An exceptional relationship between mother and son, and the words between the lines that told how love and lives were shaped by the war. A great manuscript for the devoted reader. A true reflection, best I can type it into words for viewing.  -Deb Barker

Jan 12 1943

Ottumwa Sep 17 1943

Ottumwa Sep 19 1943

Agency Oct 8 1943

Oct 17 1943

 

 

 

LORING LETTERS
 

Tues Eve

Mar 16/43

Dear Son

Your letter of the 14th came today & I have been busy sewing all day. I am going over to the Convention this evening to hear the Sailor Boy preach. I heard a little over the radio this afternoon. Betty went to town & spoiled my going today. She got her first allotment checks yesterday of $62.00 each. 2 of them & she had to go to town & try to spend them but couldn’t find anything to spend them on that she had planned to do. Couldn’t even get sheets for the baby’s bed.

I sure was glad to get your letter today, it sounded so good and now I am going to be so busy getting my clothes ready & taking care of things. I will need every minute of my time & how I wish I were alone. The bathroom is full of diapers, bathinette, etc. Until you can’t get thro.

The wind has been blowing a gale all day and it blew yesterday until it rained & turned cold. We had snow- flurries today & only 15 above. The sun has been shining by spurts & spells. I got the film today & Betty took it to the drug store to have them finished & they said it would be about a week. I ordered 5 prints of each. I can’t hardly wait to see that 170 lbs, Ha, Ha, Ha. Didn’t I tell you that you would be a fat guy someday?

Yesterday, I felt that you would be getting your leave soon. I don’t know why but all day I did. I will try to have everything ready so all you will have to do will be the nailing up. Yes, I think it will be April before you get it and the Lord knows best. I know how the people there feel about knowing me. That is the way when they come to know one member of a family well. Maybe we can drive back by Upchurch’s if we go thro Texas to get the tires.

I hope I don’t disappoint the folks with my voice. Mrs Stoltz said just when she got me in good shape something always came up to stop my lessons. Well she should worry. She gets her money.

This Mrs Ash who wants the lot next to Mrs Harry wants it for potatoes mostly. I would just as soon have the cash & then I wouldn’t have to depend on their word for tomatoes. I have a lot of beans & fruit left. I’ve still got about 20 or 25 qts of tomatoes.

So Jim is going to hang on to you. Well I give him credit for knowing a good thing when he sees it. I have never answered Margarets last letter. Maybe I can when I get rid of this gang. Her ironing is still in the basket since last Friday. I hope it mildews & then she will take care of things a little better. I got sense out of your 2 letters even if you did write them in a hurry.

I am glad you got your clothes anyway. So we will blossom out together. I am hemming dresses & making dresses & all that. Well, I must close now and get off to the meeting. Will write & tell you about it tomorrow. Lots of Love, from Mother & Bobby