| dc.description.transcription | Minier, Illinois Monday December 29th My Dear Mrs. Carter, It seems I must surely know you for somehow we have much in common; namely your son and my husband fighting in this man's army for the same cause, under the same flag, in the same division… and on foreign soil. Firstly, I am so very grateful to you, Mrs. Carter, for having troubled yourself to call me, not only at my mother-in-law's hom in Minier, but to follow that call through to the hospital where I was, following my delivery. You'll never know the felief, mingled with tears of joy and saddness too that greeted my nurse when she returned to me - having talked with you. You see, I had not heard from my Bob for so long...though we both write each other daily - the mail hasn't been coming thorugh as of the past...and I had no definite way 2. of knowing that he was yet in either Ireland or England...believing him to be in North Africa since those men who opened the second front were taken from the British Isles. So you see, Mrs. Carter, your kindness and consideration in calling me gave me my first peace of mind concerning my husband's whereabouts since Nov. 7th. Coupled with the fact that I had only the day before delivered an adorable blond-haird blue-eyed baby boy (? slightly prejudiced?)...our first child and of course 'twas Bob's hope that it be a son. A son to become a doctor too and to someday go in practice with "Dr. Bob." Your message too gave me a chance to really "take down my hair" and give vent to all the pent-up emotion I had inside me for lo those nine months. It's a long story...shall I start at the beginning? 3. Bob sailed May 30th leaving behind me _ his three month's bride. (a month 'n a half pregnant.) I had fallen just three days prior to his sailing, consequently we were both beside ourselves with worry and anxiety for we thought we would lose our precious baby-to-be. I was therefore confined to bed_per doctor's orders_ & was not permitted up till ten days after our boys had sailed. I think a part of me died too when Bob left for I was alone in New Jersey, confined to bed and in a rooming house. It was then I started changing my way of living - for I had to close my heart on the past, wander aimlessly thought the present, and bank my all on the furuter - my husband returning & my son's birth. I thought at the time those nine months would drag but somehow they passed_but oooh! I would be the one to "hit the jackpot" on all the possible abnormalities connected with pregnancy!! I'll make a long story short by saying that I was extremely 4. toxic- and high-blood pressure, daily nausea the full term and edema of the entire body being the least of my many troubles. Consequently I was rushed to the hospital at 2 a.m. on Wednesday (from Minier to Peoria approx 35 miles) and did not deliver til 2 a.m. on Thursday. And, Mrs. Carter, I could "take" those nine months all rite, but when I had to stare at a vacant chair by my bedside for 24 hours, I hurt inside...a deep-down hurt that medicine nor doctors can cure...a pain that I was never taught in nurses' training how to cure. You see, that chair was for husbands only the nurse told me when I asked whether my mother-in-law might not be permitted to be with me. They sent her away and I delivered that next nite, praying that God make me a good soldier so my Bob would be proud of me. Twelve hours later they brought me my baby...and now I know that I'll have something to help fill that terrible void of Bob's 5. being away. I engaged a private nurse more for companionship than need of care_for I spent 10 of my lonliest days in that hospital. I am spending the duration with Bob's mother who lives alone in Minier...my home being in Pontiac, Michigan. Therefore I had no visitation - my cards & telegrams consequently being my "visitors." My mother flew here from Detroit to stay with me through Christmas_from the time I left the hospital. The doctors had a conslutation and deicded I must remain hospitalized two weeks longer! I rebelled and finally won the argument by bringing home with me my nurse for two more wks. All this is probably most boring to you what with details of my confinement et cetera but I did so want you to know the circumstances that you too might better understand the thrill & happiness that was mine due to your call. Thank you so much! I cabled Bob three times_hoping and praying that perhaps one of them will get through to him. This is going on the third week and still no word from him...if I only knew that he knows! 'Nuff of me_ Your husband became known to me the day the boys sailed the bonnie blue_ for it was through his generosity that our boys were able to secure English pounds cheaply. I did not meet him however. Then again I heard of your son Lieut. Amon Carter, when he and Bob were on detached service together. Then I bought severl rolls of film (for young Amon's camera) & sent to my husband with the threat of suicide or some such unless he take some pictures to send me, his favorite wife!! (our little joke is this favorite husband-wife business.) I hope you'll forgive me for rambling...it helps to get it outside rather than keep it within. 7. Thank you again... both of you for your kindness. Bob has told me of your husband's visit there..how the men would salute him m istaking his uniform for that of an officer's etc....how all the fellas pumped him because he had been to the last couple of games of the world series! He speaks so well of your son too...I'm so glad he's had the opportunity of being friends with such a fine person. Mrs. (illegible) wrote me that Mr. Carter's secretary phone her saying that he had seen & been with Ken, her husband, too. We keep in touch with one another an you and yours have certainly helped the two of us a lot. Thankx for being you_and_Thankx for listening- Mrs. Robert C. Buehrig (Jerry Ann) and son "Cappy." | |
