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239 This isn’t in the proper order Tuesday - 8:30 P.M. April 24th My Dearest One: If I thought I was going right to sleep last night, I had another think coming. Wendy woke up while I was getting ready for bed and stayed awake two hours, talking happily to herself and banging on the crib. Finally I got up, paddled her little rump through her sleepers, rubber panties and two diapers, and we both went to sleep. Its hard to know what to do sometimes - it wasn’t Wendy’s fault that she woke up, and of course she’s still too young to reason with - I hate to make her cry. This morning I took her into bed with me for a romp before we got up - she always talks a blue streak when she wakes up, and when she hears [pg 2] me say “Mornin little sweetie” - she thrashes around like a frisky pup. Just as we finished breakfast, the Special man came with your package. Now, Mr. J. don’t you know better than to send me a birthday present not marked “Do Not Open”? I loved getting the pyjamas - those are still my favorite pair - the ones we got to take to Colorado Springs, Taos, and Santa Fe - I’m saving them to wear Friday night- saving the gum too (that’s being real good, because I haven’t had any for ages) the little package I didn’t unwrap. Laughed at your note on the back of a Lionel Pass - was almost tempted to fill it out appropriately and send it back to you. Helen brought me the long envelope containing the school schedule, paper, etc. Chuckled over [pg 3] the 24 hr. shore leave story. Reminded me of something that happened yesterday afternoon. Gerry and I and the two young’uns were sitting in the park waiting for the paper to come up. Gerry said suddenly, “Gee I wish Reinie was coming home today so I could fix dinner for him.” I came back without stopping to think with, “Hell, why waste time with dinner.” Gerry -just burst out laughing-and said “You really have something there.” When Wendy and I got down to the P.O. we found your very cryptic letter written while on duty “time ripe for a couple of letters” -I’ll try hard not to be too curious. I just keep hoping darling - that something will bring you back to me very soon. I am sorry about your cold - how I wish I was there to take [pg 4] care of you and feed you in bed. I’d rub your back too - gently, the way you like it best - to say nothing of fixing you some special hot drinks - But our day will come and we’ll probably have lots of colds and other minor ills to take care of for each other. I’m glad you were able to stay in bed for a morning g- hope it fixed you up. We were supposed to go to tea at Agnes Martineau’s this afternoon but I felt too tired to push Wendy down and back, I’m feeling lots more rested this evening after staying home quietly all afternoon (except for a quick trip down to the P.O. to mail the pajamas off to you.) I got all your letters to date, filed in eight manuscript folders. They are all labeled, and look [pg 5] very tidy - Reread #s25-50 this evening. They cover your trip to the island, and the first few weeks there. Things certainly have changed since then - in one letter you mention the opening exercises for the new school - The tone of our letters has changed too - just enough to show that we are both more sure of ourselves, and that you are no longer as concerned for me making out alright. Those first months were so acutely miserable - now the pain is somewhat blunted, I miss and want you every bit as much, but I don’t feel quite so desperate. I love you fully, and now I know what that really means. Happily, Wendy is taking up lots more of my time, and I don’t have time just to sit down and feel unhappy - I like it better this way - just being able to take [pg 6] you happily thru the day with us. Darling - I want you terribly much - but comfort myself with anticipating the joy of being together again - please make it come soon- Sweety - I’ve repeated a lot of words - my letters are getting scrawly - but that’s because I write just before going to bed, and I guess I’m always a little bit sleepy. No matter, I like to wait, so you’ll be sure to hear about all that’s been happening during the day. Would like to walk down to the P.O. now, but after poking my head outdoors - decide, its too cold and gloomy - guess I’ll go to bed, and this time see if I can manage it without waking Wendy- She’s just learned to make noisy smacking kisses, and has been sending them to you all day - I’ll add a great big hug. Sleep tight - sweet dreams- I love you very much- Bobby
