Sunday

Sept. 24, 1944

My dearest Maggie:

Guess I have a few questions to answer this time. You can write long letters too if you want.

I think I told you I enjoyed your box very much. Yesterday, I got one from mother. So now I am fed again for a couple of weeks.

The motor sgt. hasn’t had much married life as yet. His wife just came down yesterday afternoon, and before that he was only with her a few days on his furlough. But I guess he likes it from the way he talks. The mess sgt isn’t married, and he is a bit different than Bill. He comes from Utah and has about 150 head of cattle. You worry too much about me honey. From the way you sound you don’t trust me very much. You always seem to think I am out running around with some women. If you don’t stop nagging about the subject you may drive me to it. You always say you love me. So if you do you will forget the whole thing. I showed the boys that big picture of you in the frame you gave me. They all think you are very pretty. Of course I know you are.

I am still waiting for an answer as to where you want me to meet you. You said it was up to me, but I had ask you before. How about you deciding this time. You have both schedules.

When I wrote you about getting some time off I meant that your mother wouldn’t mind so much taking care of the baby if you wanted to go someplace. And I am not looking for an excuse to go out either. I think that is up to me if I want to go out or not.

Did I tell you I had many O.D’s all cleaned up and ready to wear next Monday is the day. It didn’t cost me one cent to have them cleaned either, being a supply sgt.

No honey, I never did go out with any girls after I met you. I meant I didn’t even go out with any at home when I was there. That still goes for now.

You know, I will have to use about $100 of the money (we are going to try to save) we will have after the war. I don’t get anything now, so I think it will be my time when I get out. I am not going to have my old suit retailored, I want two new ones. I’ll need shirts, socks, underwear, bathrobe and house slipper (maybe) and about a dogen necktie and a million other things. So don’t forget me after the war.

How much does the baby weigh now? With all that food he is getting he should be getting awfully big and heavy. He may even be too heavy for his legs. I wish I could see him. I think of him so much. I miss him too.

So you don’t think I am getting old. 26 years is really more than the prime of life. A man’s life just about is over when he is 30 that is in most cases. I only have about four years left. And lord knows where I’ll be the next four years. You aren’t getting any younger you know. You are going on 24, and already married two years. Women are different than men, they are young so much longer than a man. I’ll be all worn out after this life and full of stiffness. I’ll probably have to use a cane, and you will be full of life yet. They say a good soldier is always b*******. I guess maybe I will miss it when it is all over with. I do hope it last for a year or so yet then maybe we will have some money saved to start living. I really wouldn’t mind it so much because there is something I want and worth working and waiting for.

I had a letter from mother yesterday and I guess they are having a pretty good time with the fair going on. They are having a bad week she says it is raining most of the time. I wish my furlough would be now. I’d like to take you over there and have some fun. Ruth and Bud are out home all week. Ruth was a swell blanket. Maybe the Searle luck is changing. Mother said she is going to write to you, wanted to do it before but she said she would wait and tell you about the fair. (I love you my darling.)

I am afraid honey that I wouldn’t be very good in a situation like the one you had with the baby the other night. At one time, three years ago I had a lot of patience, but I have been away so long now, away from children, it really gets on my nerves. Maybe in a year or so when I get out I’ll be alright again. You not being a man, away from home, living under different conditions, wouldn’t understand. I’d probably turn over and try to sleep, that’s the way I am now and you know it. I know you need my help and I’ll give it to you. But you must give me time and have patience with me until I can re-adjust myself again. You understand don’t you.

How is Marie and her baby? Tell her I was asking about her.

I think I’ll go to bed now honey as it is late.

I love you Maggie,

All my love,

Pres.