January 26th, 1862

Today I started working on the generals uniforms. I never felt like I had such a duty to serve to the war, until now. It feels good being connected to the ones in the war. Emma was interested in the way I embroider and sew all the colors together. She offered to help but when I tried to explain how It'd have to be done, she simply said "I'll be in my room playing with Mallory.." and giggled. Mallory is her favorite doll her daddy gave to her. She carries it nearly every where she goes. Emma is always fixing her dolls hair, brushing it, braiding it and even takes her on walks with her. I wish our family was a whole again. I feel like a portion of my life has been ripped out of me and i'm sinking without it. Since the day Samuel has left, Emma and I's lives have been very different. But we are making it through and Emma seems to be opening up. The first few months her father left, she was very closed to herself and lonesome. She would barely talk to me and would never tell me what was on her mind. Although, we both came out of our shell once we started getting our mind off of everything and making the best of what we've to deal with.