My Dearest Betsy,
Recieved your two letters and the inviations. It really sounds like it will be a lovely reception. I have only $22 in my checking account until my Social Security check comes so I have no money. I am sadly afraid I am not going to be able to come. If I fly the airplane fair is $250 round trip plus motel and food. Grandma and Grandpa are afraid to drive me at this time of year. I have to keep my feet up most of the time. Plus the storms of winter have been bad and we could get stranded and my feet would be lost.
I want to come so very much but I don't know how I can afford to fly at this time. Plus Sandy is still in the hospital and I can't see her yet. She is starting to improve thought. I am reading a very good book on Anorexia Nervosa and it is just like Sandy. I hope she will soon be well. This is a long process disease. She will have to have a tutor to go on with school.
We are getting freezing rain sleet and snow. A real mess! This is a very hard winter.
A friend took me to a lovely restaurant for an early celebration of my birthday. I ordered a large chef salad and a bowl of French Onion soup and it was served with one inch thick melted Swiss cheese. It was delicious but salty. I really hold fluids. I am really on a salt free diet. My friend will be in Florida on my birthday.
I made 2 polyester dresses and cut this kettlecloth one out tonight which I am enclosing. I enjoy sewing for myself.
I go to bed fairly early every night and watch TV read or knit or write a letter.
Grandma and Grandpa went to the store tonight for me as it was too cold for me. I do get out and got me a pair of boots to wear in the cold.
The name of the book on Anorexia Nervosa is call "The Golden Cage" if you wnat to get it at a bookstore. The author is Hilde Brunch, MD.
A couple from church came the past two days and helped me put up pictures, etc. I thought that was so nice of them.
My good friend, Julie, has been in a wheel chair since age 11 and a big help to me. She is really overweight but has a heart of gold. She crochets all the time. I can drink one cup of coffee everyday. I really love it and look forward to it. I get up at 6:30 am every morning. Tomorrow I hope I get to church with the bad weather. How is your asthma? I hope you are doing okay.
I hope you can understand about my not being able to come to the reception. I am so sorry I can't and feel sick about it. I can't take a chance of frost biting my feet plus I really don't have the money. I wish it was less to fly. Please try to understand. I love you so much and miss you. My heart longs to see you and wish I could be with you on your special day.
Please write me soon or call me at …. I love to hear from you. I look forward to the mail everyday.
Did I tell you I got my hair cut really short? It looks better and it's easier to take care of. It is so thick. I wash it tonight.
Give my love to Kirstie. Ask her to write me.
Please, honey. I love you dearly and miss you. Write when you can. I am proud of you and your good grades, etc.
I will be 40 years old in a few days. Hard to believe.
I love you and miss you.
All my love,
Your loving mom
