Back in the USA

[postmarked August 12, 1945]

Sunday –

Dearest Helen –

Here I am back in Syracuse on a week-end pass. I got in yesterday afternoon and will leave tonight at 9 o’clock. The folks were surprised to see me as they hadn’t expected me to get a pass so soon.

Somehow, the house seems empty without you – and yet you seem to be here. I expect you to walk into the room at any moment. It’s the first time I’ve seen the place without you and it’s hard to get used to. Mom and Max also miss you very much – and wanted a first-hand account of how you are.

Last night, I slept in your – or should I say “our” – bed and the memories were strong enough so that it was quite a while before I could fall asleep. I could see you combing your hair in the mirror – you seemed to be lying close beside me – you were beside me this morning in the breakfast nook. So, you see, my sweet one, you are with me always.

I received your first letter just before I left on pass. I liked the picture of you very much. Incidentally, the pictures we had taken here are ready and you’ll find them somewhere in this envelope. That is, all but one – it’s the one of you and I in the chair and you look so wonderful that I just can’t bear to part with it. But we’re having some more prints made and I’ll send it to you soon.

The radio has been going continually and we’re waiting for some definite news. It seems almost certain that the Japs will accept the surrender terms – there may be some more petty wrangling over the terms, but I’m sure that it’ll all be over in a few days, and then I’ll be waiting for the long awaited discharge. With the war ended – I don’t know what will happen to the outfit. It may be broken up and everyone sent to different camps or we may remain at Pine Camp. But at any rate, we definitely won’t leave the country. How long it’ll take to be discharged is a moot question – but I’m sure the points will be lowered to the vicinity of my score. So, all in all, we’re on the right track and will be pulling into the right station very soon.

Best regards to your folks – and from Max and Olga.

All my love –
Ted

P.S. Mom has been hugging and kissing me for you – she wanted me to be sure to tell you this.