One Never Appreciates Things Until He Is Denied Them

May 23rd, 1944 – Wednesday 8 P.M., D-14

Darling Mother –

Here I am feeling swell + thinking of the ones I love at home. The sun is just starting to go down + I wish that you could see it Mom. Well saying its “beautiful” is about the only way that I can explain it. I’m not good at putting my feelings down on paper.

Things are all quieted down for the evening + I’m sitting here chewing on some licorice of all things + feeling nice + comfy.

One of the boys from Pennsylvania got a box of things from home + of course we couldn’t let him get away without passing it out, so, hence the licorice – Ha. Honest Mother, seems as though anything connected with the good old U.S. is so wonderful. Think its because I’m Yankee. Ha. All kidding aside though, we boys were only talking today of how much we’ll appreciate civilian life once more. I’m never never going to be angry about anything when I get out of this army.

How true it is that one never appreciates things until he is denied them Mom! How true.

Army life is the same old thing Mom. Wish I could say more about it but heck! There’s really nothing of importance happening – I might add, that I know of, Ha.

These military secrets knock me out. Sometimes I wonder if I’m in England or not! but not for long. Gee! There’s no mistake about it after getting around.

Poor “G.I. Joe” – feel like the sad sack sometimes.

Don’t know if I told you or not but I finally answered Clarence’s letter. Gee! I’ll just bet he’s lonesome. Honest Mother I wouldn’t want to live without my darling. Away, well I am, I know, but after we knock Hitler out of action I know she’ll be waiting for me Mom!

How’s the best father in the world doing, best sister + doggies too? Give them my “best” and take extra-special care of them.

Well Mother dear I’m running out of things to say so I’m afraid I’ll have to say nighty nite for now. You know I’ll keep you informed so I’ll sign off for now.

So – until real soon again

Your Ever Loving Son + Soldier Boy

Len

P.S. Take extra-special care of “my sweet” for me mother till I come home.

Mom! How I love her.