"I have known all along that they were thieves."

Oakland, Nebraska

Feb. 10, 1941


Marie,


I received your letter and was glad to hear from you. Yes I’ll excuse you for not writing sooner. No you did not write to me on my birthday. I only received one birthday card from Garfield. Thank you for the $1.00 which you sent. I appreciate it very much.


I hope you all have dressed warm enough this cold weather. I am glad too if you haven’t been sick as well as Betty and Martin this winter.


My mother and Dave have had colds and my mother was quite sick. I did the work in the kitchen as best I could. The morning that my mother got up again to start work I thought she looked older and her hair grayer. I began to cry and I don’t know how many times I cryed that day.


Yes I am careful when it is so icey and I am walking out on the grounds. I don’t think I have had what one could call a cold this winter. We read in the paper about Charlie Parrish as we still take the Omaha paper. I have known all along that they were thieves. So I was not surprised to hear about this.


You forgot to mention if you have had Martin’s teeth taken care of. I mean those towards the front. Have you had time to take him to the Dentist and have them extracted? Please answer me about this.


I am very disappointed that you are not taking a course along medical lines. You know I have talked and written about this before. Why make speeches and face a crowd of people, all their breath coming toward the speaker. I once hear a minister say that once and he asked that the window be opened before he started talking. I have never forgotten what he said though I was only a child then. My advise to you is let the speaking down as much as you can in winter time when there is not much fresh air in the room. It is different when out at Campus where there is more air.


Tell Betty to write me what subjects she is taking now in school.


Thank you for sending Elin’s letter. The little letter from Marilyn was surely cute. I did not think she was so capable. If you have time send her a valentine or have Betty send her one – please.


I am sending you a birthday card and wishing you “Many Happy Returns of the Day”. I will answer Betty’s letter later.


My mother is better now. Dave went to the Dr. and got some medicine and pills to take. Answer soon.


I remain,
As ever,
Your Mother.

P.S. I sewed back one of the corners on the handkerchief so that you will be able to see which one is yours as it is very much like the one I sent to Betty.