Tuesday night

[April 27, 1943-jlt]

Dear Ruel,

When I got your first letter I wanted to catch the first train back because you were missing us so much. When I got you letter yesterday, I wanted to return because you were getting along without us too well. Even urging me to have my operation because it would be some time before I could travel. I expect you were trying to be very unselfish when you wrote that.

Johnnie seems to have some fresh cold today. I gave him oil this morning so maybe that will check it. He's been sneezing a lot. This changeable weather must be partly the cause. Sunday it was very hot. Yesterday it was hot and rainy and today it has rained and turned colder. I've learned a lesson about changing climates when seasons change. Also that I should never have started out when he had a cold. I'm trying to enjoy my visit as much as possible, but it would be much more pleasant if Johnnie was well. He is lying here kicking and playing now. He turned himself over and then looked up at me as if he thought he had done something.

Wednesday morning -

Johnnie was pretty sick last night. He didn't sleep much and I slept less. He seems to feel a little better this morning. I feel worse than "heck". Guess we will just have to give him time to get over the cold. It is loose and he sneezes and coughs so there isn't so much danger as long as he can get rid of the cold.

I hate to mail this letter with so much bad news, but Johnnie and I seem to be trying to out do each other being sick.

Is Snip in our bedroom? When he gets well or is over the pneumonia, have the room cleaned (should be fumigated) and aired. Since Johnnie is as susceptable to respiratory diseases, I would not want to take him in the room where pneumonia had been.

I must stop for it is almost mail time. Papa is holding Johnnie while I write and I want to eat breakfast while he has him.

We will take the best care of him possible.

Love,

Mavis