Tuesday

Dear Mrs. King,

I just wrote to Jack and felt that I must drop you a few lines. It was good to hear from you. There is little I can say regarding your letter, but it sure hit me. You were able to put on a wonderful façade of ease when I saw you in Richmond, and it is wonderful to be able to do that before your sons. For parting is all the more difficult when motions are expressed openly. You are a wonderful person and I am sure your sons both realize what kind of Mother they have.

I do wish in all sincerity that all your wishes will come true and that your prayers are answered.

Let me also say here that I hope by this time that Gin is better and getting to be her old lively self again.

The weather here has been very severe, snow and sleet and a raw cold. But really we have little to complain. I can not help think how fortunate we are. You know, one of the most difficult things for me to do is to write to someone who is overseas or has sons over there. For nothing can really be said about it, and yet one does not want to leave the subject forgotten. This is especially the result of many remarks one hears these days as why aren’t you over there. It is so hard to make some of the people see the light. They realize so very little about the army and the way things go. “Of my son is over or if I am over,” is the cry, “what about you.” Well the stock answer is I have no choice. However, last week I reached the end of my rope when some over inquisitive woman asked me that question. I had to be rude for the first time, and told her to mind her own business. But it does get a little bit annoying.

I did not get home over the holidays, for the Christian boys rightly were given the days at home and I stayed for one of them who needed an extra day since he lived quite a distance. I did see my family though, a week ago for Dad and Mother came to New York to celebrate their 25 wedding anniversary. It was a pleasant reunion.

Well Mrs. King, it is getting late and I must be off to bed. Tomorrow is another busy day.

Do write soon and best to Gin.

Fondly,

Irving

P.S. I have been promoted to T/5!