August 26, 1945

 

Aug. 26, 1945

My Darling,

      After flying all day your letter sure hit the spot.  For years I have been opening letters from the top but today something came over me and I opened it from the side.  Routines are being shattered these days.  There isn’t a day that passes where I don’t think of that six months together seeing the things we want.   Most people would say it’s impossible - maybe it is, but I’ve got that inside feeling that we’ll do it.  We may not travel in grandeur but some of the most wonderful things in the world have the admission of only yours eyes.  The moon and stars and mountains and trees and lakes and fields are ours.  All we have to do is get to them.  That we can do.  I too feel that this will be very important to us.  Much more so than the conventional silk covered foot stools and gold plated soup spoons.  Someday we may have that but first let’s have the freedom peace and excitement that I can’t explain but you understand.  Darling, we’ve got to do it!  It’s funny about you mentioning it being dangerous to land in Japan.  I was thinking the same thing.  So far the Japs have been very odd in their actions and words.  I hope they don’t start anything. 

After the NEWS -

Holy Mackerel!

       Ya know honey, I get so darned mad at myself.  I never act or say things the way I want to over the telephone.  I called my mom too and it was the same thing.  I’m stupid.  I’ve cleared up everything I could tonight and all I’ve got to do is pack.  My next stop isn’t so secret, but I couldn’t say over the telephone.  It’s Alamogordo, New Mexico.  Some sort of a desert outpost.  We’re to catch a B-25 at noon tomorrow so it’ll only take a couple of hours to get there.  Add up 2+2.  Why is it necessary to fly there?    It must be pretty hot stuff.

     Honey, I don’t like to sound dramatic but it all goes back to the same thing.  It doesn’t matter what I’m doing or where I am.  If I’m away from you it’s no good.  What’s the difference whether it’s Tuscon or Tokyo? 

   If you could go with me we could probably have a swell time.  Alone it’s just plain lonely.  So there! 

      In spite of everything though I’m going to use your stuff and believe that it’s all for the best.  Maybe some kind of good will come from it.  One thing when I do get to Chicago again it should be to stay.  Ya know I’d even like to go to Tin Pan Alley tonight.  But best of all would be the upstairs at the “beach combers”.  Soothing and soft.  Then to Ivanhoe or maybe by accident the Aragon.  By golly, we’ll get there someday.  Remember “Random Harvest”?  There must be something backward about us.  We were in Palm Beach for two weeks before we found Worth Ave.  How long did it take us to get to the Field Museum?  Maybe we’re fickle.  We certainly haven’t one track minds.  I don’t think we ever stopped to ask anyone directions of advice.  Betcha a dime I still couldn’t find Wonderlake or Aurora.  On the way back from Milwaukee we couldn’t even find Chicago.  What’ll happen to us in Mexico?  Probably end up in Brazil.  Say, is that bad?  How many times did I pick that dead end street in Palm Beach?  What a navigator!!?

      Did you ever get that something from Mabel?  And what about Bertha with the sinus?  What ever became of Harry?  Fine Chicagoan you are - buying your stationary in Topeka. 

     I was only kidding about battling with the crew.  The feud is between Hardy and me.  He once said Boston has better roast duck than Chicago.  Well!!

      Can’t find Alamogordo anyplace on the map.  Hmmmm!   Must b e out off this world. 

     Been kicking around for twenty hours now.  The ol bed looks sorta good.  Good night Darling.  I love you very much.  Be seeing you.

All my love

Ray