April 26, 1944

Honey darling,

I certainly was surprised today when I received your package. I do not see how it could have come so quickly. It seems it was only last week I had your letter saying you were going to send them, but I could hardly have hoped they would make such a quick trip.

I can’t begin to tell you how lovely I think they are. The ring and pin are exactly what I wanted. Of course I did send you a description but I never dreamed you could have it done so beautifully. Everyone in the family thinks they are beautiful. I have never had anything that was so exactly what I wanted. You have never said what you thought of the choice of settings but I hope you like them too. They will always be among my most cherished possessions. As with everything else you have ever given me, they are doubly precious because you were the giver.

They came in perfect condition. Not a scratch on them anywhere. Sam was very much pleased with his insignia. He insists that he be allowed to wear them on his overalls. I doubt if overalls are being worn by the best-dressed soldiers this year.

Last night the local Ruritan club sponsored a minstrel show to raise money to play for a Community Connery. Sam of course had to go. He hears about these things at school and then his heart is broken if he has to miss something. The minstrel turned out to be very entertaining and I really had fun. Peggy and I took Sam. We were up until 11 o’clock. This is most unusual for all of us. I get up at 6:15 and I have to turn in early to get enough sleep.

Darling, can you imagine me getting up at 6:15 and starting fires and doing other chores. Someone has to do it and I really don’t mind so much. It’s really amazing what you can get used to when you try. I shall be very glad of a rest, however, whenever you want to take over the job. I don’t know how to begin to thank you for the lovely ring and pin. I wish you were here so I could do it properly. Someday, my dearest, I shall have so much to make up to you and I wish the day would come so I could begin. Until it does come remember how dearly I love you, and how terribly I miss you.

all my love,

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