Well, precious, I have saved this space since Christmas & we have received no writing paper – so I will have to make this space do – at least for the present – hoping that I won’t need much more. Three important things have happened:
- Your letter (with LeLand’s note) of 4/28/43 — the first & only that I have received – in 27 months and what a thrill! – to at least know you were o.k. 10 months ago – hope to get more soon – know you have written plenty – hope you have gotten mine – such as they are . Will be great when we can write as we used to – or -better still when we don’t have to write at all.
- The Red Cross packages (received also about Mar. 1) containing canned & packaged foods, toilet articles and clothing. Am trying to string some of my food along until my birthday – it has been a real treat – to supplement our meager diet – & the other things have come in handy, too. I had been 14 months since our other R.C. packages came through. I have been out of the hospital a year & am back to 160lbs. – feeling quite good – able to work half days in the fields – in addition to my work as Chaplain, which is necessarily rather limited – but I trust of some benefit.
- Now, for your birthday – certainly life will begin anew for us by your 40th birthday – if not by mine. I have had to give up being with you by mine – but I still think something could happen by then – I am still the eternal optimist – & expect to continue to be. Am thinking plenty – & praying for the day when I can say a lot more. Love – Earl
