Bessie Kotowski Zabielski

Mother of Ray

Immigrated through Ellis Island

January 15, 1944

Dear Grace,

I sure am sorry that I have not answered your letter sooner.  I would have but I guess you know by now that I am not a very dependable guy.

I am so sorry that you did not enjoy my company and I sure am sorry I could have not set myself with you in high.  I know you never said anything that you disliked my company but I could tell by the expression on your face that you were.

I really did have the swellest time ever and I think it was awful nice of you to invite me to spend a week end at your house.  I think that you are the swellest girl that I know and I really mean that.  I hope you found your purse and are wearing those cpl. strips I gave you.

I sure had a rough trip from Ft. Worth to Chicago.  I had to stand up all the way.

When I left your house I left at 10 a.m. I arrived in San Angelo at 7:30 in the evening.  I hitch hiked all the way to San Angelo.  It was 283 miles.  I did not know it was so far to Matador from Angelo because I am not allowed to travel over 250 miles on 3 day passes.

I am enclosing a card I was going to send you but did not.

I have no more news so I guess I'll be closing unatil I hear from you.  Soon I do hope.

Love as ever,
Ray

P.S.  Give my regards tothe swellest bunch of folks that you have.  They sure were grand to me.