March 23, 1943
March 23, 1943
Dear Shirley,
I wish I could have seen you this morning so I could have told you this instead of having to write it.
I did something very wrong and I hope I'm not to late to make it right. I don't know if I can give a decent explanation, but I'll try.
You have never hurt me. I do it myself. I expect things I don't rate and sometimes I get those green eyes. Since Christmas you have been well to me. More considerate than ever deserved. I didn't appreciate it, but I do now. Whatever we did or wherever we went , you were always agreeable. You never complained. I know how hard you had to work and still I kept you up late. You were always there when I called. Whatever I wanted to do you said "swell". I am the one that is inconsiderate and selfish. I'm the one that should change.
You have some problems that you have to straighten out by yourself. I had no business asking the questions I did. It wasn't fair to you. I was hitting below the belt. I wasn't trying to understand. I wanted you to see things my way and my way is wrong. I'd like to be the kind of guy you'd like me to be because I think that kind would be nice. The kind of guy I have been isn't nice. I understand how you feel now and I know that you are right. You have been all along.
I don't know how I could have said all of those things last night. They weren't true. As soon as I left I knew that. Some of those things must have really hurt you. I hope that someday I can do something good enough for you to make up for some of the bad. You deserve the best. You're fine sweet and understanding. Everything a fellow could ask for in a girl. You have been so darned well to me and I have been so darned rotten to you. Forget about what I asked you last night. I didn't have any right to ask it. I'd like to ask this. Please let me see you once in awhile. Please forgive me for how I've acted. I'll try and change. I will change. I was wrong.
I do love you Shirley, and I'm very proud of that because any good that's in me is because of my love for you.
Whatever happens , I want you to know that I think you are tops. You always will be. Please don't change. I 'm glad I wrote this because I know it's right. I hope you will believe it.
Love Ray