Words From Across The Waves

George dear,

Sorry for the late reply but I only just got your letter. I’m sure the post service here is getting worse, letters seem to take forever to get here. Anyway, I was glad to hear you got to the docks ok - when did you set sail? A lot has happened here in the last days since you left, I’m wondering if I’ll even be able to write it all. Even though I know you’ll say he’s too young to remember, Tommy misses you. I can tell by the way he stares around the room as I’m holding him, he’s not just being curious about his surroundings… he’s searching for you. It breaks my heart watching him. There’s so much I wanted to share with you; did you know he smiled for the FIRST time yesterday!? A proper smile! For a moment I almost shouted out to you before I remembered that you had gone. I know how much you would have wanted to see it, but I managed to get him to do it again so I could film it. I know... It’s not the same. How could it be? But it’s the best I could do. I still haven’t got used to you not being here. When Tommy and I are alone and the house gets a bit too quiet again, I take him to our favourite park for a walk by the pond. He loves watching the ducks… I’ve included some photos for you.

Love, when are you coming home? I hate not knowing, and the constant worrying too. Yes, I know you’re fine, and I know you’re capable, but love doesn’t stop caring. There was a storm here the other night and the rain sounded like it was trying to beat the ground into submission. I turned up the TV and tried not to worry about you being out in that… hopefully you’re in a better ship now, not that flimsy thing you were in last year? That thing was so lightweight it looked as though the slightest breath of wind would tip it over.

Julie has been around too, to keep me company… so of course that means Tommy and I have been a captive audience to her bad jokes and questionable impressions of famous people. She keeps me sane though, and it’s nice to have an adult conversation after listening to little Tommy’s babbles all day. She has a heart of gold that one. She and Adam have set a date (finally!) and are getting married next year. We’ve been invited so hopefully you can apply for some leave if you’re called away again and come. I better leave it here for now, Tommy’s just woken up from his nap… im always thinking of you.

With all of my love,

Ellen x

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Ellen,

I hope this letter reaches you ok and gets there a bit quicker than last time! We set sail the day after I sent the last letter, mainly because the weather delayed us. It felt we were waiting for weeks rather than just a day, I just wanted to get going and get out to sea, but that’s the nature of beast unfortunately. Me and the lads played cards mostly, while we waited. It’s not like we could do very much else while we waited and there isn’t much around the docks apart from obviously the boats. I came close I tell you, to just turning around there and then and coming home. I was so tempted! I missed you both so much that first night and just wanted to see you and Tommy again.

I can’t tell you how excited I was to read about him! Before I even finished reading the rest of your letter I told all the lads about Tommy and showed them the photo’s you sent. Those pictures will stay under my pillow until I’m back home. I was so gutted to have missed his first smile, but we did know there would be moments missed like that. As long as I have you both, even if we’re apart right now… well, that’s all that matters to me. We can make more memories when im back. I’m thinking of you both every day. It’s strange, I loved this work and life when I first started out on this path, but it does get harder as time goes on. Each time I come out here it’s harder to leave you.

All has been relatively routine here, just the usual routine and grind of being at sea. We did have a storm recently but it wasn’t that bad, I just got drenched working up on the deck because there was a problem with one of the winches - next time I’m in half a mind to find a reason to work in the warm engine room instead during the next storm! Ellen love, please try not to worry so much. I know it’s hard, but nothing will happen… they make ships as safe as houses these days. In answer to your question, I’ve been deployed on a different ship this time, a lot bigger than the last one (can’t you tell by the way my handwriting has improved!?). I don’t know exactly when we will be back. With any luck we will be able to come home in 6 months, but I will let you know if anything changes - I really wish it could be sooner, my body may be here, but my heart is always with you.

Julie’s news is exciting! It’s good to hear they have finally set a date, those two make a good couple. I am due to have some leave so I can put in a request now and hopefully it will be approved and I won’t be called back out. Honestly, it will be good to just spend some time with you and Tommy at home, especially while he’s still so young… I don’t want to miss any more milestones. I can’t believe how much he’s growing in the pictures! And it’s only been a few weeks! It somehow makes the time seem to go slower, and the time at sea to seem longer. They will need me up on deck again soon, but I promise to write again soon… please keep sending your letters too, it makes the ship here seem a little less lonely.

With all of my love,

George