My dear, dear Edith

In heart I am with you just now—altho’ so far away. This is the saddest day of my life. And oh; How is it with you?

If only I could be near you, it would be some relief. Tho’ too late now, for my dearest with—to see my beloved boy once more.

We have just received the Cablegram from “Ozanne, Des Moines” saying, our dear Lloyd passed away on Wednesday. I feel heart broken and it was so hard to see his poor father sobbing with grief. He loved him so much. We have been spared the pain of seeing his suffering & wasting, But I craved beyond everything to be near to help & relieve you and to be near him till the end.

There is so much I want to know, tell me all you can dear, Did our letters reach you near the end, Was he ever disappointed when none came. Did he speak of us? Was he able to see his dear little daughter? Not much I fear, as his disease was so contagious and himself so ill. I am longing to hear from you, but I know how painful it will all be to write, and the loss & loneliness for yourself is so great, I trust you have both felt the Lord near, strengthening & comforting.

My poor Lloyd would feel leaving his dear little wife—whom he loved so much. I can scarcely write for weeping. I found I could not get my letter off for midday post yesterday, and to-day (Saturday) I feel crushed, for I surmise he is being laid to rest. Am I right?

His sisters are very sad. I wired to Amy as soon as the Cablegram came. I pity her being away—she will feel this loss awfully and I expect has written to you by this, Eva too, we always called him Eva’s boy. She was his dear little nurse, he slept with her & she was so good to him. Oh; how hard to speak of our dear Lloyd in the past tense, you & your sweet babe are all that is left us of our Lloyd. We long to see you both, and would love for you to come & spend six months with us, and shall hope for this How are your parents? I am so very very sorry for all the trouble that has fallen to them. My kindest regards to them. Much & tenderest love to you my dear Edith.