Markus

Sally Mac Laren (sally@AMUG.ORG)
Thu, 29 May 1997 17:04:53 -0700 

Dear Markus,
  Perhaps I should begin by telling you that I am a retired registered
nurse. My fiance was killed at the Death March on Batton. Naturally, I
was devastated and decided to enlist in the Army Nurse Corps which I
did. Served in it for 2 1/2 years. I was stationed at Fort Harrison
and then went overseas where I was in North Africa, Sicily, and
England. I was one of the fortunate few who met a super pilot and was
married in Sicily in 1943. I became pregnant and was sent back to the
states. Was discharged from the serive a month before the birth of our
first daughter. I returned to Ohio and lived with my parents until my
husband was discharged in l944. It was all quite strange to me then.
My father, who was a teacher, was then working in a factory and my
mother was running their insurance agency. I had to apply for a ration
book, which I received promptly. I don't remember the price of
gasoline, but it was strictly rationed. Of course only the most
necessary driving was done then. My mother was an excellent manager of
the food ration books and though our meals weren't as they had been
previously, they were certainly more than adequate. Following the
birth of our daughter, red stamps were necessary for purchasing the
evaporated milk for her formula. The problem developed when my mother
-in-law ( whom I had never met before) came and talked me into
returning to Mass. with the baby to await the arrival home of my
husband. She wasn't quite the manager that my mother was and I made
the mistake of just turning over both of our ration books to her. The
day after we got there she went shopping and bought butter and meat
and suddenly my stamps were all gone. Fortunately a phone call to my
mother saved the day as she sent me some of hers. Without them, my
baby would have had no formula. My sister, who was also a registered
nurse, was working and at that time she was making just $75 plus her
room and board a month. This may not be of any help to you. However,
if you have any questions I would be happy to try to answer them for
you. I am happy to report that we did have a happy ending though. We
are still married after almost 54 years now, have three lovely
children, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. I wish you
luck in your endeavor. Sally- living the good retired life in sunny
Arizona and am also an active volunteer for Hospice and give them
about 20-25 hours a week.