July 18, 1971: Burgers, Banana Splits, and Getting Through Another Sunday

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This letter was written on July 18, 1971 — a quiet Sunday in San Antonio, and just a week before my mom would head to Miami to spend a month with her best friend Judy.

She’s tired, not sleeping well, and feeling the heat. She writes about waking up “seepy,” eating toast and apple juice, and trying to pass the time — first at Jack in the Box, then watching TV with Joy, and later convincing her friends to split a banana split (even though, as she jokes, they only have one mouth to feed). She steps outside just long enough to show off the stereo pictures my dad sent from Vietnam, something she’s clearly proud of.

There’s a surprise call from Dr. Newt Godfrey — a respected family surgeon who was apparently a little drunk when he decided to ring. And like so many of her letters, this one ends with longing, exhaustion, and love.

She doesn’t say it outright, but you can feel the quiet countdown starting. She’s ready to get out of town — ready for Miami, and ready for something to feel different

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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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