“Wittle Belly, Big Love” – July 3, 1971
Send us a text It’s been 68 days since my dad left for Vietnam. And in that time, my parents have been writing constantly — sometimes more than once a day. These letters were their lifeline, their only way to stay connected across distance, danger, and everything they were missing in between. In this one, my mom writes about sewing a maternity swimsuit to fit her “wittle pregnant belly,” skipping dinner plans because of the Texas heat, and just wanting to stay in. It’s full of the kind of d...
It’s been 68 days since my dad left for Vietnam. And in that time, my parents have been writing constantly — sometimes more than once a day. These letters were their lifeline, their only way to stay connected across distance, danger, and everything they were missing in between.
In this one, my mom writes about sewing a maternity swimsuit to fit her “wittle pregnant belly,” skipping dinner plans because of the Texas heat, and just wanting to stay in. It’s full of the kind of day-to-day life updates you’d text someone if you could. But they couldn’t — so she wrote it all out, so he’d still feel close.
She also mentions a baby shower for someone named Lynn Zima — and I find myself wondering what kind of shower she’ll have for me. That’s one of the hardest things about reading these letters: realizing just how much he missed.
There’s also a mention of Grandma Gladden — my great-grandmother Pearl — someone I never really knew. Reading that name in my mom’s handwriting brings me closer to family I want to know more about. I’ve met some relatives on both sides of the family, but there’s still so much I don’t know. Through these letters, and through the photos and stories tucked away with them, I’m beginning to piece together more of the Allgood and Gladden family history — and I look forward to reconnecting and learning more.
If you’re listening, thank you. This project has become something I didn’t expect — a way to grieve, to heal, and to finally understand where I come from.
💌
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The Allgoods: Vietnam Through the Eyes of Love is a personal podcast project based on real letters exchanged between Capt. Richard Allgood and Capt. Sarah Allgood during the Vietnam War. Photos of the original letters, family snapshots, and behind-the-scenes commentary are available for supporters.
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