This is my mother. She left me when I was just 14 years old. I saw her a few times from teenage through the typical college years (although I didn’t have typical college years) and then she passed away before I married or had children. She was a wonderful woman that I know I would talk to her often if she were alive, but I really never got the chance.

The most current entries are things I would tell her and only her ... because they aren’t meant to be heard, just vented (if she were alive). The majority of this blog are letters she wrote to me (and a few to my sisters) during the years that we were apart.

Tuesday, August 12, 1980

August 13, 1980

Dear Betsy,

Thank you so much for your nice card. It came a few days ago.  I am still unable to work and do very much.  I see the doctor today and get the stitches out.  I am on 12 antibiotic pills a day.  Sandy is taking four a day because she had staph and strep in her throat.  This is her last day and I have one month more to go.  They sure are hard on my tummy.  I have to take a lot of Benadryl and it makes me sleepy.

Sandy is on an exercise program and beauty treatment.  She needs to lose weight.  She things you should be a model.

We are eating only what food we have as much as can be.  I'll be glad to get some food storage here.  It is hard not getting a pay check for a long time.

We had eight loads of laundry to do and three loads yet to go.  It costs $.75 per load and only one washer and dryer.

Sandy was glad to get her bike but the tire is always flat.  She goes to the store almost every day for something.  She has been a big help.  I was in the hospital for eight days.  I hope my leg soon heals and I can work and go back to swimming every day.  We had to get ice here all the time to cool my feet.

I am out of room.  Remember I love you very much.  Hope I can see you soon.  I miss you.  (My pen blotched the letter).  Write me soon.  Remember I love you.

Love,
Mom