May 25 - 45

Dear Mom,

Well, I’ve been taking a three day vacation this week. Tomorrow is the last day. If I were a Master Sergeant with money to burn, I might go to London or somewhere and give the girls a break (and, if you think I would, I think you’ve forgotten just what nature of boy you sent overseas with your kind, motherly blessing some time ago!!)

Well, Mom, things are going along fine on this side of the lake, but I’d like to ask you a favor to assure a certain nurse in Boston that things are fine in general all over. In other words, according to what little Barbie will tell me, she is perhaps a patient in the hospital as often as she is treating the patients but, for God’s sake, don’t give her the impression. I think that because she’s so sweet and considerate that she’d worry for fear I’m worrying about her. And of course, you might say I do worry. I try not to, honestly, Mom, but I guess I’m a lot like the best man in the world that way – Dad. Remember when you didn’t want him to worry – he’d say, “You might as well tell the wind not to blow!” Well I know that’s giving a sad excuse for worrying – when I know there’s no need for it deep down in my heart, and I’ve experienced all too well how it can deteriorate my mind and put my soul at unrest!! So, as a favor to me, if it wouldn’t be asking too much, could you try to get Barbie a lovely bouquet of flowers from the florist for her room in the hospital? Who knows, she’ll probably be treating patients instead of being one before we can get her the flowers. I know you’ll understand, Mom, because you’re the only and dearest one I can appeal to in trying times like these. Barbie’s been so brave and stood so much without giving in. I wish there were more I could do. I promise your son will sleep easy and won’t worry, since I know you will bring cheer to her – the girl I love.

Your loving son,

Chuck