Dec 14, 1944

My dear Ollie,

I am so glad you write me even though I have not written to you. I think and pray for you constantly but I am only able to get a little work done. The fires and ashes keep me going. The floor is so cold as Catherina only puts a fire in [a] little stove in [the] kitchen. She sleeps all day and comes up for something to eat at night. She keeps tab on me and tries to get the run of the house. She got the key for garage to get the ash sifter and had her flash light and took stock of everything in there. [She] also tries to get [the] key for [the] basement. I do not know what ails her. She and Edna had quite a planning about my affairs. Edna told her Aunt Carrie left $3000 estate. I do not know nor care but she left a will giving anything even property belonging to my mother to the Episcopal Diocese of Toronto, Can. I surely miss you more and more everyday. I am now 77 years old but the dear Lord gives me strength from day to day. My limbs are a little stronger and I can get around without my canes. Donald is very faithful and I now pay him $2.00 a week. There is a great demand for boys his age. Mr. Toelke and Bud are alone as Betty Till moved away. Ches just bought a Christmas tree also one for Church. S. School is very small down, to 7-11. Church Services in eve at home. Mrs.Brogmus, Iverson, Cath and myself. Anne Kodl phoned she was coming with her sister and baby to see me Sunday afternoon. Genia comes to see quite often. Right now she is snowed in. Phil is in Florida. I will spend Christmas at home as I always do for over 50 years. Did not make pudding nor fruit cake as Genia said she would. Life is not the same to me any more. It seems as though it’s the same thing over and over and the awful war continues. The dear Lord Jesus must be coming soon or no flesh will be able to withstand all the fiery darts of the devil. That song you spoke of is “Who is on the Lords side brother are you” is a very old one in one of our old song books. Today is nice. Received a Christmas card from Beisels, Texas. The Jones family Lottie Root and Jessens and Herz. I do hope you are safe and glad you are able to play organ, sing, and preach God’s word. I see quite a number of boys pass our house home on furloughs. Listen to Ted Malone from France on radio mostly every night. Kolbecks moved from Moffatst. He is in the Navy. [I] never hear from Leonard Nelson. Had a letter from Art Jensen, Great Lakes I think it was. Will be thinking of you Christmas Eve and Day. May God protect you and return you home soon. Carry on the work at our little Church if Jesus tarries.

With love,

your loving mother Minnie B