.MTQyOA.MTIzNDA4

letterhead CHARLES M. EK 1812 N. PURDUM STREET KOKOMO, INDIANA

Sept 22" - 1943.

Dear Comrade: -

  I have your letter dated March 7"- '43.  I do not remember whether I have answered it or not.   I am getting my oldest neice [sic] to write this letter for me.  On June 4th - 1943 I was stricken with paraleys [sic] on my right side.   I have not taken a step since.  I manage to sit up about an hour each day.  I still read some and listen to the radio.  My arm and leg give me some pain.  I do not have time to discuss the war with you, much as I would like to.  My son is in N. Africa somewhere.  I do not know where, or what he is doing.  I may as well have used a postal card for all I am saying.  There is no indication that I shall ever improve.  But when I think of so many young men dying on the battle field I become fully reconciled to my fate.  I had many plans made for 1943.  In fact I had made a trip the day before I was stricken.  I was to go the next day on a trip with Butler U.  I think of my many trips the last ten years.  I had become a specialist on Sedges, but all these belong to the past.  I am at home and I receive good care.  Some days I listen to a dozen news broadcasts.  We shall gain a military victory but loose [sic] the war on the home front.  I hope you are doing well with your books, reviews and articles.  I regret I shall have to