March 27, 1981

Dear Betsy,

Please excuse my typing but Sandy borrowed this electric typewriter from a friend and I have never used one so excuse the mistakes.  I was happy to get your letter and am glad that you liked your presents and had a nice birthday.  I really miss you and wish I could see you soon.  That was nice of the Mowers to call you.  You can buy and make covers for your purse.  They are very popular here.  So your  hair is really growing.  Mine is starting to grow also.  It is hard to take care of as I have to wash it in the sink in the wheel chair with my head up and leaning backwards.  My hair is thick again.  I couldn't go to Mark's Installation as I have to stay in the same place all the time.  I have not left the apartment since I cam home from the hospital on January 10.  It is supposed to get to 70 degrees tomorrow.  I get no exercise and I hate it.  I am grateful for the teachings of the Bible or I would never get through the day.  I read the scriptures all the time.  I am also reading "Chesapeake".  I read 100 pages and quit and read them again and quit and now I am on page 460 and I really love the book.  I love to read history and it is. (?)  I try to read a lot.  I knit some too.

Do you have spring vacation soon?  I wish you could come here and stay with me for it.  I am so glad that you like Rainbows.  I am proud of you for being one.  You have done very well with the teachings.  I hope that you will be an Eastern Star.

Do you watch "Dallas"?  I like the "Dukes of Hazard."  Your scented stationary is really nice.  Judy Dibble sent me some for my birthday.  It is rose scented.  She works all the time and has little time to write.  I miss all my friends in California.  The medicines I have to take for my legs and feet really hurt my stomach.  Plus, I got an infection in my big toe and lost three fourths of the nail and am on antibiotics again.  I drink lots of milk and have to be on salt free foods.  They are expensive.  Sandy has a lot of homework and has to study hard.  She has some nice friends.

So how is school there?  I am proud of your grades.  Do you  babysit much?  Can you save any money?  Sandy loves to babysit but does not do it too much.  She loves to apply make up and fix her hair all the time.  She wants to learn to cook.  We made oatmeal muffins last night and I love them.

Grandma and Grandpa are fine.  They keep busy.  Aunt Ida has a bladder infection.  Charlotte came over the last week for the first time since we moved here.  Lori is getting married in June.  Well, I must close and find stamps.  I love you dearly.  Write back soon.  I miss you.  All my love.

Love ya!!!!
Your mom forever
Write soon.

March 11, 1981

Dearest Betsy,

I sure do miss you and long to see you.  I wish you would write me.  It is one year tomorrow since I saw you.  I wish you could come here for Easter vacation.  I have no money or I send you your plane fare.  My apartment is cold and my feet hurt.  Every morning they are on fire.  I fixed a nice dinner tonight and made a jello salad.  I wanted to send you some banana nut bread but it would weigh too much.  Did you get your presents from me.  I sure hope so.

Grandpa had surgery a week ago.  He came home yesterday.  I couldn't see him.  He ran a fever and was put on antibiotics.  Then he passed out.  They found a spot under his diaphram. It is a lipoma which they will leave alone.  He is OK now.  I haven't seen him for quite a while.  Sandy has a lot of homework every night.  I hope you have a really super birthday.  Please think of me.  I'll always remember having you.  You were so special being my first baby.  Gad saved you and I pray He is still guarding and guiding you.  I love you, Betsy, honey.  Keep up the good life and remember my love for you always.  I sleep with your cat and I love it so much.  I wish I could have gotten you more for your birthday but loving you and being your mom is my best present.  I could cry all day if I let the tears come.  I hold them in.  Please send me a picture of you.  You are so pretty.  I am so happy you are my daughter.  I love you, honey.

All my love,
You mom forever

I miss you so much

Happy Birthday!!  15 years old.

When can you drive in Virginia?

Please write me.