Mar 5- 1945

Dear Mom,

Well, this Sunday night (I date my letters for the following day). All day I have been wrestling with my bike. Now, all there is left to do is paint it, put in a new rear sprocket. You’d get a heck out of watching me. The fellows asked me if I got more grease on myself or the bike. But I get a great satisfaction when she finally was the way I want it to. I want to get it all fired up slick for this summer, cycling and going to play tennis and all, you know. You bet, I’ve really fallen in love with this bicycle idea. I think I’ll have one up on the farm when I come home then, later maybe we’ll have a car, if I can afford one. But I bike can sure come in handy for short trips into town or to the railroad station or down to the lake. You know no trouble at all and very refreshing for a young fellow like me. I might even be able to get Barbie to ride one with ease. Heh, maybe your son sounds very silly to you now? Very likely he does. Living in the Army overseas has undoubtedly changed me considerably. But I hope all of you back home won’t have changed too much when Paul and I come home for good. It certainly will have been a long time won’t it, Mother dear?

Have you heard from Cousin Mabel or Sallie lately? I hope Mabel is better and Sallie is her best congenial, rousing self.

I’m almost afraid to ask how Daddy is but I know you will be kind enough to keep me well informed. I was quite worried for several days, and still am, but I’ve managed to keep it from showing now. I’ll continue to be cheerful and smile at the world because I know you love me most that way but I’ll always be thinking and wondering about Dad and you way down deep in my heart.

Oh, before I forget. I sent you a $25 money order. I’d like you to get some flowers for Easter. At first, I wrote Dad and told him to get some as a surprise for you. But perhaps I should have told you to surprise him. Anyhow- perhaps you should get whatever you like best. I thought some Easter flowers should brighten up the house and help radiate the sunshine into your hearts. It’s the least I can do - and I insist you do take the money and get some flowers Mom. Then, if there’s any left, please get Dad more records. If only I could do more for him- you can’t begin to imagine how much I would do, give - or fight to be able to help him all I could. Well, let’s pray this damn old war won’t last too much longer.

Your Feb. 23 letter came a day or two ago. I was very glad to get it. Your letters are coming in quite regularly now. We lost a close basketball game 36 32 to another hangar team. I fouled a 6’4” apposing center four times in the first quarter and had to leave the game. But it was more fun watching that particular game than playing. The little shorty who took my place was a regular fireball - one of the very fun fellows I know from Vermont.

Nothing else to talk about,

I am ever your loving son,

Chuck