Dad and Parenthetical Notes

There’s too much to write about when it comes to my dad.  I’ll probably reminisce from time to time on this blog about him.  What a terrific guy, much loved and respected by us kids.  I’ll write sometime about how I still wrestle with a life cut short, yet lived long.  But for now, a little serendipity. 

Not too long ago, my cousin, Mary Fritts was cleaning out things from her mom’s estate and she found a few pictures and  things related to my side of the family so she forwarded them on to us.  She is Aunt Enne’s daughter and it has been fun reconnecting with her.  One of the items was an empty envelope.  It was empty, but no doubt had contained a letter from my dad  to his parents while he was in the navy. 

I heard very little about his military service. I know it was cut short because of rheumatic fever, resulting in him being discharged early.  He had lots of stories but I just don’t remember them all. Too long ago.  So, what’s so exciting about an empty envelope?  It was mailed from Corona, California, June 15, 1945.   You may not be able to read the envelope, (click on it to embiggen) but here’s what it says on the address:

Mr. & Mrs. J. E. Dorman   (That’s my Mom and Pop)
    Route #1 Box 467         (That’s Home)
        Denison,                      (That’s Heaven)
          Texas                        (Brother, That’s “God’s Country”)

An empty envelope, for sure, but so much info about Dad.  He had a great sense of humor, but unless you were around him at the house, you might not see it as much.  He loved his family, he loved his home town and Texas was the best place to be.  (Still is, Dad.)

My brother and I laughed and perhaps, cried, at the sight of the parentheses.  Dad didn’t write much, but when he did, he almost always had afterthoughts, insights, inside humor to share.  We noted it particularly on the envelopes, or on scratch paper from his desk, or blackboards in class rooms.  It shows how he was thinking as he wrote.  There’s so much more behind these words.  They cannot possibly contain the whole of the message. 

I have to admit, in my own writing, I see the same habits. I use them a lot (perhaps it shows a latent ADD trait?) when writing notes to friends and emails.  In fact, sometimes I have parentheses inside of parentheses inside of … well you get the picture.  I don’t recommend it as a writing style, I just find it difficult to stop. 

So, thanks Mary, for the real treat. You blessed us with your kindness in forwarding these things on to us.   And here’s to you, Dad.  It’s only an empty envelope, but it is so much more.  We miss you bunches, but know that you are enjoying the life, eternal, and as you always sang “joy unspeakable and full of glory”.  We certainly have yet to fancy that fullness of Glory, but we’ll do it, and see you, one day.