A true story of Lieutenant John Blanchard of his character and his blind love.
Young good looking Lieutenant John Blanchard stood
up from the bench, straightened his army uniform and looked through the maze of people at
Grand Central station New York. He was looking for the women he new but who’s face he
had never seen. The girl with the rose on her lapel.
His interest had begun 13 months before in a Florida library. Taking a book off the
shelf he found himself intrigued, not with the words of the book but with the notes
penciled in the margin. The soft hand writing reflected a thoughtful soul and insightful
mind. In front of the book he discovered the previous owners name. Mrs. Hollis
Mainelle.
With time and effort he located Hollis’s address, she now lived in New York city. He
wrote a letter introducing himself inviting her to correspond. The next day he was shipped
over seas to serve in world war 2. During the next year and one month, the two grew to
know each other through the mail. Each letter was a seed falling on a fertile heart. A
romance was budding, Blanchard requested a photo graph but she refused, she felt that if
he really cared for her it would not matter what she looked like. The day finally came for
him to return from Europe they scheduled their first meeting. 7 O’clock P.M. Grand
Central station New York city.
Oh you will recognize me she wrote, I will be wearing a red rose on my lapel. So at 7 O
clock, Blanchard was at the station looking for a girl who’s heart he loved but
who’s face he had never seen. Mr. Blanchard tells what happened!!!
A young women was coming towards me, tall slim and beautiful. Her long blonde hair laid
back in curls from her delicate ears, her eyes blue with flowers, her lips were full and
gentle in her pale green suit she was like spring time come alive. I started toward her
forgetting this women did not have a rose on her lapel. As I moved a small provocative
smile curled her lips "Going my way sailor" she said. She murmured
uncontrollably and then behind her I saw Hollis Mainelle. She was standing almost directly
behind this beautiful women.
A women well past 40, she had graying hair tucked under a worn hat, she was more than
plump, thick ankled feet thrust into low heeled shoes. The lady in the green suit was
walking quickly away from them. I felt as though I was split in 2. So keen was my desire
to follow the lady in the green suit, but yet so deep was my longing for the women who's
words touched my heart and comforted my soul and there she stood. Her pale plump face was
gentle and sensible, her gray eyes had warm and kindly twinkle.
I did not hesitate as my hands gripped that small worn copy of the book that was to
identify me with her. I thought to myself this might not be love but it may be something
as precious, a long time friendship to whom I could bare my soul and be ever grateful. I
squared my shoulders and snapped a solute as I held out the book, even though I felt
choked at my own bitterness to my disappointment. I I I am Lieutenant John Blanchard and
you must be Mrs. Mainelle. I am so glad you could meet me here may I take you to dinner.
The woman's face broadened into a smile as she said, "I don’t know what this
is all about son", but the young lady in the green suit who just went by begged me to
wear this rose on my coat. ----------- She said that if you were to ask me out for dinner
that she is the one and will be waiting in the restaurant across the street.
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