I intend to post almost daily, and in roughly chronological order, the thousands of pages of daily love letters that my parents sent to each other during WWII and any other documents that pertain to these letters..
Today was another day like yesterday and the day before except for two things: 1) It rained. (2) No mail. Otherwise, the routine was exactly the same. When I came back to barracks I was pretty weary, and lay down to grab a cat-nap before riding down to the mess-hall for supper with Klein. Ordinarily, I skip this meal, but when there is (are?) hot dogs and sauer-kraut and cherry pie with vanilla sauce, well, I just make it a point not to miss supper - that's all. After eating and getting back to the hut I was still tired, so, since you weren't here to prevent me, my sweet, I indulged myself to the extent of another hours nap (n’yah!). Then I gathered up my paraphernalia and headed for the ablution for a much-needed shave and wash, whence I have just returned to write this. Oh yes, forgot to tell you I got a hair cut yesterday. What's so remarkable about that? Well, nothing, except, perhaps, that the barber was a woman - and an attractive blonde at that! If nothing else, it was a novel experience. - Which all brings me pretty well up-to-date, honey - and also leaves a pretty big stretch of white space to fill. What shall I tell you now, baby? I know you've been waiting for me to enlarge on a few hints I let drop recently, but I’m sure you realize that the only reason I haven't is that I can’t. However let your fondest hopes be your guide, darling.
In closing, let me say once again that I have never, for as much as a moment, stopped missing you. My love for you, my Chippie, has withstood the tests of time and absence from your adored presence, and is, I am proud to say, stronger and tenderer, and more securely enshrined than ever. In a word, my sweet, I love you. Kiss Adele for
Did not get the opportunity to write last night. It was the first opportunity I had to read your 22 page manuscript to Mom and when I finished it was 12 o'clock. My dad and I had to ride home via the el and bus last night and got home rather late. After a delicious dinner of chopped herring and blintzes I brought Adele home and put her to bed. She had a slight fever most of the day and it was gone this morning. I can scarcely wait until next week, so I'll not have to be bothered with the injections. Adele has lost her appetite and is losing weight too rapidly. She doesn't look well at all and regardless of what the doctor may say I quit after next Monday. I shall have to go back to him in a month for the Dick test to see whether or not Adele is immune. Once she is on her feet again and eating better I shall make an appointment with Dr. Lefkoe. Adele doesn't need shoes immediately, but she will need them soon. I don't want to tire her out too much after the injections by dragging her all over town for shoes.
I started on this at work and am continuing at home. There was no mail from you today, but there was a nice letter from Milt (dated April 20th) with a snap enclosed. How's that for mail service? Imagine getting mail from the Pacific only five days old!
This is it - the big day our beloved President couldn't live to see! It's a pity. Let us hope the conference turns out to be all that he would have wanted it to be.
We've been having cool weather and have had to use the heat continually. It poured buckets all day today, regular April weather. Adele was fine this evening and had no fever at all. She ate next to nothing and is practically existing on a liquid diet.
I had a busy day at work and the time flew quickly. Sometimes when I look at the calendar and see that May is almost here, it seems like a dream. May 2nd will be 11 months that I have been working for Bellet. I never thought, when I took the job, that I would work for him that long. I shall be most grateful when the war is over and you come back to take up your rightful responsibilities as husband and father. That day can't come too quickly for me. Some day when we've been able to sit down and talk about what we went through you'll understand more clearly why I said some of the things I have said that have cut so deeply. Perhaps then you will realize, as I have learned from bitter experience, why it is so important for us to be financially stable. I’m certain, baby, that VE day is very close and that we will see each other in the very near future. If it weren't for that -
Good night for now, my dearly beloved, I love you so very much that it hurts. Dot tells me that Snuff's hand is bothering him again.
Your Eve
25 April 1945
My Darling
Nothing out of the ordinary happened to me today. I was up at 7:30, and at work by 8 o'clock. At ten, we knocked off for a fifteen minute break and cupsa coffee. At twelve noon we all piled into the truck that took us to the mess-hall. There, at the price of some good natured bitching by the guys who were compelled to wait, we "bucked" the line. Seems like we're privileged characters these days. By 12:30 we had finished eating, and the waiting truck was filling up by ones and twos. At 12:45, we continued where we had left off. At 3:00, time out again for bottlesa "cokes". We finished at 4:45, when I hopped on my bike and rode back to the barracks. Klein had picked up my mail for me (your V-mail of 17 Apr), and handed it to me when I came in. This one told about the ill effects the punkin experienced after her latest shot, and a closely detailed account of your and Adele’s routine in the morning which, you may be sure, conjured up some very appealing images in my mind's eye! When I came to the part about you two Chippies taking a nap together, and you said "wish we could make it a threesome,” I got goose-pimply at the mere thought of it. Hell, Chippie, don't you realize that if you indulge me that way I'll just never get out of the bed? Frankly, I can't even imagine what could possibly induce me to leave such a delightful place at all, a-tall (unless it might be a little forceful persuasion delivered in the right spot by your perfectly beautiful right foot and leg.) But you wouldn’t do that, would yuh, honey, huh?
Now see what you went and done - you got me all excited and I couldn’t say anything rational now - even if I did have the space! I do love you - so much, my darling. A kiss for Adele from
Your Phil
April 25, 1945
Dear Evelyn:
Just came back from the movies, & don’t feel sleepy yet, so I’m dropping you a few lines. I’m feeling fine, & hope this letter finds you all the same. Today is the day for that big three meeting on the west coast, & also my birthday, so here’s hoping we hear some good news from that meeting. Got back my pictures last night, so enclosed you will find same. Some of them did not turn out good, but the ones that did, I sure have a job dividing them out. Please excuse the pencil writing as my pen is where I can’t get to it for the present time. How’s everyone getting along, and what’s new. Evelyn you know sometimes we don’t get a chance to write as much as we liked to, but I guess it just can’t be helped. I’m sure you understand what I’m trying to say. I’ll write you again the first chance I get. Give my regards to all.
Yesterday I started work at Headquarters. At the end of the day I was mighty glad to remember that it is only a temporary detail of perhaps two weeks duration. It is a tedious, monotonous procedure, and as tiring mentally as the heaviest labor physically. At any rate, when finished, I was in no mood for anything but the sack. Before turning in, though, I promised myself I would write a real, honest-to-goodness on the morrow to make up for the V-mail I missed writing. That is why, for the first time in a long time - this.
Today, if anything, was even tougher than yesterday - except for one fact - I received four of your letters at once. They were your Air Mail letter of 4 Apr, and your V-mails of 14, 15, 16. There isn't much of anything that is new or startling in your letters, Sweet, but I was rather surprised that you took the death of the President so much to heart. I didn't know you thought so much of him until now. However, I do admire your judgment, and can appreciate your sense of loss. He was a great and good man. Humanity lost a great friend and supporter with his passing. God knows what might have happened to our United States if he hadn’t happened along in 1932 to pull us out of the doldrums. Let us hope that our new President is a worthy successor. I don’t know very much about President Truman, but from the little I do know, I have every hope that he will live up to F.D.R.’s high ideals.
Was glad to learn that our punkin is over the worst of the scarlet fever immunizations. She's a brave little lady. Tell her how very proud her daddy is of her.
You say something about visiting Lorstan. Does that mean you mean to have your own photo made, Sweet? I certainly hope so!
Yes, I remember that Mom often spoke of Mrs. Garfinkel, although I have only a very dim recollection of her. The name suggests to my mind's eye a rather buxom lady with a beautiful head of black, wavy hair. - But I may be thinking of someone else, I don't know. You might check with Mom. I'll bet Mom was all thrilled about it, though - she always spoke of wanting to meet her again with such wistful longing - By the way, I forgot to mention, as I meant to, that Mom's topcoat (the one she wears in the snapshot) is very smart-looking and attractive.
Well, Chippie, there is remarkably little to write about these days. Of course, if I were permitted to repeat the rumors that are floating around the base, I could write all night - but since I can’t, I'll only tell you the only thing I can think of at the moment - I adore you, Evie darling—My dearest love to Adele - and all.
Always, Your Phil
April 24, 1945
Dear Evalyn,
I don’t know of anything nicer to tell you than that now I am married.
I don’t know of any excuse to offer for not having called you on the phone to tell you about it, except this: You would have gotten all tied up in an effort to meet my bride, had I told you of it. In some future time that will take place and it may be nicer because Phil will be there too. Please understand that I didn’t forget about you, merely that the many times I started to phone you, something stopped me. This is the first time I’ve put it into some definite thought even to myself.
Anyway, if you think I need to be forgiven please do so. If not, you’ve agreed with my definite feeling of above and then the intangible feeling that followed. I sort of feel that you’ll agree with me. I hope so.
Friday the 13th
We were married in Arlington, in her home. It was a lovely wedding. A minister performed the service. The house was all decorated with beautiful flowers, and it made a lovely setting.
We spent a rapture filled five days in New York and now we’re back at our jobs, lonesome as ever.
Her people have treated me grandly and it’s made us both happy because we were quite anxious about that part of it all.
I expect to get situated in a short while. When I do, she’ll leave her job if it seems my situation is fairly permanent (in the army).
I know this is a skimpy letter but I’ll bet I’ll write a longer one if you ask me a bunch of questions. So go right ahead and I’ll answer every one of them. Fair deal?
I wonder if you could send that letter you spoke of: the one after Phil’s visit on furlough in a London suburb. Hell, I don’t get any mail from him. I may as well read yours. You could guarantee its safety by registering it, and I’ll do the same on returning it.
I do hope you’re all well, and that some time soon we can all be together.
Never did get to take that shower last night. It was much too late when I finished writing, so I hit the sack instead. This evening I finally got around to taking that bath, and feel fresh and clean for the first time in longer than I care to admit. Right now, clad only my shorts, I'm sitting on my bunk and listening to a program on the radio called "Fiesta", while three of the fellows are playing a quiet game of pinochle on an adjoining bunk, and three others are resting their “aching backs” (I wonder if you’re familiar with the favorite exclamation of the G.I. - "oh, my aching back"??). Right now, the radio is giving out with my favorite tango "El Choco". The night is bit chilly, and the wood fire in the pot-bellied stove feels good.
Was looking thru "Coronet" for April earlier this evening and noticed the list of prize-winners in that contest. I had forgotten all about it until now. I never had any real hope of winning anything, so I wasn't disappointed when I failed to find my name mentioned, but I would have liked to win for one particular reason - to make you proud of me, Sweet. Someday I hope to justify your high opinion of me.
Instead of going to the mess hall for supper tonight, Klein and I and another fellow ate fresh eggs that Klein procured, and tuna (thanks to Gloria) in the Aero Club.
I alternated between the Orderly Room, and the Finance Office today. The bulk of the day was taken up with transcribing the payroll. Tomorrow I start work with the “processing crew" at HQ.
Klein and Red and ten other fellows from my old company, the disbanded 1808 Ord. Co., share this hut now. Red and I aren't quite as close as we used to be, although we are still friends. Klein, on the other hand, has become increasingly attached to me and treats me as if I were his big brother. Surprisingly, I'm about the only guy he shows any real respect or liking for. For my part, I like the kid—for all his craziness, depravity, and myriad other faults. I like, I think, his honesty and sincerity. There was no fresh mail today. But I have come to the part of the page where I always say—I love you, Ev.
Your Phil
P.S. Kiss my punkin for me. Lots of love to all.
April 23, 1945
Dearest Hubby,
Today I received your v-mails of 15 and 16 April and both made me me feel good - for a change. I'm glad you're so fond of Adele's latest picture. Yes, it is a natural pose and it's just a pity that the quality of the picture is not as good as it could be, for then it would really be beauty.
No, no one by the name of Weinstein has visited or called me and this was the first I knew of it. I guess they just couldn’t make it.
I saw "Between Two Women" with Van Johnson, Gloria DeHaven and Lionel Barrymore last night (with Sylvia) and enjoyed it immensely. The news reel showed the funeral of President Roosevelt and the whole theatre was alive with sniffles and sobs. Every time I see something pertaining to him tears come. When we got back from the Logan I walked Sylvia to Fifth St. where she caught a 47 trolley immediately. I washed some clothes and showered before going to bed and it was a bit after one by that time. Since Adele had gone to sleep so early the night previous, she was up bright and early, much to my regret and though I was just dyin' to sleep, she insisted upon getting me up. Finally, and with much effort, I crawled out of bed. This was a full day for me. I was busy all day at work and felt terribly out of sorts when I got home. Beside your v-mails were two lovely letters from Seymour and I must get at least one letter off to him this week.
Returned from Dr. Gayl's office a short while ago and put Adele to sleep. Adele insisted on having a dixie "tup" first and went right off to sleep once in bed. It's only a wonder - it was past nine thirty. Adele began to howl once I got her into the office and I had to hold her down so that he could give her the needle. She made a terrible racket, but I stilled her quickly. Next week is supposed to be her last shot and it will be, even though he may decide to give her another. She’s had more than enough and I can't stand seeing her so ill. She's had five weeks of it now and (I had to leave at precisely this point for I heard Adele gagging and ran like mad). Well she threw up and threw up and then some and now she's resting. I cleaned up the mess and decided to finish this before going to bed. I can't see the sense to going to bed when I have to get up time and again and decided to wait until I thought she had thrown up all she generally does. At any rate, next week is going to be the last shot she'll have, regardless of what the doctor says. If Adele doesn't have enough scarlet fever serum in her now to prevent her from getting the disease she never will. Dot is not going to give the scarlet fever shots to Harold. She says too many doctors disapprove, stating that it has not been perfected and that it takes many months for the serum to take effect, still leaving the child ample time to contact the disease. There are so many varied opinions on the subject - All I know is that Adele has had enough. By the way Harold is sick with a severe case or laryngitis and 103 fever since yesterday. I called Dot to read her your v-mail. Have much more to say, but will call it night. I love you so much, honey!
Your Eve
Meadowcroft
Eston
Middlesbro’
22-4-45
Dear Phil,
Just a note to tell you that we are traveling down to town on Monday week (30th). Could you get seats for “See How They Run”, which seems the best show to see, for Monday night?
I expect you’ll have heard from Ernie by now,—we had a letter the other day, and Mummy is writing to him now, asking him to join us on Monday night, too. If you could get the seats, we’ll settle up with you when we meet.
We think the best thing would be for you to come to the Savoy at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, and have tea.
Hoping that you are O.K. and not doing too much work.
Today, after a long break, I received your long letter of 4/12/45 and v-mail of April 13th. It's a pity that the two had to arrive together, because I read the V-mail first, and after reading it I had a terrific urge to stuff both letters down your throat. After waiting for mail for what seemed like an eternity, to receive a letter of that type—
I have not received your "nasty" letter as yet, but from the contents of the v-mail I gather it is a very, very pretty letter. If you expected repercussions, there won't be any. My words have already taken effect, just as much as yours, in reply, hurt. Perhaps now you will understand how I felt when I first read that you had cut your allotment to me. It ate my heart out - but it doesn't bother me one little bit now. I know we heartily disagree on the matter of money. You hate being kept to a close budget and I despise it even more so than you, having Adele to think about. However, I must admit my disappointment at not being able to come to my husband in the matter of money. I always believed that charity started at home. In your letter of the 12th you quoted Mrs. Davies as follows: “Well, Philip, we must sacrifice something if we hope to attain anything, mustn't we?" This was in connection with Judith's schooling. I'm glad you feel that Judith is entitled to her fun and good times now - it's certainly more than I had at her age. First it was my rotten grandmother spoiling my life, then it was the Army - is it any wonder why I'm so tired of responsibility - it's more than you've experienced in the four years we've been married. Phil, ever since I gave birth to Adele the matter of finances to raise her has been mostly mine. When I felt I could no longer stand the strain I decided to return to work and though the added strain of a job proved difficult many times I have gained a peace of mind with it that I will not part with. Phil, you've described the life the Davies lead to perfection. Do you think you can ever make such a kind of life possible for me and Adele? You, personally, have made no effort in that connection - even though you do have the opportunity to save something to get you off to a good start once you come back. I have not touched one penny of the money you send me as savings, only because I want you to get started right. Doesn't it matter to you? When I didn't fully agree with you on the matter of a business you were ready to give up. Phil, I wonder whether you realize how important it is that you have financial stability once the war is over. Are we to continue living in someone else's house, having others help us pay our bills - that's been eating my heart out for all of two years now. You'll never be able to get even as much as a start unless you have something to start with. I get so darn full talking about it that I want to bawl all over the place.
The packages have already gone off and I do not feel that I had to give up anything to send them. I merely gave that particular incident as an example of some of the things I want to do and cannot as often as I should like to. Nor will I give up savings to do it because savings do matter very much to me. I have stuck to my guns for almost a year now and when my year is up I'll be able to show something for it. You needn't squander your savings on mere gifts for me or send me any of your savings to show off. I deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness, baby, and it made me inexpressably happy to receive your gifts. You were the one, not me, that offered the allotment, and that made me very happy. Have it your way - as long as you're happy about it.
Your detailed letter of the 12th about your trip to Meadowcroft would have made very interesting reading under other circumstances. As it was, I had little taste for anything.
Harry Weinman writes that he may be shipped back to the States to a hospital for further medical care. I think that would do him more good than anything.
Incidentally, our Harry says that business is picking up and from what I can glean he makes in the neighborhood of about $100 per week, providing it stays this way. He'll make much more when the season gets underway. Harry and Goldie themselves are shining examples of how the financial aspect affects married life. When Harry wasn't making enough the going was tough and rough. It isn't difficult to see how satisfied they are that they do not have to keep to a strict budget. Goldie expects to spend the entire summer in Poughkeepsie with her folks with Diana. Harry sometimes works seven days a week and probably will keep up the practice as the summer sets in. He doesn't mind her leaving him here, as he realizes that it will be a complete rest for her.
I stopped at Lorstan after work today and there were only 200 people ahead of me (I'm not exaggerating on the figure one bit). I told her I couldn't wait and would stop back some other time. Ruth got her finished photo today and the coloring, which only cost her $3 is awful. If they finish off Adele's picture like that I'll positively slug them. I intend to stop there one day before going to work.
There isn't much else to say. I worked, came home, fed Adele and put her to bed. She was very annoying and kept bothering me every two minutes for something else. It was ten o'clock when I finally managed to come down and get started on this. Mom went to the movies with Mrs. Frommer to see "And Now Tomorrow". I had hoped to join Sylvia and Miriam in town this evening for some much needed recreation and relaxation - but a mother has no choice regardless of what she needs. It's very late and I'm very worn and sleepy.
Tomorrow I shall try to catch up on my recreation by getting out with Adele. I’ll have to get to bed early, for Monday evening, after Adele has had her injection, is always a bad one and I want to be rested.
Sylvia has the snaps that we took when I visited her and says they turned out nicely. I may see her tomorrow and if so, will include the snaps with this letter, providing she will give them to me.
Russian troops are in Berlin at long last and V E day becomes more of a reality day by day.
April 22, 1945
Sorry I had to end off so abruptly last night, but a splitting headache made me call it quits. Adele kept me up most of the night - and I don't know why. Consequently, I am still tired and aim to catch a nap, if she will permit. I was up fairly early and cleaned our room thoroughly, as it was in need of a good cleaning. Adele and I stayed out from 11:45 till 12:30 when I brought her in for lunch. It is now 2 o'clock and she isn't asleep yet. Methinks I shall dress her again and keep her up till six, at which time she will go to sleep pronto. See you later -
I kept Adele up and she was fast asleep at 6:15, after a hot bath and dinner, Sylvia came and I detest the snaps. Both Adele and I look awful, so I'm not sending them along. I'm kind of weary, but since Syl came up for dinner and we have nothing to do, I'm going to take in a movie with her. I'll say so long for now and want to tell you just once more that I love you ever so much and that love grows in spite of our differences. Good night, baby, and sure do wish you were my date.
Your Eve
21 April 1945
Dearest Chippie,
All settled in our new hut now. I'm dashing this off before making for the ablution and a much-needed shower. Just got back from the movies, where Klein and I saw "Practically Yours" with Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert. It is the type of comedy I always enjoy. Sorry I couldn't write these past few nights, darling, but we've been up to our ears in work, and what with moving and all, I hardly had time to breathe. Your letter of 8-9 Apr arrived on the 19th. It contained the snaps of the punkin. I won't pretend that they were much good - you know better and the one in which you appear was poor, too, unfortunately. However, this afternoon brought your letter of 11 Apr (which is pretty good for Air Mail) with that very nice snap of Mom and you and Adele. Too bad Rae didn't get more of herself into the picture. Mom looks nice and streamlined, and better than I've seen her looking in years. Adele, bless her, looks like she'd been holding her breath too long, and you, my sweet, look absolutely adorable, which means that you look just like the Chippie I remember. As a matter of fact, it is so good a likeness that I caught my breath when I looked at it. The contents of the letter were partly in answer to my longie of 20-24 Mar. I was very happy with your explanation, Sweet, and it served to put my doubts at rest. But about Petey's remark - I can't imagine how he bases his opinion of me. He certainly never knew me well enough to really "know" me, which, of course, if he meant it sincerely, makes the remarks all the more flattering. You also tell about receiving the bracelet. I learned in a later V-mail that you broke it accidentally. That’s too bad, honey, ’cause you could have made it fit your wrist by merely immersing it for a few moments in hot water, which would make it pliable enough to bend to shape. But don't feel badly about it, baby - I'll try to get another one - only nicer. Tell Ethel for me that I wanted to write to Harry, but never did get the opportunity. I'll try to do so within the next few days. By the way, dearest, what I told you in V-mail (19 Apr) means just what you would want it to mean. I love you. When you're dreaming about the future, darling, don't forget to include
[Change of Address Form]: Cpl. Phil Strongin - 33051975
866 Air Engineering Sqdn., 440 Air Service Group
APO No. 559, c/o Postmaster, New York.
Working day and night, honey, accomplishing the “paper work” necessary to the change-over. Am in the Air Corps now. - Still at same base. Maybe good news later. Will write as soon as possible. Love to all. I adore you, my darling.
Ever,
Your Phil
April 20, 1945
My dearest one,
There will be no letters for the 18th and 19th simply because I skipped writing intentionally. I haven't had mail for days and I'm getting tired with a one-sided correspondence. I know it isn't your fault, that you must be writing once in a while, but I find it extremely difficult to write at all, even when I may have something of interest to discuss. Perhaps something new will come through tomorrow or the beginning of next week. Tomorrow will be the 21st and I have had but two communications (2 and 5 April) for the entire month. However, we'll drop the subject immediately, for it is for this reason that I skipped writing. I didn't want to bore you with my disgusted feelings -
Harry Weinman sent us each (Mom, Goldie and myself) a box of Coty's face powder. I intend to write and thank him over the weekend. Wednesday night I wrote a letter to the Benis’ and started a letter to the Davies. I gave up writing the latter when I was half through, for my patience ran out.
Last night, on the spur of the moment, I decided to go out to Dot's. As soon as Adele was asleep (about 8:45) I left and arrived at Dot's at about 9:35. My main purpose in going out there was to pick up your "manuscript". While there Dot showed me some sets of underwear that her Aunt had gotten for Harold. They consist of a summer shirt and button-on panties. I usually pay about $1.35 for such a set and her aunt only paid 59¢ per set! Dot gave me one of Harold's sets to try on Adele for size - a size six. It fits her perfectly, but we both decided to buy size eight due to the fact that most underwear shrinks after continual washing. I ordered four sets. We sat about (Dot's aunt, dad sister, Dot and myself) and chatted until 11, had coffee and cake and compared pictures, I learned that Lorstan charges $3 to color a photo. Since this is the case I am not going to have your 5x7 photo colored. Instead of paying $7 for one 5x7 in color, I am going to order 3 of the 5x7 shots plain, at a cost of $5.50. We’ll have the large 8x10 in color, so I can see no sense to coloring the other. Of course if you insist upon having the 5x7 shot colored I shall be glad to oblige. Kindly advise, baby, I would like to give one picture to my folks and the other to Mom. I don't want to spend too much at Lorstan's because Gloria is coming to Philly shortly and we're going to have family pictures made as I promised.
The death of Ernie Pyle was another blow. Seems like God is taking all the humanitarians off this earth. I'm beginning to wonder if there is a God.
I was offered a full time job in an insurance office (9 to 5 daily and 9 to 12 Sat) at 35.00 per week. It seems to me that I can't do much better as far as money is concerned, than I am doing at my present job. Dot was telling me that a serviceman's wife can join the Blue Cross plan as an individual, so I’ve asked her to get me the necessary forms. By the way, Dot is also a working gal. She works from one to seven every day but Monday at a bakery near the Mayfair Theatre and receives $20 per week. I just have room to say I love you so much baby!
Last night was terrific! This time Adele couldn't "hold It" until I got her into the bathroom. And she had much more to throw up! Well, don't ask. After I got her all cleaned up and the bed all changed she did a repeat performance, so I had to start cleaning up all over again. This time I put a small blanket at the top of the bed. Sure enough she started up again, but the last few times I got her into the bathroom. The whole ordeal made me very sick in my stomach and I have very little taste for anything today. There was no mail from you and I can't help wondering at the cause of the delay.
I know you wrote on the 4th and realize that you must have skipped writing when you visited Meadowcroft, but for the most part, the mail has again slowed up. And then again, perhaps V-E day has a lot to do with it. Nevertheless I shall be most grateful when the mail comes through more regularly. I find that I'm in better spirits and have more taste for writing.
Adele always feels much better after her "throwing-up spell" and was her normal self again this morning. I half expected her to be cranky, but she was most congenial. Getting up was another ordeal for me. Adele was most impatient to get downstairs and kept urging me to take her downstairs. When she wakes in the morning I take her to the bathroom, at her request, and when we return to the bedroom she always insists upon getting in bed with me. Up to this time I had not the strength for her fussing, getting up and down, etc. but here of late she relaxes a bit with me and doesn't tire me as greatly, so I enjoy having her in bed with me. (sure do wish it was a threesome!). She hugs me and kisses me and tells me stories and hides under the covers. When I become annoyed, she lays still for a few minutes to enable me to snatch a few more winks. I leave her in our bed while I wash and dress. I give her something to occupy her, such as a box, a toy or her shoes and the laces (she likes to lace her shoes and usually makes me a tangled mess that takes ten minutes to undo) and go downstairs to make her orange juice. She has never gotten off our bed when I go downstairs, just as though it were an unspoken law. In fact, she'll never get off unless I tell her to. It takes just a few minutes to make the juice and I bring it up along with her oil. While she's drinking, I make up my face and straighten the room. Then I dress her and she plays with her blocks until I make the beds, mop the floor, etc. When the room is finished and we are both dressed, we go down for breakfast. After breakfast I clean up and make a sandwich for my lunch. At this point I signal my mother and advise her that I am ready to leave or will be ready at such and such a time. I still do not permit Adele to go up and down the stairs alone (most of the girls criticize me for it) although I do allow her to go on her own, with me a few steps ahead, just in case. I suppose I'll get over this business soon and allow her the privilege, which I know she'd enjoy. Phil, I just wish you could see the look that comes into her eyes when she gazes at Betty Jane. She just loves Betty Jane! And I see that I've filled this form, much to my amazement. It's really difficult to write when there is no mail from you. I love you, Phil, and I hope you'll soon be with
Your Eve
17 April 1945
Darling Chippie,
We are enjoying unprecedently fine weather these days in "rainy” England. One could not wish for a more beautiful Spring day than was today. The weather, coupled with the good news from the fighting fronts, and some very interesting developments, which are taking on a very intriguing aspect (wish I could tell you about them) here, all served to put me in very good spirits. However, I was much too busy to pay much attention to anything but my work, the need to get which done is getting increasingly pressing. You would be surprised, honey, at the terrific amount of paper work involved in running an organization such as this one. Absolutely nothing is left to chance or taken for granted. Every phase of our work, activities, and our supplies and equipment are reported on regularly. Some of the records, such as the payroll, all personnel records, Company History, etc. will wind up in the National Archives in Washington. I understand that the Company Histories will be open to examination to the public a few years after the war ends. Some day, baby, we'll have a look at stuff I have written these past thirteen months.
There was no fresh mail from you, Sweet, or anyone, for that matter, but two big packages arrived from Gloria. They contained tuna, salmon, jam, five big Nestles bars, crackers, a quiz book, "Kitty Foyle" (I remember you read that), and possibly a few other things I’m forgetting at the moment. Gloria has been most considerate in the matter of packages and correspondence, and she is one of the people it hurts me to remember I haven't written to in too long a time.
What ever became of "Betty Jane", honey? She was supposed to come and live with the punkin on 28 Mar (your birthday, lest you think I can mention that date without realizing its significance) and I’ve had letters from you up to 10 Apr but still no word that she has put in an appearance. - And I rather thought the bracelet would have arrived by then, too.
Hope the punkin is well over the ill-effects of her recent immunizations, darling. It warmed her daddy's heart to hear her Mommy speak so proudly of her courage both through and after the ordeal. I have to smile to myself some times, Chippie, at your very obvious efforts to impress me with your "blase" attitude towards the attainments and charms of our daughter. You lean over backwards to give the idea that you are unprejudiced, and I can feel that you try very hard to look at her through a stranger's eyes when you describe what must be her very considerable charms.
18 April 1945
Was interrupted and couldn’t continue this until tonight. We are in the throes of moving from one hut to another, so I’ll just finish this V-mail and fill out a change-of-address form—To continue with what I was saying above—the point I was trying to make was that your adoration of Adele will not be hidden by any words of yours, regardless of how nonchalant you mean them to sound. So you may as well break down and tell me how you really feel about her. You can tell me, Sweet. I’m her dad, remember?
Good-night for now, honey, and don't forget to kiss the punkin for me. Tell her she is to kiss Mommy for me.
