April, 21, 1944

My dearest Hal,

I got a letter from you yesterday that had some nice news and some that was very bad. I am delighted to know that you have had a promotion. I hope you are not going to have to work any harder than you have been doing. I feel that you must have done a wonderful job or you would not have all this extra responsibility. I believe you are perfectly capable of doing any job they offer you. I wish they would offer you a job somewhere in this country.

I cannot tell you how deeply distressed I am that you think your trip home may be delayed or even permanently postponed. My loveliest dream has been shattered. I refuse to give up hope altogether, maybe this will happen as the promotion did, just when we least expect it. The longer you have to wait for what you want, the more you are said to appreciate it, when you finally do get it. You and I will certainly know how to appreciate our big day when it does get here.

I am very busy these days. We have our lot plowed and have planted potatoes, onions, peas, beets, carrots, greens, etc. The garden is still too wet to plow. Daddy managed to walk down and see what was going on. He has simply had fits because he has not been able to any of the work. I planted the potatoes with Sam’s help. When I planted the other things I did get an old colored man who lives in the tenant house to help me for a day. He is Anderson W. and he isn’t the best help I’ve ever seen but he is willing and I am lucky to have anyone. He laid out all the rows and I planted the seeds. I think it made Daddy feel a great deal better to have some seeds in the ground. We have had only three pretty days so far this spring. We are having cold, cloudy days with rain quite often. I wish you could be here for some of it because I’m afraid it is terribly hot there by this time. I am so sorry you could not get home before you had to stay through another one of those hot seasons.

Peggy talked to Sara one day last week on the street. Sara said Elizabeth had applied for “Red Cross Furloughs” for you and Billy. I don’t believe it will do one bit of good to ask for a leave at this time but I suppose she thought it might work. I will be delighted just in case you should get it.

I am very much distressed that Nora’s condition is so serious as to make it necessary to try to bring you home. I hardly know how I could be away just now with my chickens and garden but I would like to go to see her.

I was so glad that Sara had heard from Billy. I thought we were a very long time hearing and I’m so glad he is safe and well. I do believe I worry more over Billy than do I over you. Though that’s probably not possible.

I am sorry to say that Daddy seems to be getting steadily worse. I suppose his teeth were very much worse than we realized to have poisoned him so completely. I shall be so relieved when he begins to improve. This damp windy weather we have been having is terrible for his trouble.

I must read Sam his “bed time story” now. Try to be as brave as you can about not coming home at this time. I should take this advice myself but it is awful hard to do. You know I’ll always be here waiting for you no matter how long it takes for you to come.

all my love,

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