October 8, 1944

Sunday afternoon

Dearest Tommy,

I am just sitting here listening to the “World Series,” so I began thinking about you and I decided to write. I hope the Cardinals win! They are 2-0 now in the sixth period.

School is fine. We have won every game in football so far—last week (Friday) we played Kingsport Tennessee, rather it was 7-7. What a game! Two of our boys were hurt, one seriously, and the other was hurt during the second quarter and went back in the game during the fourth quarter. Three of Kingsport’s boys were hurt, too. It was a very tough game.

I joined the riding club at school, rather a few of the kids ganged up on me and made me join. I am glad of it too. I love horses. We ride every Wednesday after school for two hours. You know it’s really good for a young girl’s figure! (ha ha). My most “enjoyable” subject is sociology and I guess I should say geometry- ha!ha!

We are having regular autumn weather here now. The leaves are turning their beautiful colors, and everything is so peaceful looking.

My boyfriend is coming home in three weeks. He is finishing his last training at Camp Peary, Virginia. He graduated last spring from central. My other boyfriend who is also in the Navy has been home a few weeks ago. He has seen action about ten times, he’s been in England and also Normandie. Bill is only eighteen, but when he came home this last time, he looked as if he was fifty years old—he has lost so much weight. I guess all of the experience puts age over them. Another friend who is in the Marines is stationed in Germany and also another sailor—who was our biggest and best backed ball player of last year is also in the Pacific somewhere.

Daddy has finally started to paint the house—takes time, energy, etc. He has been here on his vacation for the past two weeks and tomorrow he goes back to work—in a few days he is giving up to Virginia in the cold weather.

Mother is fine and they both send you their love and we wish you all the luck in the world.

Well Tommy I must close for now, but we shall be thinking of you.

Good lock! And write some!

Your loving cousin,

Lela