Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind.
Aug. 15 – 1943

Dear Daddy,

Dr. Cole came this morning and I asked him to write you – then after he left I happened to think I hadn’t told him to use air mail or v-mail so if he uses reg. mail you may not get it so soon. After a careful examination of Mother’s abdomen he is convinced of what you said you were afraid of. He said she has a hard mass that is quite extensive in her bowels. He said he didn’t subject her to x-ray when I took her to the hospital due to her frail condition. I asked him about an operation and he said it was out of the question – said she couldn’t have stood surgery when in the hospital. I suppose that condition has been there for some time and at her age is more than she can overcome. I remember how Mrs. John Simons was and how well she came thru surgery, but I understand Mother’s age is against her. I sent her tray up at noon and she didn’t eat much – a while ago she said she didn’t want anything for supper. I have heard her go to the bathroom several times. I don’t get upstairs so much during the day. Seems with the baby I can’t make it. Then too Mother gets tired of anyone around her very long.

[page 2] Dr. Cole was on his way to Chi. till Tues. He said he didn’t know there could be so much work. Said he was finished, ready to leave the hospital this morning when someone sent came in & another Dr. wanted him to take care of his patient today. He gave orders as to her care – and told the nurse who to call if she needed a Dr. before her own Dr. returned. I know every time I go to his office I see more pregnant women that I ever saw before. Besides the baby cases he says he has so much surgery.

Mark is going to 4-H tomorrow – Funks are going to Wis. for a vacation – Zells are going away – Mr. Z. & Virginia to the 4-H camp – so we should have it quiet around here for a few days. The noise bothers Mother so much.

David is taking a good nap. Bob & Clarice were out to see him this afternoon. He is so full of pep and now he looks so cute when those two upper front teeth show. Dorothy Krull was playing with D. yesterday and he would look at her with an expression that she says is just like yours. Dorothy says she is going to take a movie when D. is a year old.

John & Mark are over next door playing croquet – They moved the set to Zells front yard. – I thought that would get the noise a little further away but I can hear them about as plain as before.

My pol. was returned, so now all the Ins. loans are paid.
Love – Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/12/10/what-you-were-afraid-of-gladys/