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, 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