September 13, 1945
Dear Mom,
Your Sept.
6 letter came yesterday, and I was very glad to get it. A letter also came from
Richard the same day. I am glad to hear that Richard and Dave did manage to get
up to the farm. From reading his letter, he certainly got more than thrilled
about firing the hornet an all. He must have done well to bet the paper every
time in four tries. I sure wish I could have been there with him. To hear him
talk you’d never know his arm was a handicap, and I’m very glad to know he
takes it that way. He plays foot-ball at school, goes to ball games with David,
and even had three beers with him last night. I wish I could say I only had
three. I must have been pretty happy to dance with that ATS (English Service
Girl) in the square in
We’re popping corn and drinking beer – the best thought – don’t often see this many of us staying in at one time. I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised but what we won’t see to much more of each other. We’ll be going here, there, and everywhere not too long from now – only God knows where or when. – of course there are always runaways – but it’s best to just sit back and take it as it comes. My day should come soon – I hope inside of a year.
My night shift rocket stopped the rest of this week when the 08 – B&A (elect. supplies and equip.) in our old hanger (Wlise #223) closed down - we’re all pocked up and its all ready for someone to move out. We’re working in Warehouse 57 now – sol – moving airplane parts (turrets, etc.) I work on a truck that hauls broken up boxes down to the fireproof dump. The lineup really goes nuts overt that spray wood – can’t get it over here. Two or three fellows stay with the same saw, six by (heavy MC truck) all day. We have been making about six hauls a day per truck. All we have to do is ride back and forth, and toss it off when we get to the dump. The finger lifts bring it in the hanger. Incidentally – Mom – a finger lift is what I have learned to drive in my own small way – not my truck. We’d have a few hangar crashed around here if I drove a truck. I drove the finger lift through the office when I was leaving. It was about 10 months before they let me try again. Gus taught me to be able to help him. The lift is just a loading and unloading vehicle used in the warehouse. It is also for carrying boxes and baying and moving stock around the hangar. The tires are soled rubber, industrial type and every little bump or hole in [the] floor rocks the whole machine. I’ll tell you all about [it] when I come home.
I’m very sorry to hear about Granny’s accident. I hope she is coming along quickly. I wish I could be there to give her my arm (and eat her luscious pies)!!
It was very considerate of you to give me all the hope on arthritis and define and restrict the information to Barbie’s apparent symptoms. I certainly appreciate your advice – and I assure you it is hard to give the situation too much thought. She has told me herself about the pain in her chest, especially when she has a cold which is too frequent to my liking. I don’t know - I haven’t worried her yet. Sometimes I almost wonder whether I love her or pity her. Or whether the pity comes from a fond love. – I know I surely think of her and pray for her a lot – but it isn’t for anyone as nice and young as she to leave so many tough breaks, - but we both know that all too well. I think if she takes it easy – and doesn’t let it worry her keeps her spirits up, which she does admirably! Thank God!! That’s really what I worry about most – how much I hope and pray it doesn’t get her down; that’s why I have to get those letters over – force myself to write when I can’t think of anything to say – just to keep her mind off herself I think that candy should help, too. Thanks for thinking of it.
Freddie Feyling must have really grown to be 6 feet. Please give them all my regards.
Thanks again for your nice thoughtful letters.
your loving son
Chuck