Letter 15

2 May 1945

In Bed

My darling –

You’re not the only one who feels wonderful because he got mail – yesterday, I got six letters, isn’t that wonderful? They’re dated from April 14, when you were so blue about not getting any of my letters – April 19, April 20^th, April 21 (when you did get mine and started numbering yours), April 22and April 23 – and, oh darling, it was grand to get so many and have answers to mine!!

Since they came on May 1, my allotment checks came also – and I immediately went to the bank taking along the signature card – so, we now have a joint bank account again, Mr. B – and I’m inclosing a few blank checks, as you asked. Our bank balance is growing by leaps and bounds - and I hope by now you’ve got it straight that I did not have to borrow any money before your first allotment checks came. I have borrowed no money whatsoever, dear, so please don’t worry about it. So, enough about money – we abound in it!!

I shant try to answer all of your letters at once – but will start tonite and finish tomorrow OK?

First of all, this week has been very routine as far as work goes – however, the war news has really been quite a deal. Yesterday, I stood upstairs in the teletype room and watched the news came in about Hitler’s death – the, how true that report is, since it was of German origin, was doubtful til then yesterday afternoon – when President Truman confirmed the report, after contacting Eisenhower. Tonite’s bulletins say that the latter says Hitler’s death was a suicide. However, Hitler’s demise is of little concern, for it’s quite apparent, to me, anyhow, that he’s been nothing more than a figurehead for quite a while.

Of more interest to me war the news of Italy’s unconditional surrender – which took place last Sunday – and also Stalin’s announcement tonite that Berlin has fallen. Of course, you know all this – but it is of great interest at the present, this is my comment.

The general public expects U-E day – and has been, for the past 2 weeks – momentarily – but I rather doubt any such thing until all German resistance has been deleted ----.

Also of interest was the news today of an allied landing on Barnes, for then in the first news we have had of that part of the Pacific for quite a while – and of course, the British successes in Burma also interest me -.

Your comment, Wray, on 7. D. R.’s death seems to be the general consensus of opinion here – for very few people, Republican or Democrat, feel Truman is the man to wrangle a good and lasting peace. The Fresco Conference is none too heartening, with Russia demanding 3 votes, etc – but we can only hope for the best. God knows we’ve had enough of war – my sole desire in that respect is that we do a good enough job so that our children need never go to war – for the next one won’t be a pretty one. What really worrys me is Russia – for how can we help but have to fight her some day? After all, Bolshevism is the same, regardless of the fact that for the present it’s an ally. Stalin is still the same man he was 7 or 8 years ago – when everyone was busy denouncing the Reds. Oh well, there’s not much one can do about it – but blow off a little steam once in a while.

Nana and I are getting along famously – since I stayed away for a week after she was so nasty. She has been very sweet and nice – and has not made one dirty crack, which I consider remarkable. By the way, she’s about through the Martyr stage – I rather ignored her learnings that way – and often all, how can one be a martyr with no response or enthusiasm from the audience?

She is doing very nicely, Wray – and needs no medical care, such as treatments – for the incision has healed beautifully and is very clean and neat. The only treatments that are needed in her case are x-ray – and she had those while in the hospital. Dr. T say – I guess he told you – that all that can be done now is to watch for a recurrence after the first year.

I cashed a check for her today and hauled in her groceries – and since I’m going to have to stay in tomorrow nite for a bit of works and same budge (with the 2 Ruths and another gal) I’m going to have supper with Nana. On Thursday nites, I always go back to the office around 7:00 and checks to see that all gals will – you remember the set up.

Sad news about the radio – in addition to the 2^nd 3525 tube (I got one, as I told you), it also needs a 50 L6, which is equally hard to find. However, I have several of my adv. Customers working on the deal, as well as Mr. Lightner. The latter says he gets ‘em in occasionally. Scuttlebutt has it that with the fall of Germany, 40% of the Army surplus stack of tubes will be released for civilian use – so, in any event, all I can do is await developments all around.

I am also toying with the idea of not getting a new spring for Sneddie, for I understand that wartime springs are n.g. and came without covers to boat – so I’m doin a bit of investigating before cinching the deal.

Oh hey, I bought a new dress yesterday – which you’ll like – a white one very simple – with cute short sleeves, low neckline and rather full skirt – wait til you see it?

By now, you’ve probably gotten the pictures of Penny and I – and I’m wondering how you’re reacting to my share locks. Do you like ‘em?

Your description of jive was very good – I was pretty sure you’d been there – and, of course, I’ve kept it on the Q.T. notch, churn, notch!! Seems funny to think of you actually being there – for I still can’t get used to you doing things without me – and I guess I never will.

I’m awfully glad you won’t be writing some day about O Kinawa, darling – for the naval losses there – from the suicide attacks – were not pretty to read. But with all this stuff going on in the Burma, etc., I’m wondering what you will be writing.

I shall keep the magazines on jive, etc, for you – as you asked.

Commander U – mail gave me quite a reck- it sounds so much like him with a hangover for Indian gin!!! Wonder where Warren is?

So at last you’re S.W.O. – and Photo officer – congratulations, darling – and lots of good luck for 10 forecasts – so far, you seem to be doing all right. The P.O. deal tickles me no end 0 and I’ll be darned if I won’t take you up on the negative offer – imagine sending negatives to the Pacific for developing! The idea fascinates me no end - .

Darling – Max’s birthday is Aug. 17 – so perhaps – in fact, no doubt, your greetings will be premature. And, look, dopey, our wedding anniversary is April 30 – not March 30!! Dumbbell! I’m very glad to hear that, sweet, for I’m in the same boat- in fact, I think I’m more in love with you every day – I know I am! A love never – ending is my love for you, may dearest – one that gives me courage and strength even tho you’re so far away.

When I get a batch of letters from you, I can almost hear you saying the things you write – and you’re so near I want to reach out for you. Being your wife is like having a pair of strong, loving arms around you – keeping away unpleasantness and bringing security and peace and a very happy life. Don’t laugh, darling – I know I’m slightly crazy at times – but when I try to tell you how very, awful much I love you, I fall all over my words and land in a heap and I guess I came up sounding fairly dizzy – but can I keep it if you make me love you so much?

Your Emel

P.S. Penny sends her love – and says to please hurry home - .