[June 11, 1943-jlt]

[ again part of this letter is missing due to our friendly mouse, but you get the idea - jlt]

Johnnie is here stretched out in the middle of the floor trying to crawl from his pallet to Papa. The floor is hard on his knees when he gets off the quilt but he keeps going. We let him sleep on a pallet and each time he woke up today he had crawled off and was trying to pull up to something before we knew he was awake - he just fell over in his attempt to crawl to Papa so Papa had to pick him up and carry him to hush his cries.

I've been trying to sew a little. I'm making Johnnie some little sun suits. He's getting to be such a big boy that his dresses are soon going to be too small. I'm feeling better each day if I can just take it easy. I can hold Johnnie a little now when someone sets him on my lap. I dreamed the other night that the doctor told me to pick him up for two minutes and then I could gradually hold him for more. I wish that were true.

If we don't soon come home you are going to have to send me Johnnie's comb. His hair is getting about that long. I know if I keep telling you more you are going to die of longing to see him. It won't be as long as it has been - that's something.

I know you are watching the cotton grow and expect you can almost see it. It is about half knee high here. I can't imagine how large it is there.

Keep your chin up and keep writing.

Love,

Mavis