January 25, 1988

Dear Betsy,
I got your three letters.  I am still in St. Charles Hospital.  They are studying my feet and legs.  I go to physical therapy 2x a day for my back.  They use hot packs and ultra sound heat treatments.  It helps a lot.  I am still vomiting my meals and they don't know why but plan to send me home soon.
I think it would be a great plan and idea to move to VA.  I am sure they have low income housing in Reston.  Then I would be with all of you and Mark and Markel.  Believe this - even your grandma thinks it is a good idea!!  She says she and Grandpa are getting old and may die at any time.  I have nothing in Toledo.
Aunt Ida will soon be leaving Toledo Hospital after her stroke and go to a nursing home. My mother has her power of attorney.  She plans to sell her car and then the house.  I have bot been to see her.  She listens when I talk to her on the phone.  I have been sick since she has.  Mom mom calls me from the hospital so Aunt Ida can hear my voice.  She seems to respond to me.  She can't talk or use her right side.  It is sad.  She would have preferred to have died fast.  She and I used to talk 3-4x a day and she adored Markel.  I miss her a lot.
Honey, I need to be around my children.  I get so lonely and depressed.  It is hard to live in pain and have Bob living so close to me.
This year marks the 25th class reunion of Toledo Hospital school of nursing.  It is on June 11-12 & I pray I can go.  There was 44 in our class.  Plus your Dad and I would have been married 245 years in November.  I wish things could have been different.  Grandma and Grandpa will be married 50 years in May.  That's a long time.
So what are you really feeling about Kermon?  I can imagine it is a difficult time for your life and you have many mixed feelings.  I hope everything works out for you.
I have been in the hospital 7 days.  I would like to go home but I still am vomiting.
It is snowing hard outside and getting cold so the weather says.  We have had a mild winter so far.  I don't mind the winter weather (It's 5 above).
Where is Blacksburg?  How far from Reston?
So you agree Markel is a doll.  I miss her.  If I move to VA I can watch her grow.  I think you are a good Aunt.
Did you make New Year's Resolution?  I didn't but will soon.  I have to get my driver's license renewed before my birthday.  Do you realize you will be 22 and I will be 46.
Grandma has changed since Aunt Ida and then me have been sick.  She is more understanding and even tells me all the times she loves me.  She is going to Scotland in April for Eastern Star.  She is Grand Representative to Scotland for State of Ohio.  She is Secretary of Eastern Stars, etc.  She keeps busy.
As long as I live in Toledo Bob will be after me.  He helps pass time.  He likes to go to expensive places to eat and drink wine.  I wish I could find low income housing in VA.  Please look into for me.  I am sure one of you told me there was low income in Reston.  Get my name on a waiting list.
Well, I am out of news.  Thanks again for the lovely tapes.  I will get lots of use out of them.  Pray I can move to VA.  I hope I feel better soon.
Take care and write honey.

I love you so much,
All my life,
Mom

January 21, 1988

Dear Betsy,
I got the lovely tapes and really do enjoy.  I hear you adore Markel.  I wish I could see her again.
I have been in St. Charles Hospital 3 days now because I was sick.  I was so dehydrated.  They called a specialist in to do some testing.  I have an upper GI tomorrow plus I had lots of blood tests.  They just took the IV out about 10 minutes ago.  My wrist was so swollen.  I have diarrhea but I have been vomiting a lot at home and a little here.  I am eating better.  There could be several things wrong but I'll keep you posted.
We have snow flurries today and colder.  My room is a private and comfortable.  The nurses keep busy.  My watch needs a new battery so I have Grandpa's black one.
Aunt Ida had a bad stroke.  She can't talk and they took her IV out and she has a tube in her nose to her stomach to feed her.  She can't use her right arm.  She is on antidepressants but starting to respond a little.  She sleeps a lot.
Well, I hope all is well.  I am glad you got to see Markel.  Who do you think she looks like?  She is a cutie but I am her grandma.
Well, I will close.  I'll write more later.  Write me please.  I love you, honey & I miss you.

All my love,
Mom

You'll soon be 22 - I'll be 46

January 11, 1988

Dear Betsy,
I don't think I have written for a while.  I am sorry.  I got sick with pleurisy and that hurt.  But it is gone now.
Sandy wrote the other day.  Mark is staying with your dad.  I hope he finds work soon.  Sandy is worried.  He wants Sandy and Markel to go there and she wants to be with him.  But she said if he is in the same position he was in Provo, she can't see moving there.  I agree with her.  He needs a good secure job.
Markel is really growing.  She has a cute personality Sandy says.  She has rice cereal and fruit now.  In 8 days she will be 4 months.  That is hard to believe.  She was so small when I saw her.
I hate my hair.  I first had it cut short and curly permed a year ago.  I had it done 2 more times.  It is so think but is growing.  I am going to let it grow.  It is really curly after I wash it. After I sleep on it, it is a mess of fuzz.  It's growing especially in the back.  I need to get it thinned.
It is pretty and warmer here.  Supposed to be in the 40s tomorrow.   Have you been so cold like Toledo?  We only got a couple inches of snow.
I give B12 shots to a few here and I do BP once a month.  People come also extra times for BP etc, but no one pays me.  Most have lots more money than me.
I go to the community room for a cup of coffee 2x every morning.  I love my coffee.  I probably shouldn't drink it.  It's hard on the belly.  the pill I have to take for my back is really upsetting to it, but I can't get along without it.
By the way, how is Michael?  Let me know.  I must get this in today's mail so I will close.  I miss you.  Remember I love you dearly.
Please write.
Are you settled in your new place?  I hope so.  Have you found my Christmas present?
I love you,
Love,
Mom