Sydney Howard 3/8/15U.S. History 11R Mrs. Miller
My Dearest Tom,Not a day goes by that the children and I dont
think of you and wish with all our hearts that you were here with
us. However, knowing that what youre doing is for the good of all
of us back at home is enough to bring joy and pride to my heart. As
Im sure youre aware, Bridget turned 10 yesterday, and I dont
believe she could possibly be any more enthusiastic about the war
effort than she is. For her birthday celebration, her only request
was for us plant a victory garden in the back yard. She has been
saving her pennies and buying War Savings Stamps at every
opportunity. Schools have been actively emphasizing the importance
of the children doing their part. Bridget has been keeping the rest
of us in line when we wish to stray from the weekly resource
conservation schedule. She makes sure that little Jr. doesnt get
his hands on any sweets on sweetless days, and marches straight to
Abigails desk and turns out the light even if she is in the middle
of playing the piano (which is in desperate need of a tuning).
Besides the food restrictions, of course, Jr. has been following
Bridgets lead; although he seems rather aloof as to why he is doing
so. I suppose that is to be expected from a toddler. Abigail is
still struggling. Its gotten to the point where the only
discussions she is willing to have with me are of her bitterness
for this entire situation. I fear for her safety. She knows she
cant speak that way at school, but shes still only 14. One slip at
the wrong time could be detrimental to us, what with the passing of
the Espionage and Sedition Acts. But who are we to blame her? Her
best friend had to go into hiding because she is of German descent.
We havent heard from her since she disappeared 3 months ago, and
Abigail is justifiably distraught. Any sacrifice that she has to
make for the war effort only contributes to her ails. She lost all
control with Bridget the other night when she turned off her desk
light while she was playing the piano, which woke Jr., caused
dramatic Bridget to wail for an hour, and sent Abigail storming out
the front door. I couldnt leave the younger two, so I sat,
comforted Bridget and Jr., and waited for her to return. You know
Abigail. She always comes back when she does this. However when she
returned, she did not make any effort to hide the fact that she had
taken down all of the propaganda posters in the neighborhood, and
crumpled them into a ball to throw away. I had never been so
relieved that she had gone on one of her rampages in the dark. The
hospital has never been busier. Ive been working countless extra
hours without pay in order to do what I can to help subdue the flu
epidemic. I live in constant fear of the children catching it, but
I cant just stand by while people are dying. Thats exactly what you
said when you left. Of course this forces Abigail to take on
substantial amounts of extra responsibility that she responds to
with resentment. However she can be relied on to take care of her
siblings. She loves them, even if she doesnt always show it. Like
everyone else in the world, all I want is for this war to end.
However despite all of the heartache that comes with it, it forces
the people into unity like nothing else. Yes, there will always be
those who stray, but the vast majority of us are working towards a
common goal. I have the utmost faith that whatever happens, we will
fight our way through it. I am proud beyond words of what you are
doing. I know you wouldnt have been able to live with yourself if
you had stayed here. Stay safe.With all my love,Emma
