Dear Dad,
I do hope you get this letter before Christmas. I've included a picture of our Christmas tree in the Mess Tent and one of me with all my nurses. It can be tough to keep younger nurses in line, but I am always ready to listen. And I think they appreciate that. After all, we need to work together to help the wounded recover.
When I graduated from Nursing School, you took Mother and me to Mount Rushmore. That was a wonderful trip, and a great Christmas gift. You did a terrific job of telling us how that monument was made. So, I have posted a couple of pictures from that trip in my tent. It's something that always cheers me up.
You travel so much in your work for the Army. Do you think you might make it to Korea some day? I'd love to see you and show you how well we treat the young men who are fighting for our country.
In nursing school, I met Amy Frost. We became very good friends and she spent one summer with us as a volunteer at the hospital. Remember how she always seemed to be in a good mood? She really is now. She just had her first born, a 10 ounce bundle of joy named Eric. Nursing school seems so long ago, but friends like Amy allow me to enjoy the fun we had trying to impress handsome doctors.
Dad, she actually married one of those doctors. Dr. Thomas Brett and she tied the knot just over two years ago. I remember Dr. Brett – very handsome and he had a wonderful smile.
I'm very happy for Amy. Maybe it's my turn to meet someone.
Our CO is now Colonel Potter. He's a gem – a kind, caring man who is a very good doctor and stays closer to the rules than Henry Blake did. Henry was a good man, however, and I find at times that I miss his spirit.
I've made friends with one of our surgeons, BJ Hunnicut. He's a good listener and proud husband and father. It's not that we agree on many things. He's as against the Army as I am for it. But, he's a very good listener and kind. Sometimes you just have to get things out of your system – once and awhile, I do the same for him.
It was just a few days ago that we stuffed 16 people in a Jeep. Pierce had seen a picture in Life magazine of 15 college students fitting into a small car. So, he thought we could beat that record and send the picture to Life. I hope that they put it in the magazine. If they do, I'll probably ask you to buy a dozen copies to send to friends and family.
Dad, I know you have had issues with high blood pressure and that you were going to see Doctor Adams about that. Have you done that? Please take care of yourself – I want my children and their children to know how wonderful you are. I love you, Dad.
We just had 20 straight hours of surgery. The 4077th can handle that, but you get tired and want sleep as soon as you're done. I showered, took a nap, and am ready to see how our patients are doing in Post Op.
Please let me know how you are. I enjoy your letters so.
Sincerely,
Margaret
