February 3^rd, 1944

Dear Ollie –

Greetings! And good cheer to you! – through these dense, foggy, dark Ground-Hog days I have known “in my five decades!” 10 – 10 – J – 10 – 10 – 10. It looks as if the reputation of said little animal is about to be blasted for all time! The weatherman promises us a spell of cold over the weekend, and you well know how unpredictable February and March can be in these parts. So, - - - you’ve missed very little so far as our “northern white winters” are concerned.

Yesterday I left my car to be greased at Skokie and Dundee Rds. – while I went into the loop. [I] had my first interesting “rocket fling” through the subway, and saved quite a little time. This was my first trip downtown since long before Christmas – and I never saw a murkier, mistier, dirtier old Chicago _ _ but __ it was Chicago – and the cheery lighted stores were most welcome! The big store windows are largely given over to war dioramas and Bond drive aids. One window in Fields showed the interior of a hut on Cisco Ward depicting how our boys live “up there.” Another large window houses a tropical scene in the South Pacific – showing warfare in fox-holes – etc., and the most impressive scene is that of Rickenbaker and a few others, alone out on the rolling sea – in their rubber raft! The corner window shows a huge globe – with figures of our fighters wherever they are to be found _ _ and surrounding the globe a deep plea for us at home to back the atlade(?). Well Ollie, we didn’t need those depictions to bring the war home to us! Needless to say, we who love you most, were all made suddenly and keenly aware of realities, by the news of your changed stakes and recent mobilization … .. we had so hoped with you, that your interesting chaplaincy work might continue. But, in the army, as you have said so often, you never know! You just take orders and obey them to the best of your ability. Changes of orders come suddenly, and a good soldier is ready to make adjustments immediately. (Often, such sudden changes of orders come to civilians too! You know!)

You have been a soldier for so long, Ollie, on God’s firing line, and surely, God has been using you to great advantage there, at Wheeler, to influence, and help, and set right, countless young men at this most critical and, to many, the most bewildering time of their lives. We have seen how that God has led you, and directed your work, and placement, and I have no doubt whatsoever that He is still leading and directing you into further service to Him! Fortunately your work with your Boys – in pioneer camping, etc, – even your pioneer bike trip out west, and your newly discovered skill in the use and value of a gun, – all these things, plus the intensive traning you are, even now, undergoing – do they not make us believe more firmly than ever that “All things work together for good to them that love the Lord --?” They surely do, Ollie, and I know that wherever you go – or find yourself, you will “Take the name of Jesus with you” – and you will feel His everlasting arms about you, sustaining you, giving you (yes, and those around you) courage and hope and “quick thinking” which will help you through the tight places.

I’m hoping that you’ll get a bit of furlough for Mom’s sake at least…and that I might give you a few tips on life at sea. Of course, Ollie, I am well aware of the face that this transport crossing is very difficult from pleasurable ocean travel in peace time. It’s bound to be more or less monotonous – without lights at night (except in the bunks) believe, and instead of an occasional lifeboat drill, frequent summons to “stand by” – until the welcome “all clear!” sounds – and with crowded quarters, and perhaps, less of the peacetime souvenirs; but there are little tricks of avoiding seasickness etc.— which are worth knowing, and I do hope that you’ll be well prepared as to be training, etc. – if you really are to go across. Again, “you never know.” Fred Roloff got as far as that last rigid physical exam and was told that he’d never be sent over…that his absence of hair indicated some nervous disorder – and – he’ll be kept on duty – on this ride. It’s a great relief to his folks – and to him for the sake – but he told me confidentially that he isn’t really proud of the fact. It’s just one of those things.

I talked with Mom yesterday from the North Shore depot – She was all aglow with the effects of your good head chaplain’s letter to her! That was the finest morale booster that she could have had – and I pray that God may especially bless that good man who took the time out of his busy life to ease a mother’s fearful heart. I’m going to see her today if this fog clears, and I’m taking her a pretty, cheery dress I got for her on the Loop yesterday, to help out until I can take her shopping to pick one out for herself. She’ll prove staunch, Ollie, – don’t you worry, – and she is so proud of you and your conduct in the army! This war is so hard on the aged ones, but you have outshone all the soldiers I know of, in your faithfulness to her in writing, calling, sending her tokens of your love and care. All these tangible things will be a comfort to her – when she may have to wait long between messages from you – (We, too, have our precious reminders!)

Just now, you are very wise Ollie, to concentrate with all you have on this final training! Forget the “49” to whom you owe letters! You mustn’t feel that you have to answer even this one – Just remember that we are not only back of you, but with you, wherever you may go – and God, our loving unfailing Father is holding us close though we cannot see each other, nor even know the exact whereabouts of each other. That sounds paradoxical – but it isn’t.

Well, my dear Phil is at home and feeling better than he did in the rainy Florida he visited. His annual meeting at DR – occurred Tuesday and he was again elected President and 1^st director of the company. Friday he and I will take a prepared chicken dinner and help Margien, his sister, celebrate her 20^th birthday.

Alice Jane graduated – last Friday and is now in Schurz High. Huh Fred Roloff will have a birthday Saturday – His brother says he will be 70 but Mom says he is much more. He is better since Fred was home – Here’s hoping that your “hardening up” won’t be too hard on you, and here’s more of our love and prayers for you – also that you’ll get a few days at home. “Cheerio!”

Your sis – Xen –