October 13, 1944 PM

Dear Mom,

It’s pretty early in the morning to be writing letters, but while I’m waiting for the doctor to come around I’ll start this. I’m supposed to be discharged today. As for any benefit I got in the hospital, well, I don’t notice it. One doctor said to operate, but around here there’s so much chance for infection they don’t want to here. I wish they would, and then it would be over with. If they let it go, I’ll be back again in a couple weeks, no doubt. There’s a kid here from the Los Angeles Police Department. His name is Kennedy (an Irisher naturally). They don’t pay half as well in Los Angeles as they do in Cleveland. Why, I don’t know. Their training isn’t as long or as intensive. Hope they add a rifle range to that new range the Department is building. Something tells me I’m going to see a lot of that place when the war is over. I’m still wracking my brain trying to think of somebody to clean my guns. I’m worrying about how they are with the temperature changes, etc. and especially my rifle in that sheepskin case. I knew a reliable fellow (Johnny, a detective in East Cleveland). He stops in the Tip Toe pretty regular and I’ve had a mind to have him give them a going over. I’ll let you know. It’s worth a ten dollar bill to me to have him do it. This small writing of mine ought to give you a chance to see whether your new glasses are all right or not. That was nice of Dr. Boldigor to give you that reduction in rate. It’s raining again, as usual. I’m going to have a car of some kind or another when this is over, so I’m wondering what it will be. Guess it will depend on how much money I have. Starting to save now will help a lot. If you want that $135.00 I have on the books you are welcome to it. I ought to keep $25.00 of it anyway because I might need it for something, sometime, someplace. You never have much to say about how you are doing financially. Let me know will you? It helps a lot to know how things are going at home. One thing anyway, you’ll never have to worry about security in you old age, not with things the way they are now. This war can’t last forever, so as they say, “Look for a silver lining.” I’m going to bum the Red Cross for some more stationary and envelopes, as soon as he opens up. I was already there once but the place hasn’t opened up yet. I guess I’ll give the doctor an argument about going back before these hemorrhoids are properly healed also. That should make a fair morning’s work: an argument with an officer and finagling around for free stationary. I’m still in a rush to get back. Leo (Addie’s husband) ought to be transferred to the infantry from cryptography. That would cut down that boy stomach of his. He’d fly alright, but not to a desk. He’d fly to combat someplace. From looking at the guy, I kind of think he’d be “gun shy,” or afraid of combat. Ask Mrs. Leonard if she thinks he’d be interested in the Scout-Snipers (Marine Corps style). Pen is running out of ink.

I just bummed some ink off one of these navy guys. Well Mom, I get about as many words on one sheet of paper as you do on three, habit I guess. I’m alright despite the hemorrhoids, so don’t worry about them. Keep up with that milk and take good care of yourself. Say “hello” to Mollie and keep Tom well fed. Keep writing also.

Love,

Bun