NO MORE SUFFERING Madeleine to Vern: "This morning about 9:00 a.m., Milton passed away. I got to see him about a half hour before. Ida, Mother, Dad and Aunt Ida were there as he passed away, also Florence, the children, and Julius's wife (the nurse). It was heart-breaking to see him go, Vern-poor fellow looked so bad. He was unconscious and went very easy. Knowing Mickie and loving him for his good old self, made it hard to take. Now for the past month and a half, Milton had to sit in an upright position. It has been impossible for him to lay down as it made it impossible to breath. Then he had a big abscess on his right side near his lung where the cancer came through. This was caused by drainage of his lung, so he couldn't turn to that side at all. When he turned to the other side, it would always bring on a coughing spell which caused him untold agony. He had to cough often. You can imagine how his seat and back felt in this position for days and nights." July 31,1944 SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Madeleine to Vern: "This afternoon, Donna brought Miss June Pierce out to visit with us for a few minutes. Do you remember your old principal? She really looked very well and not old either. I always liked her so very much. She was so kind and cheerful with us always. She has been a friend of the family for years and years. In fact, Darius, Orion, Horace, Milton, Richard, Shirley, Ida, and I have all had her as principal. She came to view Milton's remains. She remembers him so well. She also came to the house here when Horace passed away. She sent flowers for Milton's funeral. Though she has an apartment here, she lives most of the time in Long Beach. She didn't remember you by name but recognized your picture." August 11, 1944 Madeleine to Vern, "Honey, we do have some grand friends. They always ask about you and are always very nice to me in giving me any information I feel I need." November 2, 1944 Madeleine to Vern: "I have so many choice blessings. I have a wonderful husband who is so dear and precious to me, and he does everything to make me so proud of him. I am indeed very fortunate to have a wonderful son. Indeed, I am blessed with good parents whom I love-also grand in-laws, friends, and relatives. As you can see, I feel good about everything." November 3, 1944 MERRILL ANDERSON Madeleine to Vern: "You and Andy must have enjoyed making the picture frames made from shells. I supposed you find them on the beach. They must be very pretty-a pale green. I'll bet the members of the band were wondering where your were 'til 1:30 a.m. As much as you fellows desire to leave where your are,