December 2, 1943

Dearest Hal- We have all been under the weather for the last week or two. - most of us had what the Doctors are calling, “Cat Fever” and is a mild form of flu- Sara had it first and was over it before Elizabeth took it, fortunately- I don’t know what I had but felt very bad for two weeks –

Page came in Sat. to take her shot - Sam was not with her as he had come in a few days previous with “Pa Pa” and taken his, so I have not seen him for several weeks - He has grown much taller and is a splendid looking boy, like his Dad - I am glad to see him healthier looking than he used to be- Page brought me the radio - I have wanted one so much – Don’t fuss about not hearing from Page and Eliz

Eliz writes you regularly and faithfully and Page says she writes oftener since she is teaching so you will have to blame it on the heavy Christmas mail here lately - Bits has had another spell of lung congestion since he has been at Fort Monroe - was in the hospital so missed some of his classes and one test - He says that his course is in C.A. special equipment - That he hopes to get a rating out of it if he can stand up to working from 7³⁰ A.M. to 9 P.M. even on Sunday - Says he should be made a Corp - a Buck Sergeant- or a Staff Sergeant - I hope he makes it, but I don’t think he should be sent over seas - I don’t believe he can stand up to it - Billy is very thankful to have riding boots and arctics to keep his feet dry - he has been offered 100.⁰⁰ for the outfit -It is unobtainable there - William B. landed in Australia last month. They had not heard from him for 7 weeks-

All my love - Mother