Micki Phillips just read a set of love letters from 44 years ago like it was the first time.
Letters home from her husband, the late Army private James Piper, are the centerpiece of a recently released book, “‘It’s Lonely Here in Hell’ Love Letters from Nam.” Although the book, penned by Copperopolis author Charity Maness, includes historical context, Phillips said she only read Piper’s letters to her.
“I read it just like I did 44 years ago,” she said. “I did notice how he aged through it. I didn’t know it 44 years ago.”
Piper was killed April 11, 1967, from small-arms fire, leaving behind his wife, Micki, whom he married less than a year prior, three brothers and other friends and family.
Just two days before he died, Piper wrote to his wife that he thanked God each night “and praise every morning I wake up. … It means another day gone, another day I’m alive, and another day closer to being home with my wife forever.”
Piper’s words and Maness’ book brought family and friends together to share memories during a book signing Oct. 23 at Micki and Larry’s Sports Pub in Copperopolis, which Micki Phillips and her husband, Larry, own. Like many men of his generation, Larry also served in Vietnam.
Piper’s youngest brother, Tom, said he was 12 when his brother was killed and always felt a void not having known him.
“Although I remember my big brother because of our age difference I never really had the chance to get to know him,” Tom said in a letter to Maness. “This has haunted me all these years. … I now know my brother. … This book has healed a hole in my heart.”
“His passion for Micki was just amazing,” Tom said Sunday during the book signing. “I didn’t know he could write like that.”
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