On Shipboard
June 8, 1944
Dear girls,
News last night, by wireless, of the invasion. Cheering hadn’t died down before I suddenly got a flash realization that this war may be over in our time. For so long now it has seemed that the war would last indefinitely – just couldn’t see the end of it, stretching on for a couple of years at least. But now, with luck, it is possible at last that I might be home by a year from now, with no more than a couple more campaigns under my belt. Seems impossible of course, but it could happen. God knows, I’ve never wanted anything so much in my life.
Nothing much has been happening. A lot of briefing, and exercising in the steaming heat. Played a lot of Monopoly, of all things. In fact, it’s quite the rage, the Red Cross having broken out with a couple dozen games – it’s ideal for passing away the time. Also playing some bridge – wisely I didn’t bring much money, so I can’t play poker. Funny, though, how much time you can waste, just in the daily business of living – showers, sleep, eating – only an hour or two of real work in the day, and yet somehow the rest of it passes.
One has to be in the mood to write a letter, or it is worse than none at all – I’m not in it this afternoon – maybe tomorrow.
Love,
Eagle