Sunday

Dear Lily,

I received your letter Thanksgiving morning, and at least I had something to be

thankful about.

I didn't know Bobbie was so sick. When you people have trouble it seems to come in bunches. Did your mother receive my letter? I have already answered Charlie's letter. How is he and Edith making out?

I have always been addressing your letters to Nimmi's place. Maybe not the last one, but I'll address them there from now on. I think I've worn that suit about twice since I've been back. I don't remember if I do, or do not, button the last button. I suppose I shouldn't.

I haven't much to tell you [as] it's the same thing day after day. One thing about it, the time goes by fast. We go to sea, complete gunnery exercises or flight operations, and then come back in port. When in port we go ashore a few times and while on the ship just lay around doing a lot of nothing. Sometimes it gets me. I believe a good day’s work will kill me. I went up for a rating last week and I'll know in a few weeks whether I made it or not.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner aboard Ship, but you know where I

would have liked to have been enjoying it. I have the duty and I'm running the boats tonight. These holidays in the Navy are just another day to us.

Christmas I'll be abroad, and again the following Christmas. It seems a long time doesn't it? But after this next maneuver, I'll be counting the days. I'd like to send Bobbie something for Christmas. What do you think he would like?

When I try to remember of all the times we were together I say to myself, "What a fool I was for arguing over nothing at all. If I could hold you just once more, things would be so easy. But I guess it's foolish to talk like that. The Navy has put a lot into me and in the same time made me think differently of many things. I guess this seems like a riddle to you, so I'd better close. Remember there is one thing that's sure, and I hope you never have a doubt about my love for you.

Yours always,

An.

P.S. If the ship ever comes last and stays in New York, Red is coming to Revere with me. He wants to see you very much.