All grammatical errors and spelling mistakes are intentional to make things feel more "authentic." I do not own anything from Saving Private Ryan. Thank you.
10 March 1943
Camp Forrest, Tullahoma, TN
Dear Sis,
Boy, would you ever put Florence Nightingale to shame! And I'm not just clownin around, I am completely and totally serious. I've always thought you'd be great at something like that but I didn't ever say anything because it should be your choice and yours alone. I'm so glad you said it first so I can tell you now, you have no idea! Bon, you care so much about people. Not just people we know, but about everyone no matter who they are or where they come from. I remember you told me once, "It ain't my place to judge nobody, that job belongs to the Almighty. He told me it's my job to love my neighbor, so that's what I'm gonna try my best at." That's always stuck with me. Definitely easier said than done sometimes, but like you said, I'm tryin my darnedest. But anyhow, that ain't my point. What I mean to say is, you care about people and you've always been so great at takin care of them. That might sound stupid but it makes sense if you think on it.
Three years ago when I came down with pneumonia because I stayed out working too long in the snow, you guessed at what was wrong and already were working on getting me better by the time Doc Larkin could make it round to the house. And when Mama had that real bad flu back when we were a lot younger you took care of her and us boys like it didn't even ruffle you. You just have this intuition about you, a natural talent. God gave you a gift and I'm taking this as my opportunity to encourage you to use it. I think He's callin you to big things, Sis, I really do. Like you said, you still got a year of high school left, but that's my two cents and then some for what it's worth.
I have to go now if I want to send this out in the next post, which I really really do. I'm all excited now, shoot. How is the farm and everyone? How's everyone around town? Boy do I miss Cedar Hill.
Love and miss you always, Bonnie.
Your brother,
Danny
March 15, 1943
Cedar Hill, TN
Dear Danny,
Well, goodness. I could practically hear your letter out loud like you were standing right next to me telling me how you felt instead of miles away writing it. I even read it out in our garden on that little swing you made for me, and it almost felt like it used to. That was a very happy surprise.
I have to say, each day that passes, I like the idea of being a nurse more and more. I don't want to sound too big for my britches or whatnot, but I do think I'd be rather good at it, you're right. Although, I'm not too sure about that whole putting Florence Nightingale to shame nonsense; I think you're maybe to crack up, brother. Quick, go find yourself some glue!
How is your training going? I don't know what you're allowed and not allowed to say, so don't get yourself into any trouble. I just want to know how you are. Daddy said something about you being finished with basic training soon? It's so hard to believe you've been gone long enough for that to be possible but at the same time it feels like forever. What happens next? I know you'll tell me not to worry about you, but I can't help it and don't you dare expect me to apologize for caring about you. Yes, I do know you that well.
Also, you know there's always plenty of small town dramatics and gossip around here. What do you want to know?
All my love,
Bonnie