February 14, 1944

Dearest Hal,

Today is St. Valentine’s Day, the day in the year when we feel closer to the one we love best. It seems fitting that I should take this chance to tell you again how glad I am to be your Valentine. Whenever I take time to count my blessings, and it takes me quite a while believe it or not, I always consider that fact the best thing that has happened to me so far. You could have picked out anyone, and I wonder how you came to choose me. I am hoping you never have reason to regret it.

We had quite a big day at school with snow falling outside and Valentines inside. Sam got five Valentines in the mail and four at school, and he was very much pleased. He took several Valentines to put in the box at school. Yesterday was Miss Campbell’s birthday, and so we had to find a pretty hanker chief for her. I guess that will always be the approved present for school teachers. I have gotten my share, but I can always find use for them.

Saturday in town, I saw Sara, and she said that she had just had a letter from Pine Camp, and they had a bed for Nana now, and she would be a state patient, paying as she did at Blue Ridge, $30.00 a month, I believe it was. She didn’t seem to know just how or when she would go.

Elizabeth went back to Richmond last Wednesday. They got a practical nurse to stay with Nana. I guess I said Sara has a job with the rationing board. She has Harry Nash at Mrs. Calhoun’s Nursery School. I wish he didn’t have to go because he doesn’t like it. Every little boy needs his home and his mother and daddy, and I hate for him not to have his. Of course, it is impossible to have him in the house with Nana as sick as she is, especially if Sara is going to try to work.

I am afraid Nana isn’t very anxious to go to Pine Camp. I told Sara I would like her to make the trip in an ambulance, and of course, I would pay for it. Sara said Nana objects to the ambulance because it is rough, but I imagine it is as easy as any way she can go.

I do wish so very much that she could find some comfort and relief. She has had such a long illness. She is better off in a sanitarium, even though she can’t seem to see it. Elizabeth will be so close she can see her often. The present arrangement hasn’t seemed to suit anyone very well.

I think she is counting a great deal on your homecoming. I hope she will be feeling better, so she can really enjoy seeing you. I feel that it is about all I’m living for. I am terribly tired of teaching. I have 48 children, and they have very nearly worn me out. I hope to get a teacher next month, so I can stop and make a garden. Please come home soon.

All my love,

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