May 21, 1944

My darling Mother:

I received your letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you, and that you’re all fine. And for me, I’m still kicking. I was glad to hear that you like those roses. It wasn’t much but I thought you would like them. Have you moved yet? Or is it hard to get a rent? I guess were going to move before I get my furlough. They say were moving the 1^st of June. So they better give me my furlough right after we move or I’ll do some more talking. Haha. As for excitement around here there isn’t any, except the same old story. I don’t know where were moving so time will tell on that. I haven’t very much to say on this letter, there isn’t much to write about but thought I’d drop you a line and see how all you folks were. Oh yes you were asking me when Rita’s birthday was. It’s Sept. 14. When do you think you’ll get moved? Before I get home for I don’t want to get stuck in the mud. Haha. Did pa get what he wanted for the farm or did he let it go just a little easy so he could get rid of it? Boy Gerald is welcome to it as for me. Oh it’s a nice place and all of that but I like it in town much better. You can get out more now huh ma? You know ma I’ve lent the guys here in the troop over a hundred dollars so they could go home on furlough. I lent it out to several different guys. Their all good and will pay me back. So you see I’m an easy going Smith. Haha. Oh well someday I may a have a little bad luck and will have to call on them. They have always paid me back so I’m not worried. You know if anybody owes you in the army all we do is stand in the pay line and as they get their money well we get ours too. So much for that, but I still have enough oh yes for being in the army, and do alright with my money. I don’t go out running around with the girls. That’s all they take a soldier for is a sucker, and that costs money. Well must be closing, hoping you’re all well. I’m fine so don’t worry huh ma. Take good care of yourself and get somebody to help you when you move huh ma, its too much for you alone. Did you here me? So until next time bye bye.

xxxx Love to all xxxx

Leslie