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Letters from Roslyn to Walter Felson sent during World War II
Jan 10, 1944
Monday nite -

My sweets--

Hope you are well. Gosh, I'd vibe a hundred dollars right now to be able to talk to you and hear your voice. It seems so very long since I've spoken to you -- and just ages since I've seen you. The last glimpse of you was a shadow in the dark outside the officers club at Fort Dix. Wish I had you in my arms right now. Oh, me, I do so much wishing and thinking, and longing these days.

Everything is fine (?) here. We all go along in our daily routine, trying to lead as normal a life as possible. I go about doing my usual tasks and ever so often catch myself day dreaming--and wondering. I often wonder why I am doing these things -- my life seems so purposeless -- no incentive -- except for the fact that I must keep things up for the kids, I often feel that I would give up.

Your income tax blanks came today with a bill for $220 +. I sent them a letter stating that you were overseas. I hope that settles the issue.

I'm listening to "Information Please" -- there are certain programs that I always think of as yours -- this is one of them. It is always tops.

I heard a very interesting program tonight on Cavelcade of America. They portrayed parts of the Ernie Pyle's book, many incidents which I had read in the newspaper articles. It was well done and made me a bit heartsick. Naturally, everything I see and hear and read these days about war and combat, I apply to you and picture you as a participant. Would you call me a hypocondriac, or a neurotic, or a psychotic, or do they have a new medical term for wives on the home front? Perhaps they are not all as suggestive and susceptible as I am. I wonder if I'll become more immune and hardened, or whether I'll grow worse, as time goes on. I know I am not supposed to write of such feelings to a soldier, but as I've always told you, you are the only person in the world to whom I can pour out my heart. To others, I probably appear very cheerful, as the saying goes "brave." I really have put on a "front", because I don't want any so-called supporting, and I know it does my spirits no good to go around moping all day.

Your 'girls" as cute as ever. If I could only write the million things they do and say all day -- for example, when they "play pillows" on the living room floor. They throw the pillows at each other and giggle and screech, and when they run around the kitchen table after each other, becoming hilarious and dizzy until one of them falls, and how they play "pretend" with their dolls, when Judy is the doctor and Elaine is the patient. She allows Judy to take her temp. cover her up, bandage one of her limbs, and give her "raisin pills." Elaine can sit for hours looking at magazines and books--especially "my book house"-- which is still her favorite. I know you would love to see Judy dust and clean the house. She tears off a piece of cloth about the size of a small handkerchief, wraps it around her forefinger and dusts the banisters and railings in the hall. She is so proud of the dirt she accumulates, and the more soiled the cloth becomes, the better the job.

Tonight at supper we had a good laugh. Judy has been in the habit of whispering as I told you and each time we sit at the table, she uses lip language. She moves her lips and asks me what she is saying and I have to guess. Such games! Well, Elaine, the little mimic, began moving her lips in all sorts of distorted movements saying "what am I saying, mother?" and when Judy and I laughed loud and hard, she would say "don't laugh! what am I saying?"

Her cheeks were a brilliant red from being out in the wind this afternoon. She looked so adorable with her cheeks glowing and her black eyes sparkling and popping. I read them their usual bedtime stories and they were both so slap happy, giggling over everything I read. Sometime, I wish that I were as innocent as they. However, they realize only too well that the "light of their lives" is away.

Today, my heart ached for Judy. She had been listening to the radio and came rushing in to me shouting "Mother, mother, 200 Japs were seized, goody Daddy's coming home! I had to disillusion her by telling her that their were lots more than 200 Japs and there were logs more Germans too.

She too, has the same attitude about this war -- it's a personal one -- involving only one soldier. I suppose it's a selfish outlook, but only a human one.

Some medical literature cam in the mail, advertising a number of books, there were several that I thought might interest you. If you have the time and inclination to read such material. I'll enclose the pamphlets, and if you should want either book, let me know.

Did I tell you that we didn't have to pay our electric bill of $7.21? They gave this as a bonus to all patrons for the month of Dec. We got something for nothing for a change.

I am sending for some material and books on Jewish stories and history for the children. We will have a miniature Sunday school --which I think they all need. Judy has become very "God" conscious and constantly asks questions. I have told her a bit about being Jewish and she has popped off with questions that have stumped me too. I think I had better get a book on Jewish history and read it before I try to do any teaching. Perhaps I'll be able to teach you a thing or two when you return.

I'm still looking in the mailbox twice a day, awaiting a letter from you. I do hope I get one this week. I hope too, that you have received mail from by this time. I understand it takes longer for the men overseas to get mail than it does for use to receive it from you. We shall see.

I love you so very, very, much sweets.
Ros.

 


Copyright © 2001 by Judith Felson Duchan
Last revised:
Please send comments or corrections to duchan@acsu.buffalo.edu