October 24, 1987

Dear Betsy,
I just wrote Sandy.  She called yesterday and is bleeding heavily.  She went to the doctor and he is going to watch her.  She may have to have a D&C.  Markel is fine and still nursing.  Women who breast feed rarely bleed until 6-9 months after they deliver.  I never did.  She is on an estrogen pill also and started bleeding after she took it.  It doesn't sound good.  She hasn't sent the pictures and I asked to please send them.
By the way.  Grandma was so thrilled to get your card.  She didn't say who it was from but started describing it and said the color was lavender and I said "Oh, that must be from Betsy."  She read the card and said it was from you.  Anyway, you are the only grandchild who sent her one and she was happy about that.  She is 68.  She and Grandpa are going to the Smokey Mountains and Grand Chapter for a few days.  They leave tomorrow.  They are busy doing something most of the time.  Keeps them active.   Grandpa feels pretty good since the surgery took away the pain.
My feet are bad today.  I have a bladder infection and I think the medicine I started last night for it is causing them to be so red and hot.  It sure nauseated me.
So how are your jobs?  I bet you keep busy.  How is Kermon?  Does he go to school or work or both?
Bob has been in the hospital almost a month with high BP and I mean high.  He seems better now but it is still 150/90 to 190/100.  His arteries are shot.  Mine are about as bad.  Plus I keep gaining weight from the medicine they are giving me for my feet.  I gain a # a month.  I weight 130# now and I don't eat that much really.
I am not active and get little exercise because of my feet.  They were so very swollen when I got home from Provo.  It took a week on almost bed rest to get them down.  I loved Utah but the sun is hotter there and it was 80-85 degrees and the sun really bothers my feet.
I couldn't afford to move there really.  Sandy really wanted me to and I had to disappoint her.  I hated to say no.  I always wanted to live in the west but I guess it is better here for my legs.  Markel is so very beautiful and pretty.  Mark says she already weighs 10#.  Sandy is a good mother.  She said she needs to go to work.  They really need money.  I guess Mark isn't making much.  I hope things work out.  They seem very happy.  I took some pictures and I will get them developed and get you some.
Kirstie called.  She wants the dishes.  I think you and Kermon and Kirstie and Will should come here and go to the storage place and unload everything and take what you want.  Grandma pays $20 a month to store my things and some of Bob's.  Think about it.   Talk to Kirstie.  I can't go there and unload it.  It is on the 2nd story and a ladder to climb.  I can't do it.
Well, I will close now.  Please remember I love you so much and I miss you.   Take care of yourself and write.  I love hearing from you.  Remember I love you.

All my love,
Mom

What do you think about wall street?

October 10, 1987

Dear Betsy,
It was so good to get your letters.  I hope Sandy sends those pictures.  I would love to have them.
Markel is beautiful and pretty, etc.  Her face is nicely shaped.  She reminds me of you when you were that little.  That was 21 years ago.  Boy, I am getting old.
Sandy says she is going to have to go to work.  They have so little money.  I can't help them because I am poor also.
I can't move to Utah as much as I would like to.  I don't have the money to get there.  My legs are so swollen on the trip home.  It has taken a week off them.  I haven't had much energy lately.  I have to push myself to get going.  I was okay while in Utah.  I couldn't afford the motel room and meals for 8 or 9 days so I had to come home.  It is 48 degrees and no sun.  I came to Rudy's to get a hot bowl of chili.  It is really seasoned.  I eat just about everything now.  Bob has taught me that.  He is in the hospital for the 3rd time in 3 weeks.  His BP is up. Grandma and Grandpa are okay.  Grandpa had the surgery on his jaw and no more pain.  It is numb.  Your Grandma goes everywhere all the time.  I don't know how she does it.  She is tiny and thin.  She'll be 68  soon.  Grandpa will be 70 in November.   Aunt Ida is lazy like me only she has reason to be.  She is 85.  My appetite was so good and now it has died down.  I weigh 126# which is good for me.  All my weight is in the belly and waist.
I should go to the grocery store.  I have a bad cough.  Change in the climates I guess.  It was hot in Utah.  I do believe the sun would be too hot on my feet there.  I can no longer tolerate sun.
So you are sounding happy.  Is everything going okay?  How is Kermon?  Are you going to school or working?  Your dad sent me a post card from Hawaii which was nice.  I sent him and Alison one of Salt Lake Temple.  I hope it doesn't upset Alison.
I went to court about the divorce the day before I left for Utah and the trial had to be post pond and he has to be served with papers again because they made a mistake.
Well, I will close now.  Thanks again for writing and caring about me.  My life is lonely and I miss all of you so much.  I wish I could see you.  You mean so much to me.  Write me again soon.  I love you with all my heart.

All my love,
Mom

PS:  Don't forget I love you, honey