October 20, 1923 from Dan in Veterans Hospital #79, to his Father.

A son in a U.S. veterans hospital writes home about a government check, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. Only as you read on do you realize the real story is not the money, but a failing lung, years of illness, and a quiet, stubborn confidence that he is going to beat it.

Saturday Noon

October 20, 1923

Dear Father,

I am enclosing a Treasury check for $439.35. This is the amount due me since December 2, 1921 and is an increase of $20 per month on compensation from that date. My insurance check will soon arrive I hope. I think that I am very fortunate in this rating, I always had some little doubt about my original application for compensation but I have had a full rating for all the time of my sickness.

Dr. Moore gave me a thorough examination yesterday morning. He said that there was very little change in my chest condition since last March. He said he would like to see me improve this winter , that the summer weather is trying. He said that my left lung “is on the blink” but there is very little trouble with the right lung. I certainly do not feel discouraged any and I have plenty of patience left and think I can beat this game. He found two of the men next to me much improved. Neither had any activity and one of these men has been getting hospital treatment over a period of six years. I wish I could be at home with you for a while especially since you are not feeling well.

With love, Dan.

p.s. I have kept a record of the numbers of this check. I would have to make a trip to town to get a cashier’s check.