26 Mar March 26, 1944

Letter
from: Alice Shonkwiler
to: Pvt George W. Shonkwiler
March 26th, 1944, Sunday, 9.30 p.m.
Noteworthy: Mom’s eventful days

My dearest,

I’m terribly sorry to disappoint you and also disrupt all our plans, but it
seems it was not meant to be.  Today is the eventful day I’ve been waiting for,
and if you figure closely, you’ll find that the day will reoccur the 22nd of
April, approximately.  I’m sorry, but what can I do?  The best thing would be
to make it a week earlier or at least two weeks later as I may be late again.
Unpredictable, that’s me.  Can you change your reservations at the guest house
to a week earlier?  I hope so, otherwise it will have to be two weeks later.
It never fails.  Holidays, vacation, and so on.  I always have bad luck.  It’s
my jinx.  Please write at once special delivery airmail so I can make my
train reservations.

I did my house cleaning today even tho it is Sunday as we left early to go to
the play yesterday, Eleanor bowled

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again today and while she was gone, it started to snow again.  It’s over six
inches deep now.  In the middle of the snow storm, it started to lightening and
thunder.  Sounds unbelievable doesn’t it, but it’s the God’s truth.  I didn’t
believe my ears so I asked Marge when she came in tonight and they were out at
Murray’s folks and they all saw and heard it too.  You should be glad you’re in
Florida, but of course our weather is far from monotonous.
Summer one day, winter the next the[n] the next day spring -- oh me!

Gladys called me this morning and apologized for not writing or calling sooner
but said Dick is going to Indianapolis for his physical next Friday, and she’s
quit her job and is learning his.  Said she’s so tired of night, doesn’t have
ambition to do anything.  She makes his route with him every day and will take
over when and if he leaves.  Said she owes you a letter and will write right
away.  Also wants me to come out with Murray and Marge next time they drive
out to see

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his folks.  She also said she exchanged Ronnie’s overalls for a size six (6)
but hasn’t gotten around to sending them yet.  Guess she thought she’d get them
large enough this time.

I’m glad I didn’t drive to Rockford this week-end as I might have run into the
snow storm on the way.  Anyway, I’m so sick with my cold, cough and so on, plus
the other, that I couldn’t have made it anyway.  I hope I get over this cold
soon, it’s getting me down.  Certainly tickled that Ronnie is over his, even
if he did pass it on to me.

We asked Ronnie where his Daddy was today and he said, "Daddy’s in the Army in
Florida, Daddy’s a soldier!"  And then he saluted and said, "’tention!"
(attention).  He woke up this morning and stood up in bed and (I have your
photo when you were 18 on the chest of drawers) said, "Hi, Daddy" and pointed
to your photo.  I think he’ll still remember you when he sees you so don’t
worry, honey!

Well I made some lemon chiffon pie for dinner and Eleanor and I are

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going to finish it before we retire, so I’ll say good night Sweetheart and
the sweetest of all dreams to you.

With all our love,
Mommy and Ronnie.

P.S.
How about some more letters?  You’re slipping.  I’ll forgive you tho, as I
know you don’t have much time.

Love, Mommy