Dear Lorraine: I had been so interested to learn how you were enjoying and fitting into your new job that it was with real astonishment that I read in your letter that you had been deliberately postponing giving me news of yourself.1 I truly tried to make it clear while I was still your patient that I like to correspond with my friends. Among my friends those who have taken care of me in a critical illness have, of course, a very special place--so I do hope that if ever you have an "urge" to write to me, you will have no sense of hesitation.
By coincidence, your letter reached me just as I had finally made my decision to make the announcement of which you are now undoubtedly aware. So your very complimentary "You know the way I wish it will be" was answered promptly and in a way that apparently meets with your approval.2
As to coming to Denver this next summer, I have not yet dared to take it up very seriously with my doctors. Whenever a patient seems to be doing well in a particular spot, I think they have the feeling "Why try something else?" So it is possible that they will discourage a trip to the mountain area next summer.
In addition, the altitude seems to have some effect on Mrs. Ike's nerves. She feels that it is for this reason that she experiences a continuous tension in that area. Whether or not the altitude has any effect, the fact is that since the first of the year she has been in better condition both in her physical health and in her spirits than I have seen her in a long, long time. I rather think she is developing sort of an allergy toward the higher altitudes.
If this is true, it will rather put me on the spot this summer except, of course, that both the White House and our farm at Gettysburg are beautifully air-conditioned, as is my office. I think that if we should stay here the entire summer some of my staff would probably desert me. That would be tragic--but it is possible that staying here might be necessary this year. While there are places in Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin where I could go and visit some very fine friends, the job of finding the proper accommodations and quarters for the staff, press and security people limits the choices open to me. Of course, one of the great advantages of Denver is the availability of both Lowry Field and Fitzsimons Hospital for our use while there.
If and when these plans materialize, you, of course, will be one that will quickly learn them.3
To return to your new job: I hope that you adjusted yourself to the change from purely professional work to administrative tasks easily and happily. But I hope, also, that you get to see enough of the professional side of the hospital so that you have a feeling that you are "keeping your hand in," if that is the expression that a nurse would use.
I suppose that you see Colonel Turner and Major Maguire frequently. To them, and to the other nurses if you happen to see them, please remember me kindly.4
With very best wishes and the assurance that I was deeply touched by your hope that I would be helped and sustained by the Almighty, Sincerely
P.S. There have been times, these past few weeks, when I could have wished myself back on the 8th Floor, under your care. Cross word puzzles are not as difficult a job as I had.
