Wartime Love Letters

Ella Mae (May 23 - 31, 1944)

May 23, 1944

Dearest Johnny

I wonder darling if you know just how much it means to me to get your address today. This not knowing where you are is pretty hard to take and it was a relief to know where you are even if were there for only a short time. I don't know why it is our luck to have you sent so far but never mind darling I guess we're big enough to take it. We'll have to be as there is nothing we can do about it. But this war can't last forever and I'm praying that you'll be able to get a leave before too awfully long. I'll be here waiting for you when that leave does roll around.

Basil called Fran today and he is still in O.G.U but expects shipment soon perhaps to-day. I saw Mrs White and the baby this noon and he was still at Samson but expected to leave there to-day. Larry Hay and Benway are there yet too. And if they're still there this week end they can come home. Don't some people have all the luck.

I haven't gotten Johnny's birthday present yet but I will before his birthday rolls around. It doesn't seem possible that he's going to be eight years old. When I think back they've been a pretty good eight years too. We're listening to the radio. A Date with Judy and when it's over we're going to hit the hay. I still can't seem to get used to going to bed by myself. That was quite a habit after nearly nine years you know.

That friend of Basils, Smith was instantly killed Sunday night. They hit a truck near Uttica and the other fellow with him is dying to-day. Basil told Fran when he called to-day that it was his lucky day when he couldn't get a pass this week end. Smith tried to get a pass for him so he could ride home with him. Smith leaves a wife and son in Forest Grove. So I guess my darling perhaps you and I are the lucky ones after all in this game. Maybe you are away from us but I know you love me and I love you. So as long as we have that much I'm thankful. I know that when you do get home again for good there is going to be a lot to make up for. I think this separation has made me realize just how much you and Johnny mean to me. I had a lot of time to think since you've been gone darling.

Please dearest don't feel too badly about not being able to get home for a week end. I know you want to be here with us and it helps a lot to know that. I'd love to have you home but knowing that impossible. Sonny and I hope that the next time you get a leave it will be a nice long one. Chin up my Sailor boy. Sonny and I both love you: So I'll just say Goodnight darling wherever you are-

Love and Kisses                                                                                                                                                                        Ella Mae

P.S. I wish I could see you in your whites. Shall I send you some cookies and things next week. If you're still there I will. Do you need any money?

May 26 1944

My dearest Johnny

I was darn glad to get another letter to-day. I've had a letter from you everyday this week. and darling the news that you may get home on leave after your four weeks at school certainly was good news. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that you do get a chance to come home to us. I was glad to get those pictures of you but please sweetheart when you get a chance have some taken with out that sailor hat I really like one like that. I'm going to take the film down to Slones to - morrow. I haven't had time before as I stayed in HF quite a bit lately. I'll send the pictures to you as soon as I get them. I'm glad you mentioned where you left the 120 film as I want to take some pictures of Johnny on his 8th birthday. I'll send them on to you. I don't think they'll know just when Leonard will be home. May be not till the middle of June. I'll see if I can accumulate a few films before you get home as I want some pictures of you in your whites.