810 1/17/1946 Ben Close to Sadie Erwin

Ben Close VA Hospital, Dayton, Ohio Thursday, January 17, 1946

Sadie Erwin 1120 Cole St., Enumclaw, Washington

Dear Sister, Brother and All, Well I kept my date with the butcher last Friday. Am still very sore, but otherwise feeling fine. They found my heart and lungs in perfect condition, so that was a help. I have delayed writing to everyone until there was something to report, so will not try to give full details at this time. I want to thank you for trying to help me. Have read the clipping and was agreeably surprised at its tone. Will reread until I get more detailed information. Roma has instructions to search for the "text-book" and "Science of Healing." Was very dubious of being able to reconstruct my thinking so as to be able to derive benefits. I try to keep an open mind at all times. One thing has always struck in my craw, however. The impression from this coincides with my ideas exactly. That, as I would express it bluntly, "Forces of Nature" all of which are good in the final analyses. Power, force, light, heat, energy, any and all natural phenomena. This I can understand and accept unreservedly. You may rest assured that I will study and try hard. I know something of the result of mental attitude. Fear, anger, worry and such base attitudes are very destructive, while the reverse are always uplifting, invigorating and very beneficial to health and happiness. I managed to keep the doctors, nurses and orderlies amused while the cutting was being done. Even asked them why they did not fix up a mirror so that I could see what was going on. Affectionately, Ben.