Thursday, May 1, 1941

Now that Mildred left, I am again working as Mr. Hitchcock’s secretary.  His work alone keeps me busy all day.  Tonight while I was practicing, Ed came up and afterwards Frank Adamzyk.  We picked up Zosh and went to see the fireworks at Mt. Park.  So far this week I haven’t had a chance to be lonesome. 

Thus begins probably the most bumpy ride I’ve been on since this project began. Yes, May 1, 1941 is a mundane day, but trust me, this transcribing becomes less and less mundane as the month speed along with both thrills and heartaches. In fact, the actual word “rollercoaster” was transcribed multiple times this May.

I will take a moment to mention that I am very happy to be back, as I have said before. Yes, you may certainly blame my return on New Year’s Resolutions. I am shocked/not shocked to realize that I haven’t posted since August. I’d blame 2020, but we know I’ve always come and gone. Whatever the case, it warrants a reminder of where we left off, even though it is only a post ago.

“Jakey” passed all the tests he needed to join flight school. He left for Alabama in the middle of “last month.” And here starts the missives, in April, only two postcards, sent along his journey south. However, a large box full of meticulously archived letters begin this month and , *spoiler*, they are amazing. The narrative switches from Babu’s short journal entries, often alerting us that she received letters from Jake, and long, descriptive, stumbling half love letters, have detailed accounts of…well, you’ll have to read on to find out.

Happy New Year every one! If you do nothing else, be forgiving with yourself.