Dear Betsy,
How are you? My hip is getting better and less pain. I have trouble sleeping. I always used to sleep on my back until I got so critically ill. Then I ended up on my side. Now I am getting used to sleeping on my back again.
Bob and I have been married one year on May 4. Today he bought me a Ryrie Study Bible and it is great. I will be busy with it. I also got a devotion book.
We have no water and it is a ness. A major pipe broke and 2 buildings (16 apartments) have lost water. The toilet is the worst problem.
We are going to take Confirmation classes at the Episcopal Church and join June 5th. Tomorrow I plan to go to communion service at 11:30.
I would like to sew again. I have to get rid of some more things and get some clothes that fit.
Grandpa starts golfing tomorrow. He will do it every Wednesday morning. He brought some water over tonight.
Well, I am out of news. Take care and remember I love you so very much and miss you. You are always welcome here. Please write.
All my love,
Mom
Tuesday, April 19, 1983
Friday, April 15, 1983
April 15, 1983
Dear Betsy, Sandy and Kirstie,
Sally Mower sent this letter here yesterday for Sandy.
My right hip is a big mess. It is huge, beet red and painful. I had needles in it yesterday. I am afraid I will be in the hospital very soon to have it operated on and get intravenous antibiotics. I am scared. It is much worse today.
Bob went to the American Legion meeting tonight. I watched TV. Dallas was very good.
I had to get groceries tonight also. That didn't help my hip any. I write in my journal every night. I am still reading "M.D." It is good. I decided I had better start wearing my glasses. I must be getting old.
Well, I will close. Take care. Please write. I love you all very much. I miss you.
All my love,
Your mom
Sally Mower sent this letter here yesterday for Sandy.
My right hip is a big mess. It is huge, beet red and painful. I had needles in it yesterday. I am afraid I will be in the hospital very soon to have it operated on and get intravenous antibiotics. I am scared. It is much worse today.
Bob went to the American Legion meeting tonight. I watched TV. Dallas was very good.
I had to get groceries tonight also. That didn't help my hip any. I write in my journal every night. I am still reading "M.D." It is good. I decided I had better start wearing my glasses. I must be getting old.
Well, I will close. Take care. Please write. I love you all very much. I miss you.
All my love,
Your mom
Tuesday, March 8, 1983
March 8, 1983
Dear Betsy,
I hope this letter finds you well and happy. I have really been busy with Bob so sick in the hospital. He is doing better but they are still running lots of tests. It is hard to find a ride every day to see him. I can't be on my feet very long. He now has diarrhea. He looks better and is getting back his good sense of humor. He is out CCU.
Your birthday is in 10 days. I can hardly believe it. I remember when you were born and praying so hard for you to live. I love you so much and I had not even held you. Thank God you lived and grew up to be such a lovely and beautiful daughter. When I see little girls all dressed up I remember how I used to dress you up and fix your pretty hair. I am very proud of you and your accomplishments. Please keep up what you are doing and become a lovely woman.
How is school going? Sandy does go to school and gets her homework done but eats and watches TV so much. Plus she exercises a lot. I do sit ups every night and lift small weights with my arms. It builds up muscles. I still weigh 121#. I eat a huge breakfast. My right hip bone hurts a lot. I laid on it in ICU a lot and afterwards. The pain makes me sick. I have to take pain pills for my feet and legs now.
They do help. I miss Bob. I go to sleep at 2 am but go to bed around 8 pm to rest my legs.
It has been lovely weather here but today it is cooler and rain. Tonight is supposed to be 30 degrees. I had planned on going to communion service tomorrow morning but may not be able if it is too cold for my feet. I go to the Episcopal church now. I have a lot of Mormon friends.
Well, I must close. Please try to write your mom. I miss you and love you very much.
All my love,
Mom
I hope this letter finds you well and happy. I have really been busy with Bob so sick in the hospital. He is doing better but they are still running lots of tests. It is hard to find a ride every day to see him. I can't be on my feet very long. He now has diarrhea. He looks better and is getting back his good sense of humor. He is out CCU.
Your birthday is in 10 days. I can hardly believe it. I remember when you were born and praying so hard for you to live. I love you so much and I had not even held you. Thank God you lived and grew up to be such a lovely and beautiful daughter. When I see little girls all dressed up I remember how I used to dress you up and fix your pretty hair. I am very proud of you and your accomplishments. Please keep up what you are doing and become a lovely woman.
How is school going? Sandy does go to school and gets her homework done but eats and watches TV so much. Plus she exercises a lot. I do sit ups every night and lift small weights with my arms. It builds up muscles. I still weigh 121#. I eat a huge breakfast. My right hip bone hurts a lot. I laid on it in ICU a lot and afterwards. The pain makes me sick. I have to take pain pills for my feet and legs now.
They do help. I miss Bob. I go to sleep at 2 am but go to bed around 8 pm to rest my legs.
It has been lovely weather here but today it is cooler and rain. Tonight is supposed to be 30 degrees. I had planned on going to communion service tomorrow morning but may not be able if it is too cold for my feet. I go to the Episcopal church now. I have a lot of Mormon friends.
Well, I must close. Please try to write your mom. I miss you and love you very much.
All my love,
Mom
Monday, February 28, 1983
February 28, 1983
Dear Betsy,
So much is happening here. Bob is in critical condition at Toledo Hospital. He is now in CCU. That is where I used to work. I have a hard time getting out to see him. He just turned bad tonight. I pray he will get well.
Sandy got a letter from Matt today. They are going to be friends. She went on a date to a dance Saturday night with Keith. She is doing well. She is over eating and vomitting. I am worried about her. She is not happy. She nearly choked to death Friday night after going to a party and eathing four pieces of pizza, etc. She can't eat one of anything and stop. I called Dr. Adler today and he hopes to see her soon.
I write in my journal every night. I do exercises also. I have to stay off my feet 12 hours every night and most of the day. It is a hard way to live but I am slowly learning.
How is school and Rainbow girls? How come you aren't writing to me? I miss you and your letters.
Bob's name went on the temple Prayer chain tonight. We usually go to the Episcopal church.
Our weather is really warm here the past 2 days. It is like spring. I wish I could walk like I used to.
Well, I will close. Remember I love you. Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Ida are well. They are worried about Bob, Sandy and me.
All my love,
Mom
So much is happening here. Bob is in critical condition at Toledo Hospital. He is now in CCU. That is where I used to work. I have a hard time getting out to see him. He just turned bad tonight. I pray he will get well.
Sandy got a letter from Matt today. They are going to be friends. She went on a date to a dance Saturday night with Keith. She is doing well. She is over eating and vomitting. I am worried about her. She is not happy. She nearly choked to death Friday night after going to a party and eathing four pieces of pizza, etc. She can't eat one of anything and stop. I called Dr. Adler today and he hopes to see her soon.
I write in my journal every night. I do exercises also. I have to stay off my feet 12 hours every night and most of the day. It is a hard way to live but I am slowly learning.
How is school and Rainbow girls? How come you aren't writing to me? I miss you and your letters.
Bob's name went on the temple Prayer chain tonight. We usually go to the Episcopal church.
Our weather is really warm here the past 2 days. It is like spring. I wish I could walk like I used to.
Well, I will close. Remember I love you. Grandpa, Grandma and Aunt Ida are well. They are worried about Bob, Sandy and me.
All my love,
Mom
Monday, February 14, 1983
February 14, 1983
Dear Betsy,
It was so very nice to talk with you today. I am sorry about your feet and knee. I love the Valentine that you and Kirstie sent me. I have been in the apartment over 36 days. I miss you so much. I love you dearly. I am so proud to have you as my daughter. I have no money for rent, etc. for this coming time. I miss exercising. Al lthe ascription is hurting my stomach.
Do you have my Columbia Minerva knitting book and bag from the den? It is the book that had a dashound sweater in it. I need to knit some slippers.
February 19
I got your letter yesterday and was so happy to get it. So you wear a 34C. I am glad for you. Sorry I couldn't have been with you.
No one reads your letters but me so you can write whatever you want to me.
A friend came and washed my hair today. I have a trya I had to buy it from a beauty supply store.
People have brought us food because we have no minister.
I am reading "Sayonara" by James Michener. It is very good. Religion means a lot to me. If it weren't for God and my beliefs I don't know how I could even endure all this suffering both physically and mentally. I miss you so much. I wish I had a picture of you.
I am glad you are enjoying Rainbows. Did I tell you the Eastern Star Drill Team sent cards and called it a "birthday card shower"? Plus a lady gave me stationary.
I hope your feet and knee are improving. I worry about them all the time. What do you want for your birthday? I wish I had some money to get you something special.
Prices of groceries are really terrible lately. Do you drink a lot of milk? I do now, too. I am in a wheel chair all the time. I haven't been anywhere since Jan 10 and then only to come home from the hospital. I vacuummed the apartment tonight in the wheel chair. I see very little people. I can't drive either. Saves on gas. My electric bill was terrible for last month.
I have learned to do lots of things from the wheel chair. My legs have to be up all the time and that makes it difficult to move about.
Well, I must close this letter. "The Dukes of Hazzard" are on and "Dallas" soon will be. I read "Joni" and would love to see the movie. It is here in Toledo now. It would be good I am sure.
Remember I love you dearly. Take care and write soon again. You brighten the day.
All my love,
Mom
Lots of XOXOO
It was so very nice to talk with you today. I am sorry about your feet and knee. I love the Valentine that you and Kirstie sent me. I have been in the apartment over 36 days. I miss you so much. I love you dearly. I am so proud to have you as my daughter. I have no money for rent, etc. for this coming time. I miss exercising. Al lthe ascription is hurting my stomach.
Do you have my Columbia Minerva knitting book and bag from the den? It is the book that had a dashound sweater in it. I need to knit some slippers.
February 19
I got your letter yesterday and was so happy to get it. So you wear a 34C. I am glad for you. Sorry I couldn't have been with you.
No one reads your letters but me so you can write whatever you want to me.
A friend came and washed my hair today. I have a trya I had to buy it from a beauty supply store.
People have brought us food because we have no minister.
I am reading "Sayonara" by James Michener. It is very good. Religion means a lot to me. If it weren't for God and my beliefs I don't know how I could even endure all this suffering both physically and mentally. I miss you so much. I wish I had a picture of you.
I am glad you are enjoying Rainbows. Did I tell you the Eastern Star Drill Team sent cards and called it a "birthday card shower"? Plus a lady gave me stationary.
I hope your feet and knee are improving. I worry about them all the time. What do you want for your birthday? I wish I had some money to get you something special.
Prices of groceries are really terrible lately. Do you drink a lot of milk? I do now, too. I am in a wheel chair all the time. I haven't been anywhere since Jan 10 and then only to come home from the hospital. I vacuummed the apartment tonight in the wheel chair. I see very little people. I can't drive either. Saves on gas. My electric bill was terrible for last month.
I have learned to do lots of things from the wheel chair. My legs have to be up all the time and that makes it difficult to move about.
Well, I must close this letter. "The Dukes of Hazzard" are on and "Dallas" soon will be. I read "Joni" and would love to see the movie. It is here in Toledo now. It would be good I am sure.
Remember I love you dearly. Take care and write soon again. You brighten the day.
All my love,
Mom
Lots of XOXOO
Thursday, December 16, 1982
December 16, 1982 Sally
Dear Sally,
Well I spent 12 days with my parents and am now with Bob. I am still very weak. We are working things out. I have a fever tonight. Sandy is still in the hospital. She'll probably end up in a foster home. I can't take her and she hates Garry.
Thank you for your letter. I weight 117#. I weighed 105# in the hospital. Bob is helping me. I have lost my past memory.
I am so depressed today. I cried and cried all day. I guess I am letting down. I really bled in the hospital also and had lots of blood. Thank God I am alive. I have a lot to be thankful for. I really do love Bob. I have missed him. He loves me.
Well, I have heard nothing from Betsy or Kirstie. It is really upsetting. Well, I get new glasses. I have no Christmas presents, tree or decorations. Glad you are ready for Christmas. I miss you all. Sorry this has taken so long. Please tell Jodi, Marie and Noreen what happened to me. I have to do something with my life and feel that I can do. Any suggestions. Merry Christmas to all. I miss you.
Love,
Judy
Well I spent 12 days with my parents and am now with Bob. I am still very weak. We are working things out. I have a fever tonight. Sandy is still in the hospital. She'll probably end up in a foster home. I can't take her and she hates Garry.
Thank you for your letter. I weight 117#. I weighed 105# in the hospital. Bob is helping me. I have lost my past memory.
I am so depressed today. I cried and cried all day. I guess I am letting down. I really bled in the hospital also and had lots of blood. Thank God I am alive. I have a lot to be thankful for. I really do love Bob. I have missed him. He loves me.
Well, I have heard nothing from Betsy or Kirstie. It is really upsetting. Well, I get new glasses. I have no Christmas presents, tree or decorations. Glad you are ready for Christmas. I miss you all. Sorry this has taken so long. Please tell Jodi, Marie and Noreen what happened to me. I have to do something with my life and feel that I can do. Any suggestions. Merry Christmas to all. I miss you.
Love,
Judy
Tuesday, December 7, 1982
December 7, 1982 Sally
Dear Sally,
Please excuse my scribbling. Sorry I haven't written but I was critically ill in Toledo Hospital for one month. I don't remember a lot. I was in intensive care 19 days. I had a temp of 84 and a pulse of 30 and in a coma when Bob finally got me to the hospital. I had hypothermia and they gave me no chance to live. My parents have really been devoted. Five days after I got here I turned even worse. I aspirated and got bad pneumonia. Then they had to put a tube in me to breathe and put me on a respirator. Oh, Sally, when I came to I was sure I was dying. I remember my mom 1st then my dad. I do remember them. In the meantime I saw Sandy and couldn't remember that she came from VA in October with me. I was sure I was dying. Only I really was struggling with life. My mom said they gave no hope. The pneumonia was resistive to the antibiotics and finally they found one and I broke out in severe rash. She said I was a mess. I don't remember. Then I had bad diarrhea and had stomach tube, rectal tube, breathing tube, Foley urine catheter. I had 3 IV's swag catheter into the heart, arterial blood lines and subclavian catheter. I have lost a lot of weight and am now gaining fast. I guess I had a really bad cough before I came in and fell, etc. only Bob let me go. I was in a coma when he finally called an ambulance. I blame him. He has used me as a nurse maid, my money, transportation, etc. He has used me. Sandy is in St. Vincents hospital and has been 4 weeks. Bob put her in when I was in the hospital. She took extra thyroid plus her anorexia is bad.
Please excuse my scribbling. Sorry I haven't written but I was critically ill in Toledo Hospital for one month. I don't remember a lot. I was in intensive care 19 days. I had a temp of 84 and a pulse of 30 and in a coma when Bob finally got me to the hospital. I had hypothermia and they gave me no chance to live. My parents have really been devoted. Five days after I got here I turned even worse. I aspirated and got bad pneumonia. Then they had to put a tube in me to breathe and put me on a respirator. Oh, Sally, when I came to I was sure I was dying. I remember my mom 1st then my dad. I do remember them. In the meantime I saw Sandy and couldn't remember that she came from VA in October with me. I was sure I was dying. Only I really was struggling with life. My mom said they gave no hope. The pneumonia was resistive to the antibiotics and finally they found one and I broke out in severe rash. She said I was a mess. I don't remember. Then I had bad diarrhea and had stomach tube, rectal tube, breathing tube, Foley urine catheter. I had 3 IV's swag catheter into the heart, arterial blood lines and subclavian catheter. I have lost a lot of weight and am now gaining fast. I guess I had a really bad cough before I came in and fell, etc. only Bob let me go. I was in a coma when he finally called an ambulance. I blame him. He has used me as a nurse maid, my money, transportation, etc. He has used me. Sandy is in St. Vincents hospital and has been 4 weeks. Bob put her in when I was in the hospital. She took extra thyroid plus her anorexia is bad.
Thursday, December 2, 1982
Missing You
Missing You
Sometimes when I'm
alone and missing you,
I remember the special times we've
shared.
Sometimes the memories make me smile,
sometimes they make me cry.
Sometimes they make me lonely,
but that's not so bad…
because remembering what we've already
done makes me look forward
to the things we've yet to do.
It makes it easier to wait for you
because you don't seem so far away.
But more than anything else,
it makes me realize just how much
I love you.
- Julie Ann Gridley
Sometimes when I'm
alone and missing you,
I remember the special times we've
shared.
Sometimes the memories make me smile,
sometimes they make me cry.
Sometimes they make me lonely,
but that's not so bad…
because remembering what we've already
done makes me look forward
to the things we've yet to do.
It makes it easier to wait for you
because you don't seem so far away.
But more than anything else,
it makes me realize just how much
I love you.
- Julie Ann Gridley
Monday, September 27, 1982
September 27, 1982
Dear Sally,
I am here in Virginia to see the girls. I just saw Sandy's psychologist with Garry. She is returning to Toledo with me at the advice of the doctor. Garry took it very well. You are the first to know. I called Bob but no answer. She wants to live with me so much. It will really be crowded in our 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment but Bob and I will try to make a good home for her. Bob is going to hear the missionary lessons. Pray that he believes.
I have been in this motel 6 days. My parents were here 3 days with my Great Aunt Ida. Betsy became Worthy Advisor of Rainbow Girls and I installed her. I flew here and will fly back tomorrow with Sandy. I will seek permanent custody of her. She has a lot of faith - so do I.
The girls just came to visit. Betsy says to have Ginny write. Sandy is in the process of writing Ginny. Please write her at my address.
Our weather is 70. It is pretty good for my feet and legs. My poor stomach hurts a lot lately. So much has happened. I love to Book you gave me. Sandy goes to Seminary every morning here but only once a week in Toledo. We leave at 9 AM out of Washington, DC tomorrow. I hope and pray Sandy will be happy with Bob and me.
How have you been? I miss you so much. I made my best friends. Please write me encouragement with the church.
I can hardly believe the children have grown so much. Mine have too.
Well, I am excited about getting Sandy home to me. I hope she can get the love she needs from me and Bob. My stomach really hurts. Garry will take us to the airport. Poor Sandy. She has really suffered. I pray she'll be happy and well. She looks so good.
Well, I will write again soon. Please write me. I need encouragement and strength more than ever.
Remember I miss you and all my friends. Say "hi" to them for me. I love you, friend.
Love
Judy
I am here in Virginia to see the girls. I just saw Sandy's psychologist with Garry. She is returning to Toledo with me at the advice of the doctor. Garry took it very well. You are the first to know. I called Bob but no answer. She wants to live with me so much. It will really be crowded in our 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment but Bob and I will try to make a good home for her. Bob is going to hear the missionary lessons. Pray that he believes.
I have been in this motel 6 days. My parents were here 3 days with my Great Aunt Ida. Betsy became Worthy Advisor of Rainbow Girls and I installed her. I flew here and will fly back tomorrow with Sandy. I will seek permanent custody of her. She has a lot of faith - so do I.
The girls just came to visit. Betsy says to have Ginny write. Sandy is in the process of writing Ginny. Please write her at my address.
Our weather is 70. It is pretty good for my feet and legs. My poor stomach hurts a lot lately. So much has happened. I love to Book you gave me. Sandy goes to Seminary every morning here but only once a week in Toledo. We leave at 9 AM out of Washington, DC tomorrow. I hope and pray Sandy will be happy with Bob and me.
How have you been? I miss you so much. I made my best friends. Please write me encouragement with the church.
I can hardly believe the children have grown so much. Mine have too.
Well, I am excited about getting Sandy home to me. I hope she can get the love she needs from me and Bob. My stomach really hurts. Garry will take us to the airport. Poor Sandy. She has really suffered. I pray she'll be happy and well. She looks so good.
Well, I will write again soon. Please write me. I need encouragement and strength more than ever.
Remember I miss you and all my friends. Say "hi" to them for me. I love you, friend.
Love
Judy
Tuesday, July 6, 1982
July 6, 1982 Sally
Dear Sally,
It was good to get your letter. Our weather is hot and humid. Not like CA. I really miss all of you, etc. Bob and I are happy. We have so many errands to run but my legs can't take all the heat and time on them, plus we are still trying to move into my apartment.
My great Aunt Ida was 80 this month. We went out to dinner and there was a surprise party for her at my mom's. She had fun. Doesn't act her age.
I've talked with the girls. I plan to go in Sept when Betsy is installed as Worthy Advisor. I am anxious for Bob to meet Betsy and Kirstie. He really cares about my daughters. We both miss Sandy. I am sure she will return some day. Her dad works those girls every morning for 4 hours on the house.
The girls all go to church and mutual. Betsy's steady boyfriend is good LDS and he just graduated from high school. He friend (also LDS) likes Sandy. His name is Matt.
Sandy weighs about 110-113# and I think it is too much. I weight 120# and know I need no more.
Bob and I are both going in September to VA. We may fly. I plan to sell my 2 rings as I have no use for them. They will pay my airplane ride.
Did I tell you that I am letting my hair grow for Bob. But I plan to get it thinned soon. We have been married over 2 months now.
I love the book you sent me. It is too hot to send bread or muffins now. I have a huge store list. I push the wheelchair and Bob pushes the cart. Like a choo choo train. We have fun.
Write soon.
Love,
Judy
It was good to get your letter. Our weather is hot and humid. Not like CA. I really miss all of you, etc. Bob and I are happy. We have so many errands to run but my legs can't take all the heat and time on them, plus we are still trying to move into my apartment.
My great Aunt Ida was 80 this month. We went out to dinner and there was a surprise party for her at my mom's. She had fun. Doesn't act her age.
I've talked with the girls. I plan to go in Sept when Betsy is installed as Worthy Advisor. I am anxious for Bob to meet Betsy and Kirstie. He really cares about my daughters. We both miss Sandy. I am sure she will return some day. Her dad works those girls every morning for 4 hours on the house.
The girls all go to church and mutual. Betsy's steady boyfriend is good LDS and he just graduated from high school. He friend (also LDS) likes Sandy. His name is Matt.
Sandy weighs about 110-113# and I think it is too much. I weight 120# and know I need no more.
Bob and I are both going in September to VA. We may fly. I plan to sell my 2 rings as I have no use for them. They will pay my airplane ride.
Did I tell you that I am letting my hair grow for Bob. But I plan to get it thinned soon. We have been married over 2 months now.
I love the book you sent me. It is too hot to send bread or muffins now. I have a huge store list. I push the wheelchair and Bob pushes the cart. Like a choo choo train. We have fun.
Write soon.
Love,
Judy
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