Dearest Sweetheart,

I hope you are feeling fine this Sunday. I really feel pretty fine outside of a slight cough. It isn’t bad at all so don’t worry about it.

I just couldn’t write last night. We had our organized athletics yesterday and I was all in. We started out in the afternoon by running about 3 miles, then over the obstacle course, then double time back to the drill hall to play basketball for an hour and then swim. They sure are trying there hardest to make real men out of us. It turns you out but I have been able to stand it so far.

Yes, dear, I am trying very hard to get good marks in my tests. I am going to study my Blue Jackets Manual today as we are going to have a test on half of it some time this week.

I really feel pretty lonesome today. It just seems that I have been away from you for ages. I know it must affect you the same way too. Darling I don’t know when or if I’ll get a leave right away but I know you will wait for me. I look forward always to the day when we will be married. I can’t seem to end the words in my vocabulary to express the love in my heart for you. I love you so much. You are the power behind the man with the gun that keeps him going. Your faith and love in me gives me the extra punch when the going is tough. I just seem to sense that you are here with me all the time. I know that our true love will carry us both through these hard times. Love is truly the most wonderful thing in the world. Especially when it is so wonderful and great like ours.

Have you heard where Bud is? I hope he is fine and not too far away. I suppose by now he is across. If you write to him please send him my regards and loads of luck.

How is Addie? I suppose she likes her new job a lot better than down at Cuday’s. Say hello to my future sister-in-law and I hope she’ll excuse me for not writing. Tell everyone back home that I’ll write them as soon as the Navy gives me a little time.

Well, darling, I’ll close for now but will write some more a little later in the day. Please take care of yourself dear. I love you very much and here is a little kiss for my one and only.

Your loving sailor man,

Joe