4 June 1945

In Bed

My darling,

Today, I had mail again – 2 letters from you – rather, 2 envelopes, with 3 letters, - 25, 26 and 28 May - and also a letter from Art Freidberg, need I say how welcome were the first? The second, I was most happy to get. It was written the day you saw Art, which I term most thoughtful. He told me how well you look, which he attributes to “good and normal liking” – he also says that your views on weather have not changed, either – and so you two had a most enjoyable “bull session” enlivened by a few “quick highballs,” which left you only half-looped because the dinner bell interrupted your session.

And so I was right – you were on Guam for a while – but since you mention in today’s last letter that supplies were being brought aboard, no doubt you are at sea again. So I expect a few more letters from port – after which I can begin the raw familiar routine of sweating it out ‘til I hear learn again all about you. I hope that this time out brings the same sort of mail service for me – tho, of course, I can’t expect too much such service from Uncle Sam’s Navy.

I had thought, before you left, Wray – that after the first five or six months I would kinda get used to not having you – but I know now that that situation will never exist. Each day I miss you more, if that can be possible – and my heart cries out for you- need I say more –

But, now for your letters – so you got your first package – that I’m very glad to hear, for, as you say, it would seem that the Navy does deliver them eventually. I can plainly see that the way to get ‘em to you the quickest is to use 1^st class or airmail. Incidentally, I’m going to send off your birth-day present tomorrow – 1^st class – which will give it over a month and half to reach you in time. If I sent it airmail, you’d probably get it too soon –

And speaking of birthdays – why not shelve them for the time being – mine, at least – for you’re doing all right in that line so far. Oh hell, what’s the use – I guess every husband has a right to forget his wife’s birthday once – anyhow, by the time you get this, it will probably be July – so, Happy Birthday, Wray. But for future reference, will you please mark down in your little black book that I’ll 26 on May 15, 1946 and that we’ll have been married for 3 years on April 30, 1946?

O.K. – So now I feel better I was mad, like I get every so often – and I hope when you read this, you’ll take it in the right spirit. I think you will, darling, for you know me well enough to know that when I get mad, I blow up and have my say – and then I’m O.K. Honest to John, letters are the most unsatisfactory means of communication sometimes, aren’t they?

And just so I can have that well-known last word – you drop a few remarks here and there in your letters that smacks of the same deal. And I kinda figure us out this way – we get to feeling pretty blue sometimes, being so hopelessly far apart – so we get a little horny and say a few things that kinda bite, for we have to take it out on someone – and there we are. My reaction to such things in your letter is always to get mad first – and then to feel sort of miserably happy because it’s an indication of how much you miss me.

Golly, this is a funny letter – but there’s no one to talk to – so I let you have it with both barrels – even tho I know you won’t read this for a month or so – and you probably think I’m crazy. Talk back to me out of these times, darling – for if I had your end of the conversation, it would help a lot – even tho I have to wait about 3 or 4 months to get it.

But to get back to your letters – I’ll just skim once a few spots and save the rest for tomorrow night – I’ll sent the wicks and flits for your lighter – so worry no more, my chummy husband.

Please don’t make light of my sewing activities, for I think I’m going to develop a knack – and I’ll surprise you no end when you come home. Besides, tonite, I finished most of the gray wool skirt and it looks all right so far- so there!

Your comments on my reading “Point Counter Point” rather puzzle me – I had no idea you were so much more a devotee of liberalism than I. Could it be that I have been laboring under a delusion? – Or, foul fiend, have you been deceiving me all these two years!?! Zounds, how terrible!

Darling, your experience with the “female sex” in the Canteen tickles me – too bad she wasn’t a raving beauty – for often seeing no women for almost 4 months, a guy deserves a better deal than that. Seriously tho, you said “I love you” in a very swell way, Mr. B.

I shall look for the sea shell – we can add it to our “mantel collection” – incidentally, have you sent me any other packages besides the one you mentioned in response our anniversary? I, too, have received none –

So you’re going to get me a grass skirt that will be the peak in authenticity? I understand – and there’s no strain. But please do remember all the details of the transactions – I shall be curious to learn how you do it. After all, that’s not quite as simple as buying a ring off an Indian woman’s finger –

Wray, tell me – what did you mean when you said “our separation is not yet complete – it will be though”? You mean that eventually we’ll come to the point where we don’t miss each other? I don’t think you do, for that couldn’t happen, could it?

As I said before, this is a funny letter – after giving you hell back on page III, I went downstairs for a cake and a cigarette – and come back up feeling much better – and now I feel very sleepy and warm – so I’ll stop for now – go to sleep and dream of you –

Penny sends her love, along with mine, we miss you very much and pray for your safe return –

Yours always,

Emil

P.S. – You will be interested – or will you? – to know that out weather since this weekend has been very foul – rainy, very overcast – and now cold enough so that the papers predict frost tonight. There is snow in Chicago – and I’m wearing skirts and sweaters and thinking of turning Sneddie’s heater on again.