enjoy the banquet afterwards more than you think. I'm sorry I can go with you, but I'm on a double shift this weekend and there's no way I'll be able to fly out on such short notice. Maybe if Charles had told you about the banquet when he told you about the lecture, I could have made arrangements to be your date, but I'm afraid this time it's impossible. Remind me to give Winchester an earful next time I see him!
The visit with the Potter's went very well. Colonel Potter was absolutely jumping with joy at seeing us. He made me fill him in on everything that I'd been doing since Korea then he gave me a lecture on keeping in better touch. He sounded very much like you about that! I have to admit, after I got back to the States, I honestly didn't think anybody'd want to keep in touch with me. I figured that you'd all settle back into your civilian lives and be relieved to be rid of 'Major Houlihan' for good. I was so surprised when I was bombarded by calls the day after I ran into Radar. I never expected to be so warmly welcomed back into the group. I've never really had close friends like this before and I can't tell you how much I appreciate you all now. I love you all very much.
Father Mulcahy was at the Potter's too last weekend. Did you know that he's deaf? I hadn't realized. He said it happened during the last few days of the war. Apparently, BJ's the only one that knew, and he swore him to absolute secrecy. He seems to manage fairly well despite his hearing loss. He's been doing a lot with the deaf lately. I'm sure they appreciate all his efforts.
Captain has made a new friend, a very unlikely friend actually. There's a stray kitten that's been wandering around the area lately. He's a cute little thing, a grey and white tabby. Looks to be about two or three months old. Friendly little thing too. Anyway, when I was leaving for work the other day, I was surprised to find Captain and the kitten curled up together under the maple tree in the front yard. Something tells me I now own a cat.
Well, I guess I should sign off for now. I promised Rob I'd go to the movies with him tonight. They're replaying "My Man Godfrey" and apparently, it's one of Rob's favorite movies. I've never seen it, but I like William Powell and Rob assures me that it's a very funny movie, so it might be good. I'll let you know.
I miss you. Hopefully, we'll be able to get our schedules to connect sometime, but until then I await your next letter.
Luv,
Margaret.
Dr. Benjamin Pierce
1275 Gordon's Wharf Rd.
Crabapple Cove, Maine
July 5th, 1955
My dearest Margaret,
The lecture went well, no rotten tomatoes at least though I think Charles was contemplating my demise when I started telling Korean stories to half the hospital's surgical staff. The banquet afterwards was everything I expected it to be - dull and boring. I would have enjoyed it far more if I could have had you on my arm, but I managed to struggle through it alone. A lonely single bachelor. Sigh! Seriously though, it's probably better that you weren't there. It was one of the few times in my life I wish I could have given myself a lobotomy. Though I'm sure Winchester would have gladly given me one after the lecture! How was I to know he didn't want anyone to know about the smiley faces painted on his kneecaps!
I'm glad your trip to the Potter's went well. The Colonel called me to tell me all about it the other night. He was higher than a kite with excitement. He says now all his kids are back in the roost. I don't think he'll ever let us stray again! And how could you think that we didn't want you in our lives? Margaret, as far as we're all concerned you lost most of the 'Major Houlihan' persona long before we left Korea. I mean, think about some of the things you did during the last year or so of our imprisonment there? You had fun, at least as much fun as can be had in a war zone. Grant it, you still had your moments, but then so did the rest of us. But think about all the 'unmilitary' things you did too. The jokes you pulled, you rules you bent, the shenanigans you turned a blind eye to. These are all things that 'Major Houlihan' wouldn't have done, but our friend 'Margaret' did all the time. And how about the goodbye kiss you gave me when we left? I can't see 'Major Houlihan' doing that, but I sure enjoyed kissing 'Margaret'. Maybe we can do it more often.
So how was the movie? I saw "My Man Godfrey" when I was in Boston several years ago. I have to admit I nearly split a gut laughing. Who says that all ditzy blonds are totally dumb? How's Rob doing? You two still play Gin every Friday night? What's the score up to now? How's the hardware business going? Is he still trying to upgrade his friendship status?
Dad finally brought home a fish the other day. A five-pound rainbow trout. Not a bad reward for a month's worth of fishing. Made some beautiful fillets. Yum, yum, yum! We'll have to make sure to get some more for your visit to Crabapple Cove. When's that going to be again? Come on, you've got to come, I've got the whole town prepped to meet you. If you hold off much longer, they'll think I'm just making you up. It's hard enough convincing them that such a goddess exists in the first place. Especially one that'll have anything to do with me!
Have you named your new pet yet? I have an idea for you. How about 'Major'? You know Captain and Major. I think it suits them, especially since they're obviously such good friends. You know it is possible for Captains and Majors to be good friends, and sometimes even more than friends...
Well, I guess I should go. I have a full docket today, thanks to all the work I had to do for Winchester's lecture. I wish you could have seen the look on his face when I told them about the time he was 'in' the paper, thanks to his big mouth and other people's vengeful streak. Hey, I figured it was payback for him not informing me early enough about the banquet that I could get my favorite nurse to come play date. I hope he got the idea.
I miss you, Margaret. I miss you very, very much.
Love,
Ben.
Margaret Houlihan
14 Willow Street; Rawlins, Montana
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August 20th, 1955
My darling Ben,
I am so sorry that I haven't written in the last couple days. I have been so busy here that I don't know if I'm coming or going.
Three of our nurses are out on sick leave. One broke her leg roller skating; another fell down a flight of stairs and broke her wrist and the third is down with pneumonia. That means that the rest of us have had to pick up the slack. I've been doing sixteen-hour days six days this week. I am absolutely exhausted, but I just had to sit down and write you before you think that I've fallen off the face of the earth again.
Don't worry, Ben. I haven't forgotten you and I've been enjoying your daily reports from Crabapple Cove immensely. I hope my reports have been as equally well received. I feel as if I've gotten to know you a lot better during these last few months, especially as the frequency of our letters increased. I keep all your letters in a box in my nightstand, and whenever I'm feeling lonely or if I have a bad day, I'll pull them out and reread them, appreciating the fact that I have a friend who really cares about me. I really value our friendship, Ben. It's come to be one of the most important things in my life. I think Rob's a little jealous of that. He finds it hard to understand how I can find more comfort in a friend that's thousands of miles away than one who's just down the street. I can't seem to explain it to him in a way that he'll understand. I think part of the reason I find so much comfort in your letters is because I feel like you know me better than a lot of people, better than most men especially. You're about the only one who's seen me at my best and at my worst. You've held me while I cried and laughed with me when I was happy. You've fought with me, encouraged me, scolded me, praised me. And I love you for it. You're my best friend, Ben and I hope our friendship continues on forever.
I guess I should go. I'm so tired that I'm starting to get both punchy and sentimental at the same time. Bad combination.
I'll talk to you soon.
Luv,
Margaret.
PS: BTW, for the record, you kissed me!
Dr. Benjamin Pierce
1275 Gordon's Wharf Rd.
Crabapple Cove, Maine
August 31st, 1955
My dearest Margaret,
I think it's time that I tell you the truth. I hope you don't hold it against me, and I hope it won't damage our friendship, but I can't keep going on the way things have been.
Margaret, I love you. I love you. I have loved you since before we left Korea, but I never had the nerve to tell you and I have been kicking myself for it ever since the day you drove out of my life.
You're right, I did kiss you. And all I wanted to do was go on kissing you forever. I never wanted to let you go. But I did because I wasn't sure how you felt about me. Just like you thought we'd be glad to be rid of you, I was sure that you'd be glad to be rid of me. You know, the childish, irresponsible joker who had no respect for the Army or its clowns. But during the last couple months I've come to hope that you see me as more than just that. Your letters seem to indicate more and more that you view me as a good friend, in fact I believe you used 'best friend' in your last letter. I hope that doesn't exclude me from being anything more than a friend because I want to be so much, Margaret. I want to be able to have you in my life always. To wake up to your beautiful face and to go to sleep with you in my arms.
I love you, Margaret. I love you with all my heart. The only question is do you love me? Is there any hope for us beyond friendship? I hope so, I sincerely hope so.
I await your answer with my heart in my throat. Please don't keep me waiting long.
Lots of love,
Your biggest admirer,
Ben.