July 7, 1980

Dear Sally,

I was so happy to get your letter and the pictures and the check.  Are you sure that is not too much money?  It couldn't have come at a better time.  I injured my left arm from elbow down causing paralysis of hand and fingers.  I am in a splint.  It happened while I was asleep Saturday am.  I saw the doctor and haven't worked since.  Then today I was to see a neurologist at the hospital where I work and I got in an accident with my dad's car.  I hit the rear end of a 1980 T bird.  He has little damage but I have plenty to Dad's car.  So I didn't get to see the doctor, got a $40 fine and will have to pay $100 deductible on the insurance.  Now as time as worn on, I have a stiff and sore neck also.  So I can't work and no money from Garry.  I am also suppose to be out of this apartment by the 14th and into a 2 bedroom small unfurnished one close to church etc for Sandy.  She is happy.  So I have all this packing to do and one hand.  Plus, Sandy is gone 11 days babysitting a one year old whose mother has cancer and is in the hospital.  I got her the job and she lives there.  She did this for 8 days about 1 1/2 weeks ago.  It is very sad.  The mother is 25 years old and can only get this cancer when pregnant.  The baby is fine.  Because of my faith and all I pray she will be healed although everyone says she'll never make it.  Pray for her (Patty Pope).  She is searching for God too.

Garry is sending about $1000 worth in weight of some furniture, dishes, towels, etc.  He wants those Mormon books and he is getting everything else.  I want my Mormon books.  I wish you could sneak out one every so many days.  Ask Kirstie to let you borrow one and send it to me.  I have paid for those myself and that is all I care about.

Betsy really sews.  That bathing suit is cute she made.  She is even getting my machine.  I get very little.  I will sell the ref rig & dining room hutch and table and chairs.

It is hot here.  I stay up 1/2 the night and sleep days.  My thyroid is very low and am taking more.  By Saturday I will be on your dose.

I have new glasses and Sandy is getting hers.  My hospital plan covers us for $5 deductible every 2 years for exam, glasses, frames, and tint.  I wear them all the time.

I packed 10 boxes of food tonight.  Maybe dad can move it tomorrow or so.  There is lot stored here.  Garry says Mike is selling real estate.  I guess Garry is listing the house without my signature.  Can that be done?

I really need a blessing and miss Mike as Home Teacher.  I am now in Ward 2 but go back to Ward 1 and Sandy is thrilled.

Ruby Gormon did write and I hope to answer her letter tomorrow.  She is a sweetie and has always been one.  I miss you all.  True friends are hard to find and you were mine (and still are).  I love you Sally.  It is so quiet here without Sandy.  She causes little trouble.  She has gained weight.  She hasn't started her periods yet so I imagine she will soon and lose some weight after she does.  She will eat junk if you let her but I never do as I can't afford it.

July 8th

I am at the hospital emergency room to get my hand seen plus my neck.  It was 82 at 7 AM and humid.  It was lovely last night.

Garry even wants the Mormon books.  Last night he said if I had gone to church all the time this would never had happened.  Of course, Alison is there so much.  It is really sad.  I miss Betsy and Kirstie so much.  Kirstie wrote me twice since March 12 and says little on the phone when I call her.  I hope she is all right.  Betsy seems okay and adjusted.  I can't go back and forth to California and keep this job.  So I settle for little and I plan to talk to the Bishop. His wife is in the hospital.

Garry has all those leather books an everything else in books and tools so I can't wee why I can't have the Mormon books.  He never bought one of them.  He never read any of them either.

Ginny is really growing up.  Did I tell you how big she looks and so pretty.  She sounds like she keeps busy.  I feel for Sandy as she has no one.  She is very bored.

I am now in the neurology clinic after ER sent me home for 2 hours and now I see what the doctor will say.  I have lost 4 days of pay now.  The doctor just examined me and is consulting another.  I hope I can be allowed to work somewhere as my money is almost gone.  My feet are on fire today.  It is 92 outside.

Well, I guess I am out of news.  Not much in the way of positive news.  I'll wait until I hear what the prognosis is and if I can work before I seal this.  Take care and write me again soon. I love to hear from you.  I think of you so much.  Please write.