ng the emptiness Mary Ellen felt without Don. The days grew shorter, and the nights seemed endless. Each morning,

ob at the local diner, working long shifts to contribute to their modest income. The sisters found comfort in their sh

mb from the cold. She found Eloise sitting at the kitchen table, a letter clutched

y Ellen asked, her vo

ed with a mix of relief and

t pounding with each word. Don described the hardships of war, the cold nights in the trenches, and the constant da

ng, and they give me strength when I need it most. I dream of the day when I can hold you in my

e letter to her chest, feeling a warmth that cut through the winter chill. "

ave you, Mary Ellen. And you to have h

eir loved ones to return. They formed a support group, meeting every Sunday after church to share their worries and h

" she said, "I know times are tough for you and your sister. My husband and I have been talking, and we'd

ng extra hours, cleaning and helping with the household chores. Th

r that something might have happened to him gnawed at Mary Ellen, but she refused to

and discovered a collection of letters and photographs from Mrs. Thompson's youth. They were love letters from her h

r, holding one of the letters. "You and Mr. Thompson

a different war, but the pain of separation is always the same. Tho

se of hope. "How did you mana

love is stronger than any hardship. By believing that we would

y letter she wrote to Don, and leaned on her community and her sister. She found streng

uld wait for Don, no matter how long it took. Their love was her beacon, guiding her throu