17 Nov November 17, 1944

Letter
from: Mrs. G. Shonkwiler
to: Pvt George W. Shonkwiler
November 17, 1944
Friday, 11:30 P.M., Rockford

Helllo, Darling,

S’pose you’ll never forgive me for not writing you a letter yesterday, but it
was late when I got home, and I was so sleepy.

Yesterday afternoon I went downtown shopping.  Ronnie was taking his nap, so I
went alone.  I had to buy Chuck a birthday gift as his birthday is Nov. 21st.
I bought a pair of brown leather slippers, but I didn’t give them to him
because I found that he already had a pair.  I also purchased two leather
helmets with a piece of fur across the forehead, but the one I bought for
Ronnie is too large, and I intended giving one to Bobby for Christmas.  They’re
darling helmets, and it’s too bad that I’ll have to return the one I got for
Ronnie.

Last night I called a friend of mine who lives in Lanes Park and after I

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put Ronnie to bed, I went out there to <? > evening, as her husband works from
4:00 P.M. until 5:00 A.M. every day, and she’s alone evenings.  We gossiped and
had sandwiches, cake and coffee during the evening, and before we knew it, it
was 12:30 A.M., and by the time I got home, it was after 1:00, and hence, no
letter to my honey.  I’m a meanie, aren’t I?

Today this girl and I planned to drive up to Beloit, Wis., to see Elsie, as she
had the afternoon off from her crockery store, but as luck would have it this
girl’s husband came home from work this morning with his back and shoulder all
twisted up from overstrain, cold or something and she had to stay home and take
care of him and put hot water bottles on his back, etc.  Well, anyway, I went
to Beloit alone, and spent the afternoon with

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Elsie, shopping and had lunch and dinner with her.  I bought myself a chiffon
scarf and got my brother a pair of pajamas for his birthday.

I got home at 8:00 tonight.  Stopped at Fred and Judy’s to see my Aunt, but no
one was home.  When I got home, Chuck and Betty went to a show and I was
nursemaid tonight for all three children.  I called Muriel’s sister and she
came over until they came home at 11:00, and that brings us up to now.  Does
that sound exciting to you?  Maybe I should have called on an old flame or two
and it would have been more fun, huh?  From what you tell me, guess I can’t do
that either - darn it!  For you, honey, I’ll be a good girl! O.K.?

I think I’ll be going home Sunday, but I sure hate to think of that long ride,
especially as it’s getting rather cold and dreary now.  Last

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Tuesday when I came, it was warm, sunshining and a beautiful day for a drive.

I kept wondering where you are, as I haven’t had a letter since the one dated
Oct. 31st, and that was last Monday.  Elinor was going to send my mail if I
rec’d any, but so far I haven’t, so guess I’m out of luck.

Wonder sometimes if you think of me and get as lonesome as I do.  Just seems to
get the best of me at times, and then I try to be careful and look at the sunny
side again.  Elsie’s husband is in the Navy, and his A.P.O. address has been
changed from New York to San Francisco, so she thinks he’s in the Pacific
somewhere.  She had two letters since he left the States, but guess he can’t

tell her where he is.  We had a gay, old time today talking about our husbands

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and sympathizing with one another.

I hope to see a show here before I go home, as it may be a long time before I
get to see one after I get back home.  Eleanor is having her cyst operation
next week, and I s’pose she won’t be back for a couple weeks.  I think I’ll be
pretty lonesome being home alone every night - and scared too, as the Pages
never get home until about 1:00 A.M., and week-ends it seems they’re always
out of town visiting some relative or another.  I s’pose I’ll survive, but it
won’t be much fun, I’ll say that much.

Judy looks awfully fat lately.  Hope it is natural bulk and not because she’s
been a naughty girl. Time will tell!  She seems to have a terrific appetite,
if that means anything.

Well, honey, think of me on Thanksgiving Day, as I’ll be spending

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it all by myself.  Ronnie and me, of course.  Gladys sort of asked me to come
out there, but don’t think I’ll go, as I was just there two weeks ago.  Edith
also asked if I’d be back by Thanksgiving, and I gave a very indefinite answer,
as I don’t want her to invite me over there.  I’d rather buy a little chicken
just for Ronnie and myself, and have our own party.  The holidays will be
pretty tough to get through all alone, as I’ll be twice as miserable without
you then.

Well until that wonderful day when Ronnie and I can meet the boat, we’ll love
our Daddy by mental telepathy, I guess, and just wait, hope, and pray for the
best.

All our love and kisses, too
Mom and Ronnie.