Dad married Bonnie (my mom) on December 26, 1944. After that he was stationed at the army base in Pratt, Kansas, where they had a little apartment but dreamed of owning a little cottage somewhere with a white picket fence covered by roses. Married for less than two months, they were still starry-eyed about being wed and seemed almost to worship each other. Mom had been staying with Dad's parents, who thought she would be less lonely with them in their house in Northwest Indiana. Dad's older brother Jesse was one of the witnesses and Dad's twin brother Eddie's wife Marge was another at the small, informal ceremony presided over by a justice of the peace. It's hard to picture my parents as two kids in love, but I love reading about it.
Feb 19, 1945
Lincoln, Nebraska
Time 1500 hours
1600 hours your time
(Your time is my time)
Dear Mom & Dad,
I’m sorry I’ve written so often to you. I guess you’re getting tired of reading so much of my mail, so I’ll quit writing so much. Bonnie says, and I quote, “Hmmmm?” 5 letters!!!! That’s what you owe Bonnie, she says.
Well, how is everyone there at home? I sure hope you are all right. Bonnie and I couldn’t be any happier. You can sure be proud of your new daughter. I thought that before Bonnie and I were married that I knew her, but I can say now I didn’t. She is so much sweeter than I ever dreamed. She has done so many things to make me happy, and now we are in our own little heaven here on earth. I don’t know how I was ever lucky enough to have Bonnie as my wife, because she is truly an angel. Our home will always be one you can be proud of, just as your home has always been. Mom, Bonnie is like you are. You always said you had a temper, and she says she has one too. I’ve never seen your tempers flying around loose. If you see one, catch it for me. I would like to see one.
Bonnie told me how happy she was with you and how sweet you were to her. She told me how you gave her the money she needed and had seen her safely on her way to me. I’ll never forget that. I knew I could count on you both. If ever the time comes when I have to leave Bonnie again, and she ever needs anyone, I won’t worry because I know you’ll be there.
Well, you know we both miss you, but maybe before very long we’ll be home on furlough again (We hope). Bonnie says, “hello.” I’ll close for now. Be careful both of you. God bless you and watch over you.
p.s. Bonnie’s feet are cold. What should you do for that? Until I hear from you, I’ll make her wear shoes.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Time 1500 hours
1600 hours your time
(Your time is my time)
Dear Mom & Dad,
I’m sorry I’ve written so often to you. I guess you’re getting tired of reading so much of my mail, so I’ll quit writing so much. Bonnie says, and I quote, “Hmmmm?” 5 letters!!!! That’s what you owe Bonnie, she says.
Well, how is everyone there at home? I sure hope you are all right. Bonnie and I couldn’t be any happier. You can sure be proud of your new daughter. I thought that before Bonnie and I were married that I knew her, but I can say now I didn’t. She is so much sweeter than I ever dreamed. She has done so many things to make me happy, and now we are in our own little heaven here on earth. I don’t know how I was ever lucky enough to have Bonnie as my wife, because she is truly an angel. Our home will always be one you can be proud of, just as your home has always been. Mom, Bonnie is like you are. You always said you had a temper, and she says she has one too. I’ve never seen your tempers flying around loose. If you see one, catch it for me. I would like to see one.
Bonnie told me how happy she was with you and how sweet you were to her. She told me how you gave her the money she needed and had seen her safely on her way to me. I’ll never forget that. I knew I could count on you both. If ever the time comes when I have to leave Bonnie again, and she ever needs anyone, I won’t worry because I know you’ll be there.
Well, you know we both miss you, but maybe before very long we’ll be home on furlough again (We hope). Bonnie says, “hello.” I’ll close for now. Be careful both of you. God bless you and watch over you.
p.s. Bonnie’s feet are cold. What should you do for that? Until I hear from you, I’ll make her wear shoes.
