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.

Sunday, December 16, 1984

December 16, 1984

Dear Betsy,
I haven't heard from you for a long time.  I am lonely and miss you today.  I can't afford to call and I never know when you are home.
My left hip is really bad and hurts so bad.  I ended up crying to sleep.  Today I washed my hair and did 2 loads of laundry in the basement.  The stairs really hurt the hip.  I am on 2nd round of antibiotics.
We have been having rain here and warmer temperatures.  My feet are bad.
Last Saturday our 1/2 bathroom (I mean 1/2 of the BR flooded and towels were put on the floor)  They smelled and turned brown.  Well I wore thongs but I got impentigo on the toes.  So now I am painted purple.
So I hope you are better off than me.  I never see any family.  My mom had 2 big parties this past week.  She has no time for her family.  She will see what she has done some day when it is too late.  I would never be too busy for you.  You'd be first.
Bob is feeling a little better but he sleeps days and evenings so I am lonely.  I don't know what makes him so sleepy.
My hair is really very long and curls by self but I will set it in a little while.  My hair keeps me warm.
My church news came today and I haven't had a chance to look at it.
So what are you doing besides the working?  What about David?
I guess Bob and I will have Christmas by ourselves.  My parents will probably invite us the day before or Christmas day.  I don't plan to go there.
They are playing Christmas Carols on the radio and they are so pretty.  Did I tell you I have been playing my violin a lot?  It is hard work but sounds much better.
Well, I sure hope you are enjoying life and happy.  It is important to be happy. Remember I love you dearly and miss you so much.  Ask Bob how much I cry because I miss my daughters.  I love you!!

Merry Christmas.
All my love,
Your mom

Wednesday, November 28, 1984

November 28, 1984

Dear Betsy,
Sorry I haven't answered your letter sooner.  It turned cold today after 60 degree weather.  My ankles are swollen and I have to keep my feet up.  Tomorrow I have to bake apple pudding cake for a sick person and have company coming from church.  The living room got a mess tonight.  Bob and Friend got the rest of the things from Bob's apartment so the place needs lots of work.  We have having trouble getting a ramp after it was promised.  The owner is living in California.
I hope your Christmas presnet get there.  I haven't mailed them yet.  Now, down to the subject at hand.  David!  It sounds to Bob and me that he wants you only when he does.  It reminds me of the way your dad was.  I got a broken heart Betsy.  You are a beautiful girl with a great personality.  There has to be the perfect someone for you out in the world.  Now, you think about it and make a decision.
Grandma and Grandpa are being awful to me.  All they do is complain about me.  I really feel badly and I don't even want to be with them for Christmas.  I hope I never treat you like Grandma does me.  She never comes here and I really cry a lot.  She thinks I was crazy to marry Bob, but it is my life.
I read a lot and study the scriptures.  I can't be out much now because the cold weather.  I am writing this in bed so excuse my scibbling.
Well, I will close for now.  Bob and I had a small roast for Thanksgiving.  It was good and nice.  Didn't your dad invite you?  What did you do on the special day?  I would have liked some turkey.

Monday, November 5, 1984

November 5, 1984

Dear Betsy,
I was so happy to get your letter today.  My right foot has been awful painful and I have been in misery.
Bob and I opened a joint checking account today at Ohio Citizens.  Now we have to have money.
Next day
Bob and I go to the hospital to admit Wednesday and he has surgery Thursday.  He and I both see the doctor today at 4:30.  Well, we saw the doctor and my medicines were changed.  Bob's are the same.  Now I really take plenty.  Now more.  This cold air is hurting my feet.  Our weather was in the 40s but it is going to warm up again.
Bob is sleeping in the green chair.  Boring election night for us.  I read my scriptures every day.  I am glad you got to go and wanted to go to Rainbows.  Good for you.
The missionary sisters were here Monday to show a film strip and cassette (A Family is Forever) I really cried.  It showed so many beautiful things.  I want to get a recommend again.  Sandy is sure for the church.  Where would you get married if David asked you now?  Which church?  I wish you could be married in Toledo because of my legs.
I wish I could be more of a mom to you.  I love you so much and am so proud of you.  We could go to the mall and have a ball.
Well, remember I love you and miss you so much.  Take care.  Have fun and work hard.

All my love,
Mom and Bob

Tuesday, October 30, 1984

October 30, 1984

Dear Betsy,
I am at Frisches now eating a salad bar.  It is very good plus cauliflower soup.  Bob had minor surgery and is sleeping.  I was going to the Mormon church etc.  But I don't know.  Bob and I are also Episcopalians.  Tomorrow we will go to communion service @ 11:30 and then eat for free.  I still like my coffee and my beautiful bikinis are not mormon code.
By the way they are small on me.  I gained 10# and they are size 6.  I eat too much ice cream.
Bob goes to the hospital for surgery on the 8th.  It is Urology surgery and ill be painful.  I hope all goes well.
Where do you want your Christmas presents sent?  I have part of it.
Well, I guess I will stick with the Mormon church.  Boy, it is cold here.  I am freezing.  It is only 45 degreees here.  The leaves have all fallen off.
Well, I am out of news.  Write back real soon.  Remember I love you and miss you.  I hope you are well and happy.

All my love,
Mom and Bob

Thursday, October 25, 1984

October 25, 1984

Dear Betsy,
It was so great to talk with you last night.  Grandma was thrilled that you called and remembered her birthday.  I am glad you sound happy and like your apartment.  We are still unpacking.  Grandpa is getting a few groceries for me today.
Bob bought me the Triple combination which is the BOM, D&C, and Pearl of Great Price.  It is my late wedding present.  I had it engraved.
What do you want for Christmas?  So you are into Modeling!  I am glad you like it.  How do you like your new job?
I am taking my old scriptures that are underlined and marked and doing it with my new scriptures.  It keeps me busy.  Now, when you come I have a twin bed and bedroom for you.  Although you never complained about the sofa bed.  I still have that.
I have to take Bentyl 10 mgm all the time for my colitis.  It really gets bad some days.  I guess I am a very nervous person.
I will never forget all the fun we had this past June.  It is a treasured memory as our my pearls you gave me.  Bob thinks they are really pretty.  I really appreciate all your help in getting the dress.  We had fun.  You lit up my life once more.
How are you and David?  I hope good.  Are you saving money?  We are really stretched with our salaries.  Together we don't even make $700.
Well, I will close so this gets mailed.  Remember I love you so much and miss you.

All my love,
Mom

Tuesday, October 2, 1984

October 2, 1984

Dear Betsy,
I haven't heard from you.  I know you are busy.  Did the other 2 girls tell you I called?  We are really busy.  Bob got most things moved this weekend but lots of boxes remain behind and we got to unpack everything.  The apartment is smaller than Bob's.

October 5
I am still moving but progress is being made.  We have lots to come from Bob's.  Then more of the unpacking.  The Mormons only helped me and not Bob.  The Baptist are helping a lot.   It is hard to be handicapped.  Sandy called for the minutes today.  I hope she is okay.
How is work going?  I sure wish you'd write me.  I miss your letters.  I hope you like your job.  Bob is going to the American Legion tonight so I will be alone for the first time in our apartment.  Someone gave me these little notes.  This is the 1st I used one.  Well, I guess I will close so I can get Bob to the Legion. We'll got an ice cream cone on the way.
Remember I miss you and love you very much.

All my love,
Mom

Wednesday, July 25, 1984

July 25, 1984

Dear Betsy,
I was so happy to get your letter today.  Bob and I are fine.  He needs a lot of sleep and takes a nap every afternoon.  It was cooler today.  I read my Book of Mormom.  I am glad you are happy for Bob and me.  It means a lot to us.
Curtis may come and find you even so.  Did you like him?  I remember when you did.  Who is Brian?  Did you date him?  Is he a nice man?  He will probably be anxious to see you.  Do you love David?  Are you sure of your feelings?
I started dating you Dad when I was 16 years.  It was Pearl Harbor Day.  We went steady 20 months and he suddenly announced his ring back and that he wanted to be free.  I was crushed.  I gained 25# and became very nervous.  Well, we both dated and I met Bill Sugar.  We went to a dance.  He never had dated before.  I dated your Dad every time he came back for a weekend and left Bill.  Then I got engaged to Bill.  But I still dated your dad.  Then on your Dad's birthday in 1963.  I called him.  I was to be married to Bill October 5.  So your dad went and tore up all the written wedding invitations for Bill.  We were engaged October 12th and married November 23.  So you see I was mixed up.  Bill begged me to marry him.  He waited 6 years before he ever married.  What do you mean by kiss and all?  I always kissed the boys.  (I had others too.)  but nothing further.  Well, have I confused you.  I hope not.  Be sure you are happy before you marry.  I did love your dad.  I couldn't stand living with Grandma and Grandpa so I married your dad.  They are impossible to please.  The still don't know we are married.  I didn't marry Bob for that reason.  I love him and we are happy together.  Anyone can get married and it is rather simple to do.  But divorce is a real mess to everyone involved and very difficult to obtain especially when children are involved.  Bob says "anyone can marry and six months later the honeymoon wares off and you are pregnant then what do you do?  A baby needs parents, but do you suffer and live is misery (as I did with your dad)?  I loved my children.  One dear, please be sure you love someone before you marry or take care of yourself.  You sure don't need to get pregnant before you marry the man you love.
I left your dad when he and I loved up Sugarloaf Mountain and came to Toledo to work and get divorced.  However, I was pregnant with you and the doctors in Denver said I wasn't.  But I definitely was and went back to your dad.  I think it is time you know what happened.  I did love your dad but he always had his women.  
Well, I have really rambled on.  Bob loves you, too.  I wish I could see you again.  
Are you going to take that apartment for $175 with Martha?  Is she nice?  Is it close to work?
I am soaking my feet.  I hate to do it.  Write me again soon.  Remember I love you and miss you.  

All my love,
Mom

Monday, April 30, 1984

April 30, 1984

Dear Betsy,
I was so happy to get your letter.  I wish I could help you more than I can.  I am so discouraged.  I loy on an air mattress day and evening.  I have very sore hips.  Dr. Lopez came at 12 Noon last week.  My ulcer on the hip is deep.  My feet are improving  I got out to church for the 1st time.  I am at the Zeph center now for counselling.  Grandma and Grandpa are very busy every day and evening.   I am on my own cooking, etc. so I have to be careful not to do too much.  It is really windy here today and coool.  At least the warm air feels good.  It has been a cold winter.
Dave sounds very nice.  He has a lot of good features.  I wish I could meet him.
I do rock sit up ups every day for my exercises.  I can't let my heels touch the floor.
I plan to go to some Bible studies this week.  Ihave to find something to do to pass the time.  I am lonely.  I need new friends and it is hard to do if you never get out.
I talked to Sandy two times last week.  She called me.  She said you seem happy.  I hope all is well with you.
Yes, I remember the coffee and dominoes.  How could I ever forget.
Do you like Country Western music?  I wish I could get it all the time.
I am reading "Jesus the Christ."  I have always wanted to do that.

May 1st
Tell Sandy her records should be sent to Mr. Cotton if they find them.  I called Springfield for her.
A big box of Current Stationary came today.  I don't sell it but we get it at discount.
I had to call in 13 refills of pill bottles for me.  I have to take over 3o pills a day.  I pay $14.41 and the government pays the rest.
It is cold here today.  I need milk again.  I may have a Spanish Souffle or else eggs and tuna and or big salad.
One of my friends from the 2nd ward gave me church news letters.  Her name is Karen Flock. Tell Sandy as she really knows her.
I sure have enjoyed your Easter Card.  It was so nice of you and it is right where I can see it.
Well, I must close.  I hope you get the Full time job at Wellbourne.  I am anxious to see you.  I miss you.

All my love,
Mom

With a little persuation from you - Grandma and Grandpa might come to your graduation.

Sunday, April 8, 1984

April 8, 1984

Dear Betsy,

Thank you for the beautiful Easter card and lovely Get well card.  I look at them all the time.  My feet are still sore but slowly getting there.  I now eat three meals a day and had cake and ice cream for dessert.  I get up at 9 am and have to take 13 pills plus many more all day long.  Ihave gained 6# now and this is the limit.  The church provided supper night this week and all Saint's Lutheran brought in my lunch every day so far.
I lost my big toe nail last night and the remains looks terrible.  Dr Lopez was supposed to come today.  It is 7 pm and no doctor so far.  I really like him and he is good to me.  My disease  is so rare and he studies it.
Grandma has done the dishes every day and Grandpa got groceries.  He also got gas in my car.
The apartment is just darling.  I have their really beautiful hide-a-way bed, an orange (dark) chair and 2 tables and a lamp.
Smokie is gone.  The funny think is that I really don't miss him so much.  He has a good home.
I have had lots of friends over. (I am fally asleep writing this)
Later
I am awake now.  Dr. Lopez hasn't come.  Grandma and Grandpa were just here.  She did my dishes for me.  They got your card and letter.  Please write Aunt Ida to thank her for the $10. She looks for a letter and wallet picture of you.  Could you please send me another wallet also so I can have some extras made.
You sound happy at Heidi's.  Did you go to Social services?  My soc. sec. number is … You should have had money as payee for yourself for March, April, May and June.
What are your plans for the summer?  I hope you do come and see me.
Well, I am out of news.  I have to soak my feet before I go to bed in cool water before I go to bed.  Remember I lov eyou so very much.  I miss you also.  Take care of yourself.  Keep me in your thoughts.
All my deepest love,
Your mom

April 9
So sorry you had an asthma attack.  I am glad it got better and your tummy also.  You should have had those cokes…especially during an attack.  Enclosed is a check for $5.  It isn't much but get what you need.  Don't ever be afraid to go to the hospital for care as someone will help you.  Have faith, honey.  I am glad David and his dad were so helpful.  Thank them for me.  Think about your future.  I love you.  Take care.  I'll look for the Bentyl and some Eurythromycin to have on hand.  Tell Sandy her letter is coming.  Tell no one about the $5.  Just between you and me.  All my love to a good daughter.

I love you,
Mommy

Wednesday, March 14, 1984

March 14, 1984

Dear Betsy,
I really hope you have a fun birthday.  I will call you Sunday.  I hope I find you home.  I wish I could be with you.
My feet are so tender on the bottom and the ankles are swollen.  My Electrolytes are off.  I have to eat a little salty food.
Betsy, $10 of this check is for your birthday.  The other $5 is to help with expenses.  That is between you and me.
Friday night the church has a chicken dinner and dance. I may go.
I hope you are well. I am anxious for summer to come so I can see you and get out more.
Take Care and write me.  I love you dearly.  Please send me another wallet picture of you.  Then I'll get some copies made.

All my love,
Mommy

March 14, 1984

Dear Betsy,
It was so good to talk to you last night.  I wish I could afford it more often.  Today Grandpa got a few groceries for me today.  I woke up at 5:30 am and Smokie was under the foot cradle and nibbling on my toes.  So now I'll have to shut my bedroom door.  In the summer I got to leave that door open but put him in the bathroom and shut the door.  I got out for coffee today as it was sunny and 32 degrees but wet in places.
Grandma worked the past three days.  She is tired and is beginning to look tired.
Grandpa is building a Recreation room in the basement.  They bought a new sofa and love seat for their family room.  Now I get the hideaway bed and I can sleep you on it or your sisters.  It is queen size.
Sounds like you are really busy with school, work and activities.  That is good.  It probably helps you forget the unpleasant stay on Soapstone.
Please send me a wallet senior picture.  I can have some made from it and can send Uncle Dick one.  You are so pretty.  I love the picture.  Don't forget the one for Aunt Ida.
Well, I will close.  Just wanted you to know I was thinking of you.  Take Care.  Hope you get my check.  I love you honey and always will.  I miss you so much.

All my love,
Your mommy

Wednesday, March 7, 1984

March 7, 1984

Dear Betsy,
Yesterday I got a card with the Washington Temple.  It is beautiful.  Sandy sent it.  She said you took your dad's truck to Penn.  What did you do that for?  I hope everything is well.
Grandpa is in a lot of pain.  He has Trigeminal Neuaolgia in the face.  He went to get groceries for me today.  My Visiting Teacher helps a lot.  She cooks meals and does laundry.  I hate laying in bed.  Today I got diarrhea.  It is beautiful and warm outside.  I wish I could see Bob.  I miss him.  Time goes slow for me.  I read scriptures and watch TV.  My feet and legs really hurt.  Now, my stomach is acting up.  I have to take Bentyl 10 mgm and Tagament for it.  I just can't get another ulcer and more diarrhea.
Do you go to church?  If so is it the Mormon?  Yesterday, I wrote in my journal.
Well, I am out of news.  Betsy, I really do love you and miss you.
Take care of yourself.

All my love,
I love you,
Mom

Monday, February 27, 1984

February 27, 1984

Dear Betsy,
It has been so good talking to you.  I am so sorry for you and the terrible trouble you had to go through.  You can always call me.  I am sending you a check for $25 to help you a little.  Don't tell your sisters but I want to do this for you.  Go to social security and find out your rights.  You are entitled to the money for you to live.  Save your receipts for food, gas, etc.
Do you still plan to come to see me this summer?  I wish I could come there now or for your graduation.  Julie sounds like a nice person and so does your boyfriend.
We are having a big snow storm blizzard right now.  It started 2 hours ago and is terrible.  I am trapped inside.
Smokie has been sick.  He had an infection. Plus he has digestion problems.  I now have to change his food.  He vomits unless he takes a digestion pill.  I hope he is better soon.
Aunt Ida keeps herself busy.  She goes to church every week.  She eats out with other families.  She went to the store early today because of the storm coming in.  She reads books and watches TV.
Bob wants to remarry me and bought me a diamond ring.  He gave me it January 2nd and no one knows about it in the family.  He is trying to walk with crutches.  He uses the wheel chair now.  I have my medicaid benefits and would lose them if I married him.
Your Valentine card is beautiful.  What you wrote inside is wonderful and you are a very special person to me.  You will soon be 18 years old.  Will you stay with Julie?  When do you graduate from school?  I am glad you like your new job plus I am proud of you to continue at Bradlees department store, plus go to school.
Then to have all this trouble with your father.  He is sick.
Lent starts in March.  I usually go to the services.  I go to either a Lutheran or Episcopal church.  I like to go to communion at 5 pm at St. Michael's which is Episcopal and it is on Saturday.  Sometimes I go to the Mormon church but I like my coffee and Brim too well.  Plus I can't afford the tithe.
My hips are big red sore bumps.  I have to take pain medicine and some day I can barely get around.  My feet  are a mess.  I had Impentigo on the toes really bad.  So some of my toes are purple.  What a mess I am.  I can barely walk.  My feet are so tender.
I think I will start playing my violin and restart lessons.  It helps pass the time.  My days are long.  I imagine you don't have enough hours in a day to get everything done.  My life used to be liek that before I got so sick.
Well, I will close for now.  Remember I love you dearly and am so upset for you.  I hope the check helps with expenses.  I miss you.  Please write me. when you can.  Remember I love you and you can always call or come here.

All my love,
Your mommy

Monday, January 9, 1984

January 9, 1984

Dear Betsy,
What has happened to you?  I haven't heard from you except when I called Christmas.  I miss you so much.  I don't understand.  Did I say something wrong?  I got a lot of nice things (clothes) for Christmas.  Bob got me a 14K gold cross.  It is dointy.  Now I need the chain.
My feet are breaking down.  It is very cold here.  I will probably end up in the hospital.  i am up at 6 am and go to bed between 9-10 pm.  I read from 6 am to 10 am in bed to cool my legs and feet.  I am getting depressed.  I can do so little and never get out anymore.  I don't have many friends.  I sent Sandy lots of papers on thing for a report.  I hope she appreciates it.   It took a lot of time.  But I have loads of time.  Bob sleeps mostly every day.  I don't know how he can sleep so long.  I wish I could.  I am in a lot of pain with my feet.  I have to soak my feet in cold water every night.  It is so painful.  Than I cover them with cream.
I am sending these 2 coupons.  I hope you can use them.
The Mormons aren't like there were out west.  The Bishop is my home teacher and no visiting teachers.  We really need help.  So I am calling tonight and leaving the church.  I'll go where people care and understand.  I have paid tithing and I can't get out to meetings because of my feet.  I have really helped the missionaries a lot.  I have studied the scriptures and books every day.  I guess I will just read my Bible which Bob gave me.  I really love it.

January 10
Everything is going wrong.  I want to get this off to you before the mailman comes.  I am so upset and depressed.  My feet hurt so bad.  Remember alwasy that I love you very much.  I miss you.  Please write or call.  Please.  I love you.

All my love,
Mom