#62

Mother's Day Letter

14 May, 1945

My dear Mother,

 

            Well to-day was Mother's day back home and I hope it was a happy one and that you are in the best of bealtte.

 

            I am following all your training as best I can and I guess I fall short many times of what you expect best at least I have a guiding stone in you and somehow I get back on the track right quick.

 

            Mother, I will not say that I don't smoke because that would be an untruth. However, when it is expedient I occasionally do break over but don't worry about it. It seems to me that I don't even think about it – however there are times when I do remember home and the things I was taught to do.

 

            This life is quite different from anything I have ever ran into and your philosophy of living and acting changes because of a lot of responsibilities that mount up the moment you pick up the “hook” (anchor) and shove off - when you come to port - those responsibilities change and you try to forget until you shove off again-

 

             Now – I know that living in Pennsylvania and listening to this would not mean a thing. Frankly – my life has changed – due to circumstances and you think and act differently – however the fundamental teachings are the same. Everyone nips it seems when on liberty I guess - outside of a couple of us who are coca cola drinkers the rest have a big time. I just look ahead and continually think of getting home – I do not enjoy any of this game – So the quicker I can get out, the better.

 

            The past minute must have been pretty rugged and cold – I am glad you leave a good warm house. Well – Mother you are the fairest and may you have plenty more. Mother’s Day and then we can crack nuts at the Hunting Camp and really enjoy them. I haven’t heard from you since April 17 and I expect a whole lot of letters when we get to the next stop.

 

            I am well safe and strong – weigh 200- so I guess that is ok.

 

            I have been busy learning to (cover) con the ship – (run it, drive it). It is quite a job and you must know a lot but I will be ready in about 6 months. I am starting now.

 

I’ll bet you will bow sometimes when Sally gets the picture of the ship. It was that way just before it was commissioned in 1940. She is the oldest ship out here and has seen plenty of service.

 

Now, I must close – and I am thinking of you Mother – and the nite I left Bay – that was a dark nite – how I tried to get a glimpse of you and I looked up 4th St. but I guess you were back where I left you. Golly that was hard to leave that nite – but then millions had done it and we are no exceptions – and too- you don't have to listen to anyone remind you of what their family has sacrificed. So it just makes life more pleasant this way even though it is tougher for us

 

            Well – I must close now.

           

            Goodnite and here is hoping I am home next Mother's Day.

 

Love,

Bud.