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.

Thursday, August 22, 1985

August 22, 1985

Dear Betsy,
How are you doing?  I hope all is well and you are happy.  It is a nice day here.  I get up early and go to bed early.  I have a hard time sleeping.  My right hip is an open sore and it really hurts.  I am on Penacillin and I hope it improves.
Bob has not been well.   He is a little better today but still sleeps a lot and has a pain in his head.  He goes to the doctor tomorrow and I have to take him.
So how was your time at the beach?  I hope you had a lot of fun.  I bet you are really tan.  I would be a mess plus freckles.  Be glad you got that from your father.
I am going to a baby shower tonight at the church.  I hope I meet women.  I get so lonely and never go anywhere it seems.  I was going out for a salad bar but haven't for over a week.
Grandma and Grandpa are moved but they say they have a real mess.  They sold a lot of furniture and it was so pretty.  They eat out a lot since they moved.  I just talked to them and Sandy called them.  She is lonesome.  It must be hard when everyone is gone on break.  She has never called them before.
Well, I am out of news.  Hope you are well.  Remember, I love you very much.  I miss you.  Write me.

All my love,
Mom

Friday, August 2, 1985

August 2, 1985

Dear Betsy,
Sandy sent me your address.  I hope you are well and happy.  I miss your not writing or calling.  Are you still going to school?
I get up early now and eat.  Bob sleeps a lot.  It must be his medicines.  He is awake late at night.  I go to sleep around 11:30 pm.  I still drink a couple cups of coffee each day.
I think I will take up sewing again and maybe play the violin.
I had to take all my things from Grandma's and Grandpa's attic to storage yesterday.  What a mess.  I sure gave up a lot for garage sale.  If and when you get married I'll have dishes and glasses for you.  No hurry.  I even saved you booster chair for me as a grandmother.
I am reading a good book by Danielle Steel which belongs to Grandma.
It is cool in the mornings here.  By the afternoon it is in the eighty's.  I like 60-75 degree for my feet.
So what are you?  So you moved?  Are you living alone or what?  Do you have an apartment?  I am playing cassettes on my little player I like them.  One is Pat Boone's.  It is a religious tape.
I want to start a Bible study in my apartment and I  am going to put up notices on bulletin boards at stores.  I made nine 3x5 cards and hope I get some response.
Shelly and Ricky are helping Grandma and Grandpa move.  Oh, what a mess they.  They are moving to a new pretty condo.  I hope they like it.  It is a lot smaller than the big house.  My storage will cost $20 a month.  I want to move some things there from this basement.
Well, my pen doesn't like this side of paper.  Please remember I love you.  I am so worried about you.  I hope you are all right.  Please write or call.  I want to hear from you.

All my love,
Mom