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.

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