Day 28: The Bracelet October 20, 1861

My birthday was 2 days ago, and even though the boys are missin it sure was a pretty good birthday. I turned 12, I cant believe it! One more year till Momma is gonna send me off to learn how to be a proper women....I dont know how I feel bout that. Momma decided to surprise me and instead of makin her cherry pie, she made her apple crumble pie and boy I wasnt expectin that! It was so good! Eric, Rose and AnnaMae even said it was good. Momma is a great cook and no one can beat her cooking. I was outside today, and I saw someone walk up to our house...It looked like Tom our mailman! It must be a letter! A letter from the boys! The letter was kinda heavy, what could be in here?

Dear Beth,

Happy Birthday lil Sis! We love you and we're so sorry we couldnt have been there for your 12th birthday, but knowin you, you probably had a great day. We couldnt spare a lot for a gift, but the boys and I got a little crafty and we found some fabric left over from makin the uniforms and some of it is from Philip's uniform. We were able to braid it in a bracelet, we learned from a friend of ours how to braid. Took a couple of hours to figure out, man sure buddy im glad im not a girl. I coulnt braid to save my life, but its just a little something we thought you would enjoy. We miss you so very much, and as of the looks right now we are comin home for the holidays. Cross your fingers that nothin happens soon, love you Momma and Poppa. We miss you all, and we really wish you guys could send replies but we know its hard and that we would most likely not get them.

Love You All, Happy Birthday Beth!

Nelson

The bracelet....imma wear it forever now, I love it! Its mine forever, and my days has just gotten better. I love my brothers and imma get them somethin very special for them for the holidays. Momma is gonna have to help me, but its gonna be somethin amazin I tell ya. Amazin!

~Beth