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Down in the dumps
227 Elm Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Mr. Patrick O'Farrell
84 Westland Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
August 12, 1922
Dear Pat,
I am back at Mom and Dad's for a few days, relaxing and taking it easy. I have been ill lately, more so than I was the last time I was expecting. Perhaps that is due to worry and anxiety, and that is what I am writing to you about.
Joe's last two letters to me have been unlike any he has ever written. He feels terrible about the way he has pitched this season, and in his last letter he wrote, "My performance is the reason why we are in third place right now. I take all the blame for the fact that we aren't comfortably in front." I have tried to reassure him, but to no avail.
Has his latest injury damaged his arm to the point that he will never be the same again? I have not heard that from him, but he is worried that he will not be able to bounce back this season, and that it will cost the Red Sox the pennant.
Could you please try to talk to him, Pat? I believe if he hears from you that you still have confidence in him, it will make a difference. And, if you honestly believe that he is too badly injured to ever pitch like the "real" Joe Wood again, will you please tell me? Please do not worry about sparing my feelings.
On a happier note, congratulations on your Batter of the Month award for July. I suppose you have already finished the fruit from Mom and Dad's basket, and that Sarah has found another way to display it.
Hopefully Joe will pitch a couple of good games and recover his confidence, and we will all have to make plans for October trips to the home of the National League champions for a game or two. It certainly looks like that might be New York, the way they have been playing lately.
Imagine me, watching the standings so closely! It is amazing what being married to a professional base ball player can do, isn't it?
Love,
Emily
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