Dearest Wife,

Darling, you are probably wondering why my writing has been so inconsistent. I mean missing days here and there. The reason was that I have had a slight touch of stomach flu. I felt pretty bunk at times and just couldn’t get myself to write. Don’t be angry with me because I didn’t tell you, but I didn’t want you to worry. I’m feeling pretty good now. At least I don’t ache all over. I wanted to write to you so much at times, but I just couldn’t muster enough vitality to do it. I hope you’ll try and understand and forgive me. You know I love you with all my heart and there isn’t and never will be anyone else. I’ll try very, very hard to get a letter off every day.

I received those cute pictures you took out at Lico. They certainly are sweet. Only one thing wrong I wish that I was there on them. Thanks so much for sending them to me. I carry one of the small pictures that you sent with me all the time. I’m very proud of my sweet wife. I hope she thinks about me in the same way.

I’m glad that everything is going o.K. with Lucille and Dale. Say hello to Luc and tell her to be a good girl.

So you were over to Mother’s Sunday for dinner. That’s swell. I’m glad that she is being nice to you. I hope it didn’t bother you too much if she got a little sour. Some things people do can’t be explained at the time but I’m sure she didn’t mean to hurt you. Try and understand her please.

You wonder why I put it off so long writing to you that I had seen Dorothy. Well! I didn’t mean to hide anything. To see her in the shape she is just about tore me to pieces. I kept dickering in my mind about writing you about her. I’m sorry that someone else had to give you the info. But it just was something that struck me awfully hard. Believe me, dear. She is a hell of a mess. I danced with her and had a few glasses of beer and then went to a show. I wanted to tell her what I thought of her but it’s all her life. it’s just a crime that she is doing such things. I haven’t seen her since and I hope I don’t. So you can understand partly how bad she has gone. Don’t be angry with me because I didn’t write it as I should have. It was just one of the things that sort of stuns your mind. I didn’t know how to put it into words.

I’m sorry that Hi still is shouting his mouth off. But please don’t let him get you down. You know that I understand and forgive. I’m really all that counts. But try to be friends.

I know it is quite hard but because some people have no brains is no sign that you can’t show them that you have some.

They’ll regret it yet. You watch and see. But please don’t carry any grudges against anyone. I know and believe in my heart that you’ll never do anything again that people will be able to make something out of. You know I love you so very much. I just wish this thing would get over with so we could build our own little home. I’m going to work very hard for us, dear. I’ll try very hard to make you happy.

I’m glad that you are getting the little bills paid up. Boy! You certainly must have put in hours to make over $50 in a week. I hope you didn’t wear yourself out. Dearest, your allowance has been in for a few weeks but the government is pretty slow on getting them out. I hope it gets out soon because I know you can use it. I’ll try and send you some money. I want you to have at least $15 in your pocket besides the ticket when you leave home for here. But please don’t try and ride out here with anyone. You won’t will you? I’ll pinch pennies too, but I want you to come out here on a train or bus.

You’ll have a job anytime you come. That’s one thing I’m sure of. It may be a little hard to get a place to live in, but if you give me a couple of weeks notice I think I can get you a room. I know we won’t be able to save but we’ll be together. I want to have you with me very much. The coast is in quite a mess now. I couldn’t even start to explain the conditions out here but I know you’ll be able to be careful. I have all the faith in the world in my wife.

How are Mother and Dad Albright? I hope they are both fine. Give them my love and I’m glad that Ed has come through. Things will be all ok.

Darling, I love you so much. I’m very happy that you are my wife. I always wanted you. We’ll have lots of happiness together as long as we can have each other. I know you love me too.

Well! Dear, I’m getting kind of shakey on the pen, so I’ll close for tonight. I’ll write you another letter tomorrow night. Take good care of yourself sweetheart. May God watch over us and guide us right into happiness.

Loads of xoxo from your loving sailor husband,
Joe

XXXXXXXXXX

( ) and a big planted one there for my one and only. I hope I collect some real ones from you soon.