The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-04-19
By BETTY BLANCHARD

They were all young-very young. Swinging the hands of girls, they strode with youthful vigor and light step over the spacious lawns or through the large, cozy reception rooms of Old Farms ConvaleScent Hospital for blind soldiers,
 Others, grouped about tables on the lawn or within the fine old Eng fish buildings, were engaged in ami. mated conversation. Unrestrained laughter rang out everywhere.
 No one would have surmised at first glance that these fine young American men, SO full or zest for life, were permanently blinded. They reflected no bitterness, no resent n1ent, no hatred because war had robbed them for all time of the sight of beauty and light and the fullness of living. Only close exam lnation revealed that they did not move their heads or their eyes fre- quently.
 In the fine old English buildings overlooking the Pennington river, more than 100 Army men, who had encountered catastrophe and eternal darkness on the battlefield, were be- ing trained to adjust themselves to their new way of life. All the rec sources of modern psychology, edu~ cation and training were being used to enable them to make c living and to enjoy a life, despite their handi- cap.
 As dusk fell, the tall. handsome khaki figures drifted into the soft ly-lit reception room to enjoy the doughnutS and coffee provided that evening by the canteen unit, Water bury branch of the American Red Gross. Others jitter-hugged with light-footed girls to the tune of Q luke box in the recreation room.
 Yet as the couples paired of, here and there could be seen Q soli- tary figure, lapsing into solemn thought. A smiling and gracious Red Cross woman psychologist irn- inediately brought companion to his side, either a visiting girl or an- other soldier.
 Important Letter
 Tn the far rear of the pine- paneled reception room, & soldier with broad shoulders and sandy hair sat alone. facing the window. Star Ing upward into the outer darkness, It appeared he was lost iT Q pleas ant dream. He was quietly chuckling to himself.
 Good evening"" we ventured, wondering if this happy mood should be interrupted.
 "Oh, good evening. nam" he said cordially with e soft western twang. Ills eyes were blue and bright as a summer sky. Only a bit of dis. coloration on the upper cheekbone indicated he had been c victim of 6 mine disaster.
 T suppose you're wonder what I'm laughing about. I've been sitting here for hours-just laughing and laughing. The funniest thing hap pened to me today. I was typing a Ietter-A very important letter." he added, blushing ever SO slightly,
 T wanted every word to be just right. bet 1t took me about two hours to write two pages. Tn fact, when I reached the bottom of the second page, had worked so hard on the thing, I forgot what I said m the beginning. So called the iil- structor over to read me the letter. And what do you suppose hap penedp" Once again he burst into a full-hearted chuckle and slapped his knee.
 The typewriter ribbon had slip. ped, and there wasn't one word on either page. Isn't that a scream? And here was so intent on every word, because it was such a very irn- portant letter" Again he reflected a tinge of chagrin.
 "Oh, you needn't be embarrassed" we said. Its very obvious it was letter to your girl and you like her very much"
 Fond Hopes
 He seemed relieved. That's right. Say how did you know? That's right. But -he's a very wonderful girl. A swell kid. He shook his head proud ", and stared again in the direction of the window, hia face beaming with light of fond hopes.
 T bet she is--and pretty, too" we said.
 Say that's right. How'd you know thatP" completely unaware there were other pretty girls in the world. Honestly, nam, she's as pretty as q picture. Lovely hair and big eyes. Nice figure, too. met her in Phila- delphia just before I went overseas. And what do you suppose? She comes from Connecticut - from Southington."
 Well. that explains why she's so nice. She must be a good cook, too, if she comes from Connecticut"
 He laughed and leaned toward the table. You know Nam, you seem to understand. So I'm going to tell you a secret" Cupplng his hands around his mouth. he Whis- ,ered. Were going to get mar