March 2, 1944

My dearest Hal,

I am staying at home today taking care of our little boy who has the measles. Dr. Thomas has just been here and he confirmed our suspicions that Sam has the measles. He assured us that this is not a bad form of measles and he would probably have a mild case. I guess he got it at school. There seems to be quite an epidemic of it going around just now. I suppose he might as well have it now if he has to have it at all. I will have to stay home with him however, so I guess Mr. Cox is still having his troubles trying to find a teacher. I’ll be glad if and when they ever get someone to take it. It will certainly be a load off my mind.

Tish called me the other day to tell me that Mary E. had heard from Paul and he wrote that Lib was in the hospital sick, and the doctors did not know what was the matter with her. The children were staying with the neighbors and Paul had to try to look after them, drive 12 miles to the hospital to see Lib and still do his work. He sounds as though he had his hands pretty full. They all had the flu at Christmas time and then went home when Paul had his furlough in January. I always thought Lib was pretty husky, I know Tish isn’t strong but I didn’t imagine Lib would be the one to get sick.

You asked about the party Sis and Sara gave, but I have already told you about that in another letter. It was a “hen party.” I don’t suppose it would be possible to scare up any men for a party now. They are getting to be night scarce. I’m glad I don’t have to do my courting in such times as these.

It will seem wonderful to go somewhere with a man for a change but it is a thrill I’m saving until a certain major in the Army gets a leave. Then I hope to really celebrate. I think we might as well plan to make it a threesome because I don’t believe your son is going to be willing to let you out of his sight. I feel the same way, selfish as it may sound.

I am glad you sent Sara the money. I had planned to give her some but of course I did not know just how much you had in mind. I offered her a check but she refused it because she said “Nana” had sent her a check for $100, which she accepted and then another check for the same amount, which she said she did not intend to cash. Don’t ask me why she sent two or anything about it because I don’t know and I don’t ever like to ask any questions that would sound as though I were trying to pry.

I have sent Sara and Elizabeth each a check for $25.00. Of course that isn’t very much but I am sure they understand what my salary was and would not expect a great deal. I do appreciate the fact that they took care of “Nana” when I was not in a position to do so and I felt they should have something. I most certainly do not want to become in valued in any kind of a dispute over money or anything else but I don’t think you need to worry. I try to do what ever is expected of me. I don’t always know quite what it is but I suppose I manage fairly well. Anyway your family is always very nice to me, and if I don’t do to suit them they refrain from telling me about it.

Sara has had a bad time as Elizabeth probably told you, but with $100 from Nana and $200.00 from you she should manage fairly well. She has gotten some new clothes and when I last talked to her seemed much more cheerful. I think that getting “Nana” into Pine Camp Hospital probably saved everyone a grand now, and I for one am so thankful to have it work out as it has. Of course it has been hard on Elizabeth too. I guess she finds it hard just to pick up and leave her husband and things at home. She has taken care of “Nana” almost all the time since she came to Mrs. Hartman’s last summer. If only Nana can be content to stay at Pine Camp I think we would be fortunate to have her where she will be well cared. I know you were anxious for her to stay at Blue Ridge, which of course is what she should have done.

I saw in the paper that Rev. Foley of Lillington had accepted a call to Massy Creek Pres. Church. You know they considered calling him to Hebrew while we were living in Lillington but didn’t do it. I remember Jessie H. was on the committee and she asked me about him after I had come home to live. I think they were rather lucky in deciding as they did. Occasionally I run into Mr. Jameson somewhere and he always asks about you and seems so interested. I must tell him of your hunting experiences the next time I see him. He will enjoy that. I think it is so nice that you have time to hunt some. I know how much it means to you to be able to hunt and of course you need to relax as much as you can. Please darling, be a little careful. I know how hunting is considered quite dangerous even though you probably wont admit it, so please don’t take risks. You know very well I simply couldn’t stand it if anything should happen to you.

I would love to tell you some news if I knew any myself. This place isn’t very much for news and as I don’t get far from home you can see how it is. Bob has been to London twice on passes and seems to get a kick out of it. He doesn’t seem quite as homesick as his first letters sounded.

One of the casualties of war is Kleenex. You can’t get it anymore. You can imagine what that does to a drip like me.

Mother and Peggy are both feeling better this week. I wonder if I shall ever be able to say we are all well again. Anyway I’m thankful for even small blessings.

Darling, couldn’t you possibly make it spring instead of summer. I need to see you very much.

All my love,

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