Tuesday, May 25, 1943

Dear Ruel,

I got the letter you wrote Saturday. I declare, I beat all to get you in a stew and worry you to death. I shouldn't have put my thoughts into writing before the operation Wednesday night. At least I thought you wouldn't take them so much to heart for I knew you would get the letter after the operation. I had told them to wire you as soon as I came from under the ether. Having never had an operation or been around anyone with one, I imagined the worst.

I'm recovering better than I myself expected. The soreness is almost gone and I feel fine. I felt like reading some this morning. I go on a regular diet tomorrow. It will take time of course, before I can be up or lift things, but perhaps not too long. They tell me I'm looking better and more rested than I have at any time since I came home (I mean up here).

Dulcie is not getting over her nausea as quickly as I did. She is still quite sick today. I said you could surely tell she was the baby the way they were all waiting on her. I feel right bad about Mama having to keep Johnnie, because she wants to be with Dulcie. They are managing though. Aunt Annie kept him yesterday and Muriel kept him last night. They asy he is doing fine, and I'll bet he is getting plenty spoiled. We thought it best not to bring him to the hospital for the children's ward is on this floor.

If you want to make the trip up here in the car, we might not get to come home quicker. From what I hear, the stations up here get more gas than the people can buy. You do notice the shortage more in Mississippi, though. I will probably be able to travel with Johnnie on the train in about two weeks after leaving the hospital, so don't wory if you can't get gas to come in the car.

Tell those Mississippi people that Mavis hasn't left you and doesn't have any intention of doing so. The separation is more by necessity than by choice. If this operation could have gotten off hand when we first arrived, I would be back in Mississippi by now. My people are right glad I'm getting to stay. Honestly I don't believe they would care if I would keep Johnnie up here all the time.

I have a thermometer sticking in my mouth now. They bring them around four times a day. I haven't had any fever since Saturday.

It is pouring rain outside now. I wonder if you are getting enough rain there. Papa asked this morning if you were getting any of the flood water out there. I told him I knew that you weren't for you were still chopping cotton.

Since you don't have Johnnie to occupy your time, I think you need to get out the old typewriter. I'm waiting for the typed letter. Hope the spring on the typewriter doesn't catch. Mama carried my pen home yesterday so I had to use the pencil (to write this letter).

Guess Dry Bayou Plantation Mansion is beginning to need its Mistress back. You never did say whether Snip had died or not. I just wonder how the house will look when I return. I have too much time to think now. I out to take advantage of it.

Keep the letters coming - I like to hear about all the little details. It is hard to write though.

Love,

Mavis