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On Separation

The following is something my father wrote to my mother while he was stationed away from her. On Separation Is fate, that has long denied me thy arms, About to give me the pleasure of thy many charms. Doth not these pleasures too soon fade away from me. Oh when will the time come that together we will always be. Each time we part, something inside me dies. When will life give me the time when there will be no good-bye. Is not this life apart from you death. Rather than this death, is it not better to be in my grave without breath. Death is the coward's way; the brave must face life. Must we long suffer heartaches, is there no end to this strife. My dear, I hope you can understand this, for nothing else can explain my mood. Tell me what you think about it...if you like it I might try to write more. 23, Mar. 1958 Capt., Thomas M. Bland, Sr, USMC Dec.13, 1934- June 26, 1975 (BTW- she loved it so much she made a copy to carry with her. Hers is the pencil copy)

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Andrea Dietrich

Date: 7/15/2015 11:24:00 PM

Gosh, this is beautiful. I can see from the date that he died very young. I sure hope it was not in combat that he died. I hope he got to be with her in the end. Did he?

Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 7/16/2015 5:15:00 PM

He sent mom away from the hospital back to us the day before he died. He had 6 months to build memories with us from when he was diagnosed.

Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 7/16/2015 5:12:00 PM

He was 42. He developed cancer, but was still active duty. He was 6 months away from retirement, but he was given full retirement one week before his death when he was admitted to the hospital.

Jan Allison

Date: 7/15/2015 6:54:00 PM

this is such a touching write Janet and your own penned poetry carries on his legacy so beautifully :-) I have discovered my maternal grandma wrote as did my mum when she was younger - her sister aged 88 and brother aged 96 still write! :-) Hugs Jan xx

Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 7/15/2015 7:09:00 PM

His mother also wrote. I actually find it odd that in six children and fifteen grand children, my dad who I barely knew, and I are the only writers. It's nice to feel part of a continuum.

Arthur Vaso

Date: 7/12/2015 5:45:00 PM

This brought tears to my eyes, such a lovely, beautiful poem, I might add this also explains a little into you, as the apple doesn't fall far from the tree! oh and that poem, should be framed for sure!!! :)

Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 7/13/2015 9:43:00 PM

Mmm it seems to be something of a family trait, as his mother also wrote poetry. This is definitely going to be well taken care of.

Jack Ellison

Date: 7/12/2015 8:15:00 AM

This is heart-tugging! What a sweet down to earth love letter! Your dad was special and understood love and life! Hugs, Jack xxx

Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 7/13/2015 9:41:00 PM

Thanks for the comments on Dad's poem. I appreciate the ki.d words Jack!

Kp Nunez

Date: 7/6/2015 12:53:00 PM

Jan, this is a fine example of pain from separation inspiring the poet in us to come out, struggling for freedom to express. PS. I was thinking your footnote would read thus: She loved it so much the paper got wet and smudged the ink and so he had to write many more like it" :-) hugs

Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 7/6/2015 1:59:00 PM

She kept his copy in pristine condition. Hers is worn and written in pencil to withstand water and such, but it is worn. I can remember it being in her wallet as a child. I'm not sure when she stored it with her pictures. We only have a few others that we have found so far. This one is my favorite.

Tim Smith

Date: 7/5/2015 2:33:00 PM

This is so beautiful and powerful. I see where you get your writing from. I'm sorry your Dad died at such a young age

Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 7/16/2015 10:36:00 PM

Yes. BUt hers are in a fully illustrated book. She wrote, her best friend drew, and did it very well.

Tim Smith
Date: 7/5/2015 3:57:00 PM

just ask to take pictures with your phone...then print them out

Jaycee Cervenka
Date: 7/5/2015 3:53:00 PM

His mother also wrote. I would love to pry those from my aunts hands just long enough to make a copy.