Pfc Oliver Bilhorn

Co A 3^rd Tng Bn 36722105

Camp Wheeler

Ga.

Mrs. J.G Bilhorn

1813 N Kedzie Av

Chicago, Ill.

Jan. 31, 1943

My Dear Oliver-

I am so sorry I have not been able to write before this, I had another “nerve shock” the day before Christmas. Donald came in morning and went to basement and found a water pipe frozen and burst. I went down but got hysteria, something I never had and just screamed “help, help”-We got it and Mrs. Margraff helped me up the stairs and phoned Chesters. He & his boys came. Catherina keeps a fire going down there now. The plumber just came to-night and said he would give Chester an estimate. I expect it will be $30 or more. I received your last letter to-day. I pray God they will not ship you overseas. If they do I’ll leave you in His care for I do not think I will be here much longer. My vitality is waning every day. God knows best we are probably living in the last days of prophecy before the Coming of the Lord. Sorry about your tooth. Do not worry we all have to lose them. Chesters boys & some seven in all surprised me and marched in caroling “Silent Night” Christmas Eve. The tree is very pretty and looks like they used to when you were home. The little “Santa” you had when a little boy of 4 is on the piano next to your little trimmed tree, also your soldier pictures. I think your pictures are great and thanks a million. S.S – entertainment was attended by grown-ups. The S.S. children did not come. I was there- Lousia got me. Chester could not have announced it right. He will give them their candy Sunday. Mrs. Barlow Jimmy, Byrgamis, Iverson Chester, Merid, Clement James and a little girl they brought were there besides Lou & Cath & J. I received Go Christmas Cards. We are having some very cold weather and I bundle up and keep good fires. No snow but flurries. Catherina & I will have dinner tomorrow 1:30 P.M. Will have pork roast. Chesters are going out to Lousia’s Phil has to go to Florida & California. He is in bad condition with Asthma. Jan 10^th Well I just got back to finish this letter. My right arm and Chest and Lower back have had a severe attack of neuralgia. I have been almost helpless and not able to go out since Christmas entertainment. I am afraid Chester is getting discouraged with the small attendance and making fires there and so few coming. God knows all about it and so I can only trust Him for guidance. My days are nearly spent and I am so helpless – It is surely trying. Jan 10- continued. Catherina took all the material down stairs to send you but I do not think she sent them. She still keeps all day and is up nights. I have to chase her down 10:30 to 11 P.M. as I want to go to bed. I get up 8-9 and sometimes the house is very cold. The floors are extremely so as she does not have but a fire in garbage stove when she is up. Can’t do anything with her but I am glad she looks after fire in basement. I expect she goes into everything is down there – for aging. I pray this war will soon come to an end- President Roosevelt will learn he is not what he promised before his election. The city wants basement for Apr 5^th so I hope there will not be any trouble with rainstorms. Mrs. Kyps’ father died and will be buried tomorrow. To-day is sunshiny and not quite so cold. Received your letters with $10 and $5. If you need any money let me know I gave Chester $10 for car license. Glad you got your tooth fixed/ I must close so Donny can mail this. Glad you are well. Trust in God to return you home safely and all the other boys of Church- With Love, Mama B.