November 18, 1942 – Psychological Exam, Belated B'day Wishes,and Mary

Wednesday Eve.

Dear Mom + Dad,

I’m dead tired tonight as I had a rather tough day. I took my psychological exam today and it is a 7 hour exam and believe me it tires you. You have to be mentally awake all the time and it is a strain on you. As a result I feel a bit tired after it all. Of course you can’t tell how you did but I’m not worrying about that, it is the physical that will knock me out.

I had better start out with something that has been on my mind since I received your letter. You know how forgetful I am about dates. Well I never gave my Dad’s birthday a thought I plumb forgot all about it. You can’t realize Dad how sorry I am. It isn’t often that you get a chance to show how much you mean to me and then I go and forget all about one of the chances. Well it is too late now to do anything now. So Dad let me wish you belated returns on the day and express my regrets at having forgotten. Please forgive me!

So Brother is taking up something new. I’m glad for his sake for I hope he can advance himselves. I know he will have a tough time for awhile but it will probably be worth it. Let me know a little more of the details. If he moved maybe I can drop him a line.

Did you know that my girl friend Mary went and got engaged on me. She has been going with this fellow from L. Island for a long time. He was just commissioned a 2nd “license” and was home on furlough not so long ago. Now Mary is wearing an engagement ring. My girls all seem to have a habit of doing things like that. Oh well I guess I can get another one. Mary is a swell kid so I hope she gets a little happiness out of the deal. Next time you see her give her your best. I have to write to her and congratulate her on it.

Incidentally I don’t remember if I asked you for the phone number of home or not. So if I didn’t please send it to me.

Well in a few days I’ll know what my fate is to be. I’m not worried about it and yet I rather hate to get out now. Well I take whatever comes up with no grumbles. At least I tried.

I’m going to quit now as I’m tired I’ll write tomorrow.

Love

Bob

P.S. I hear Jimmy is overseas, see if you can find out anything.