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“Wittle Belly, Big Love” – July 3, 1971
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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.
💌
Read more or support the project at theallgoodslove.com
☕ Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/TheAllgoodsLove
Support the show
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.
Support the show:
https://buymeacoffee.com/theallgoodslove
Visit the official website: https://www.theallgoodslove.com
View all episodes
By Alisa AllgoodSend 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 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.
💌
Read more or support the project at theallgoodslove.com
☕ Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/TheAllgoodsLove
Support the show
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.
Support the show:
https://buymeacoffee.com/theallgoodslove
Visit the official website: https://www.theallgoodslove.com