"But, when it snowed, that was best of all; for, they liked nothing so well as to look up at the white flakes falling fast and thick, like down from the breasts of millions of white birds."What emotion is the author most likely trying to evoke in the reader?

Yes, just because one had a disability doesn't change the meaning of the word. they would most likely have an (whatever language) sign language to sign what's going on. it would be the same even if he was blind.

It could be said that the major gets upset because his wife has just died in an unexpected way. the major has received medals for his valor in battle but he never brags about it instead nick does. however, this is not what bothers him but that his young wife has died.