February 27, 1944

My dearest Hal,

Today was almost like spring. Peggy, Sam and I walked down to the river. It is one of Sam’s favorite pastimes and we had not been for quite a long time. Sam likes to throw sticks in the water on one side of the bridge and then dash across to see whose stick comes out first on the other side. It keeps me busy just watching for cars. But it is a very thrilling game and one that Sam never seems to tire of.

Sam needs someone to romp and play with so much. I do hope you are going to have a little more time for us than you had when you were stationed at Bragg. We are not complaining for we will be happy to have any of you that the army can spare. Sam is getting large enough for you to really enjoy him now. I know you will have a grand time together.

Mother and Peggy are both feeling better today. Mother seems to still have right much cold and has to go back to Dr. Thomas and have her nose packed again. Daddy had a bad day today. Sometimes the shots he is taking make him feel mighty bad and today he can hardly get around. I wish people never had to grow old and suffer from all the infirmities of age. It seems to me the doctors could do something about arthritis especially when so many comparatively young people suffer from it. We all feel so sorry for poor Mr. Hackman. He has suffered so much and so long and nothing seems to do him any lasting good. His oldest son is going in the Navy next week. He is also losing the very good man he has had in the store for several years so he really is in a bad spot. He is not able to work in the store or on his farm and I think he is pretty blue about what will happen to both of them.

I am scared to death they can’t find another teacher for the room I had. I have agreed to go back for a week while they try to get someone. The one they had couldn’t take it I guess. She said the children made her nervous. There are only 47 in that room and I really don’t wonder it is quite a difficult job. I know if mother tries to do the cooking she will be sick again. She should rest until she is really well but she insists on my helping them out.

Darling, you never write about your troubles. I hope this means you don’t have any, tough of course I know better. Don’t worry over mine; these things always work out. Just come home soon and I will forget all about ever having had any.

All my love,

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