Telegram: January 19, 1942

January 19, 1942, Monday

Today was one of the most important days of my life. A telegram came today from my darling soldier boy which read:

Spartenburg, South Carolina
January 18 – 4:47 p.m.
Mrs. W.J. Ryan
659 26th Avenue
San Francisco

Stephen jumped the gun. Arrived at 3:00 p.m today January 18, six pounds one ounce. Anne is just fine.
Captain Buddy.

Now isn't that enough to make any fond mother very, very proud? Stephen wasn't expected until about February first and it was a pleasant surprise to know that everything was over without those last anxious days of waiting. We didn't know that Kreigh had received his Captain's commission, although we knew he was expecting it. That made it two lovely surprises. My! but I'll wager he's so proud that he'll be like Pegotty – he'll bust his buttons". Pops was tickled, too. I think he's told everyone in the neighborhood already. I know that Kreigh and Anne always talked of "Susie", but I'm quite sure they wouldn't change Stephen – now that he's here. I wish they could come home. Darn this war! We'll have to hurry and win it, so that I can have my children back once again.
My head is just a whirl. Have planned so many things that hinged on the fact as to whether it was Stephen or Susie. Now I can go ahead and really carry out some of the plans.