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.

Saturday, May 27, 1989

May 27, 1989

Dear Betsy,
Just a short letter to let you know much you mean to me.  We had a lovely honeymoon in the Smokies.  I have never been happier.
I had surgery May 23rd for a bladder tie up.  However, when they got in they discovered my ovaries and appendix were bad so they took it all.  Yes, I am sore.
I may be able to go home soon.  I have a bikini incision and a catheter in also.  Earl is here 12 hours every day.  We are so happy.  Grandma and Grandpa came a lot.  The doctor told Earl that he was worried about the heart but I did fine.  I may go home today with catheter in.  How is Kirstie?  I do hope and pray she is better.  I wish I could afford to talk with her on the phone.  I know it would help.  How is Will doing with her?  Do you still thing he may be her problem?  Plus she hate her job at Horizons.  I told her to come here for a break.
Thank you for my Mom's day card and letter you made.
Our pictures are good.  Some of the one you took are dark but good.  Grandpa said it could be you didn't give the flash long enough to charge.  I'll send them all soon.
I love you honey.  I am so glad you came for the wedding.  It meant everything and more to me!!

Take care.  Write soon.
All my love,
Mom

Thursday, May 11, 1989

May 11, 1989

Dear Betsy,

We want to thank you for the darling wedding bell and BOM.  Most of all we are so thrilled to have you come.  It meant so much to your mom.  I am still finding confetti hearts!

Well my surgery is over.  They tied the bladder up then had to take the appendix and my ovaries.  I still have a small catheter in the incision.  I will have a bikini scar.

Earl is wonderful to me.  He really loves me and I love him so much.

So how are you doing?  I hope fine.  I called 5 nights ago and left a message.  How is Kirstie doing?  I get no where when I talk to her.  I feel sorry for her.  I have been in her position.

All my love,
Mom and Earl

Saturday, May 6, 1989

May 6, 1989

Judith E. Thompson 
and 
Earl L. Burgess
request the honor of your presence
at their wedding
on Saturday, the sixthh of May
Nineteen hundred and eighty nine
at two o'clock in the afternoon
The Church of Jesus Christ of 
Latter-day Saints
Toledo, Ohio