I can't believe my oldest daughter is about to leave for college. I hope I've done all I can, all that I should have to prepare her for this next stage of her life. She is already starting to experience new and challenging emotions related to the subject. Prior to graduation she was so excited - telling everyone where she is going, what she will be studying, and how excited she is to be going to the college of her choice. Since then she's had quite a few days of spending time with friends, searching for a job and enjoying the beginning of "her last summer at home" (even though she'll be coming home for summer every year).
Last night the tears flowed like an unstoppable faucet as she stared into the screen of her computer. The computer was saying, "It's time to register for classes - here is the class catalog - you can start tomorrow (not in those words). Ironically, it was the same day that I booked out tickets to take her to college. I was with her at this moment, checking to see if she received her itinerary. I thought she'd be excited, but it was then, at that very moment, that she realized … this is real. She is going to be away from family. Far away from family. She was unhappy. She was so sad to be going so far away.
All I could do was rub her back and comfort her. This is your dream - you'll be fine. You'll be busy with classes, making new friends, engaged in activities at school and church, but all she heard was "i'll be away from family".
I know she'll be okay - and I'm so glad she had this reality now, and not at the doorstep of college doors on orientation day. I feel for her - she is the oldest, going away first… going far away (and she is my one that never likes to be far away from family).
I'm confident she'll be fine, better than that, she'll thrive and surprise herself and us at how well she'll adjust and do because she always does. She likes to succeed. More importantly I know she has faith and trust her Heavenly Father, and I do too! I know He'll watch over her and keep her on her path.
And, yes, it's not for a few more months! I'm going to take advantage of every minute I can (starting with a "girls only night" tonight) with her, preparing her, strengthening her confidence and trust in herself and in the future and in God's plan.
sweet dreams!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Time is a great healer
I was so upset earlier tonight, and now only 3 hours later, after the kids have gone to sleep and the house is silent so that I have time to reflect, ponder and pray, I am at peace. Thank goodness we have times like this to help keep the crazy moments in check.
It doesn't take long before the frustration transforms back into the true love and caring that we have for our children. We continue with the regular needs/wishes/wants of the day or night and suddenly we feel better. Before you know it you are giving goodnight hugs and kisses, tucking them into bed and telling them how very much you love them (and mean it!)
It's so good to get rid of negative feelings before heading to bed. Peace is so comforting.
It doesn't take long before the frustration transforms back into the true love and caring that we have for our children. We continue with the regular needs/wishes/wants of the day or night and suddenly we feel better. Before you know it you are giving goodnight hugs and kisses, tucking them into bed and telling them how very much you love them (and mean it!)
It's so good to get rid of negative feelings before heading to bed. Peace is so comforting.
So Frustrated when it seems that nobody listens to me...
Why is it that when you are trying to have a somewhat serious conversation your children decide at that time to wack out on every “manners” rule or expectation you have and try every once of your patience. I have two boys that are 4 years apart and for some reason they love to taunt and torment each other in the name of fun and in the name of pain. Sometimes I think it’s just to get me mad, but I know they don’t even think that far ahead about it - they are both just stubborn about getting their way that when one of them taunts the other, the other feels he has to retaliate. We’ve had talks to each of them about not seeking revenge, etc. but it seems to always repeat. I’m so frustrated because I feel I’ve already talked to them BOTH about this several times and yet it has made no impact, no difference, no peace in my life. They still can’t seem to keep their hands to themselves, keep away from each other, keep out of each others personal space, etc. You get the drift! AWE!!!!
So, then I am told - they are just being boys...stay out of it. I do that until I hear one or the other or both cry out (which I knew was coming anyway). That is what gets to me the most, I think. They set themselves up for the predicable and preventable “accident” or pain of someone going “too far”. I’m sick of it!
Monday, February 11, 1991
Thursday, January 31, 1991
January 31, 1991
Dear Mom,
Hi! I'm so worried about Sandy. Mark and she are not getting along very well. I wish they could forgive each other for the mistakes each of them have made and get on with their lives. She's scared; she doesn't know what to do about the girls. I wouldn't either. What can I do to help??
How are you? What have you and Earl been doing lately? I miss hearing from you. What is the status of your schloraderma? Have your legs been giving you a bad time? I hope not.
I'm fine - in good health. I've been very busy. I'm working two jobs to make money for my sister Sandy and to help get myself out of debt! I need to clear myself of all debt so that I can finish my schooling. I only have $3000 more to go - HELP!
Sandy can use the help, too. Do you know what you want for your birthday?
(This letter was the last letter I ever wrote my mom and it was never mailed. She died six days after her birthday, 12 days after this letter was started…and never finished)
Hi! I'm so worried about Sandy. Mark and she are not getting along very well. I wish they could forgive each other for the mistakes each of them have made and get on with their lives. She's scared; she doesn't know what to do about the girls. I wouldn't either. What can I do to help??
How are you? What have you and Earl been doing lately? I miss hearing from you. What is the status of your schloraderma? Have your legs been giving you a bad time? I hope not.
I'm fine - in good health. I've been very busy. I'm working two jobs to make money for my sister Sandy and to help get myself out of debt! I need to clear myself of all debt so that I can finish my schooling. I only have $3000 more to go - HELP!
Sandy can use the help, too. Do you know what you want for your birthday?
(This letter was the last letter I ever wrote my mom and it was never mailed. She died six days after her birthday, 12 days after this letter was started…and never finished)
Friday, October 5, 1990
October 5, 1990
Dear Betsy,
I haven't heard from you in a while so I decided to write. I found a coupon for you if you still eat them. I am on a slim fast diet to lose 5#. I weigh 130 and that is too much for me. Earl has been in the hospital for the past two weeks with bleeding ulcer in his tummy. Then he developed a bad ceelutis from an IV and it required 6 days of IV antibiotics. It is better now but he is still on antibiotics. He has to take 2 stomach pills for the ulcers and he can't do any heavy work. He has to have a cardiac cath for his heart. He gets chest pain and the doctor told me he could probably drop over dead some day if we don't find the problem. Earl is very healthy otherwise except for arthritis and having to wear hearing aids. He has had several surgeries but for nothing serious.
It is a beautiful day here and supposed to get to 85 degrees by Sunday. That is too hot for my legs. We bought me a prescription a pair of mercury filled support hose. They really help with the swelling but are very hot for my legs. They go to below the knee and my toes are out. They cost $54 for a pair. That is a lot of money and should have another pair but we can't afford it now.
We have gotten acquainted with several people from church and Don and Osie come over every two weeks and they came over when Earl got home. Don is Earl's age and is coming over this next week to cut all our wood up by the wood pile. That is really nice of him (because) Earl can't do it. Osie calls a lot and is into vitamins and herbs like myself. She looks a long younger than Don. We will go to church on Sunday at least for Sacrament meeting. Relief Society is the last meeting on Sunday. Is that the way it is in VA? It is a brand new church and lots of people. I haven't gotten any home teachers yet but the Relief Society Presidency came over and my 2 Visiting teachers. They are all nice. It is a good ward - Toledo was poor and didn't make you feel welcome except for a couple of people. Anyway this is an excellent ward and I may even start doing genealogy. I don't know where to begin. I have so little to go on with my family history.
I do 50-80 sit ups a night. Earl's daughter is selling me a brand new exercise bike which will help my legs get some strength. It is $50. That is what they paid for it and it is still in the box. Now we have to get it here. That may be a problem because our car is small. Gram and Gramp got rid of their van and bought a small car for mom. They are going to the Eastern Star Convention in Columbus on the 21-24th of this month and will come here on the 25th for the day. They won't stay here. I guess my house is not clean enough. I don't know. I was up 1/2 the night last night and slept late this morning. We may go to Bob Evans for supper. I don't know. We have to really watch our money because we can't make it otherwise from month to month. We only have 2 social security checks between us and that is not much.
I read my scriptures every day and it helps a lot. I am in the BOM now and enjoy it very much. I like the D&C too. I know very little about the Pearl of Great Price. I even have a Relief Society manual now which I haven't had for three years or more. They gave it to me here. Everyone has a hard time finding the place except Don and Osie. Osie brings me food from her garden which is delicious. They bring me magazines like Reader's Digest and Guideposts. I do enjoy reading them. Osie is ordering vitamins for me with her order. Hopefully they will help my feet. I should have had her order me dolomite and bone meal like she takes for her arthritis. Earl is having a lot of pain with his arthritis. He can hardly walk. The doctor stopped his medicine he takes fir it because it is hard on the tummy. It probably caused the ulcer. He has to get well before hunting season because he wants a deer or two. He and his son are going out hunting around the property. We have lots of deer around here. They are a beautiful animal. It is also good meat for eating. Earl has hunted for years in the upper states and shot many a deer and bear. He has several different kins of guns. We have them loaded too. I was a little scared while he was in the hospital all alone except for Blackie. She helped a lot. She is smart. She chews a lot so we keep her supplied with a big rawhide bone and she chews them up in a day or two. She really eats a lot too but I guess that is to be expected with a big dog. She is so tall when she stands up. We love her and take good care of her. We let her run outside when she goes potty.
My sceloderma is still acting up and I have to eat baby food at times. Otherwise I eat normal. I want to lose some weight fast. I wear size 14 clothes now and that is big for me. Earl made me a purple dress in floral print. It is very pretty. I wear it to church. I don't get dressed up to eat at Bob Evans. I wear sweat shirts and some dresses somedays.
So how are you doing? We continue to pray for you. I wish you didn't have to work so hard. I am glad you get to the Temple. One day I will be there with you. Wouldn't that be wonderful. I long for that special day. How is your love life? I hope doing fine. Do you want to get married and have babies? I bet you do. You are so beautiful. I love you so much.
All my love,
Mom and Earl
I haven't heard from you in a while so I decided to write. I found a coupon for you if you still eat them. I am on a slim fast diet to lose 5#. I weigh 130 and that is too much for me. Earl has been in the hospital for the past two weeks with bleeding ulcer in his tummy. Then he developed a bad ceelutis from an IV and it required 6 days of IV antibiotics. It is better now but he is still on antibiotics. He has to take 2 stomach pills for the ulcers and he can't do any heavy work. He has to have a cardiac cath for his heart. He gets chest pain and the doctor told me he could probably drop over dead some day if we don't find the problem. Earl is very healthy otherwise except for arthritis and having to wear hearing aids. He has had several surgeries but for nothing serious.
It is a beautiful day here and supposed to get to 85 degrees by Sunday. That is too hot for my legs. We bought me a prescription a pair of mercury filled support hose. They really help with the swelling but are very hot for my legs. They go to below the knee and my toes are out. They cost $54 for a pair. That is a lot of money and should have another pair but we can't afford it now.
We have gotten acquainted with several people from church and Don and Osie come over every two weeks and they came over when Earl got home. Don is Earl's age and is coming over this next week to cut all our wood up by the wood pile. That is really nice of him (because) Earl can't do it. Osie calls a lot and is into vitamins and herbs like myself. She looks a long younger than Don. We will go to church on Sunday at least for Sacrament meeting. Relief Society is the last meeting on Sunday. Is that the way it is in VA? It is a brand new church and lots of people. I haven't gotten any home teachers yet but the Relief Society Presidency came over and my 2 Visiting teachers. They are all nice. It is a good ward - Toledo was poor and didn't make you feel welcome except for a couple of people. Anyway this is an excellent ward and I may even start doing genealogy. I don't know where to begin. I have so little to go on with my family history.
I do 50-80 sit ups a night. Earl's daughter is selling me a brand new exercise bike which will help my legs get some strength. It is $50. That is what they paid for it and it is still in the box. Now we have to get it here. That may be a problem because our car is small. Gram and Gramp got rid of their van and bought a small car for mom. They are going to the Eastern Star Convention in Columbus on the 21-24th of this month and will come here on the 25th for the day. They won't stay here. I guess my house is not clean enough. I don't know. I was up 1/2 the night last night and slept late this morning. We may go to Bob Evans for supper. I don't know. We have to really watch our money because we can't make it otherwise from month to month. We only have 2 social security checks between us and that is not much.
I read my scriptures every day and it helps a lot. I am in the BOM now and enjoy it very much. I like the D&C too. I know very little about the Pearl of Great Price. I even have a Relief Society manual now which I haven't had for three years or more. They gave it to me here. Everyone has a hard time finding the place except Don and Osie. Osie brings me food from her garden which is delicious. They bring me magazines like Reader's Digest and Guideposts. I do enjoy reading them. Osie is ordering vitamins for me with her order. Hopefully they will help my feet. I should have had her order me dolomite and bone meal like she takes for her arthritis. Earl is having a lot of pain with his arthritis. He can hardly walk. The doctor stopped his medicine he takes fir it because it is hard on the tummy. It probably caused the ulcer. He has to get well before hunting season because he wants a deer or two. He and his son are going out hunting around the property. We have lots of deer around here. They are a beautiful animal. It is also good meat for eating. Earl has hunted for years in the upper states and shot many a deer and bear. He has several different kins of guns. We have them loaded too. I was a little scared while he was in the hospital all alone except for Blackie. She helped a lot. She is smart. She chews a lot so we keep her supplied with a big rawhide bone and she chews them up in a day or two. She really eats a lot too but I guess that is to be expected with a big dog. She is so tall when she stands up. We love her and take good care of her. We let her run outside when she goes potty.
My sceloderma is still acting up and I have to eat baby food at times. Otherwise I eat normal. I want to lose some weight fast. I wear size 14 clothes now and that is big for me. Earl made me a purple dress in floral print. It is very pretty. I wear it to church. I don't get dressed up to eat at Bob Evans. I wear sweat shirts and some dresses somedays.
So how are you doing? We continue to pray for you. I wish you didn't have to work so hard. I am glad you get to the Temple. One day I will be there with you. Wouldn't that be wonderful. I long for that special day. How is your love life? I hope doing fine. Do you want to get married and have babies? I bet you do. You are so beautiful. I love you so much.
All my love,
Mom and Earl
Wednesday, September 19, 1990
September 19, 1990
Dear Betsy,
I got your letter two days ago and was so glad and happy to hear from you. Earl has been really sick and his color was terrible and he got so weak. I took him to the doctor on Monday and the doctore drew blood thinking it was virus. Well, Tuesday AM the nurse called to say to take Earl to the hospital. He is bleeding somewhere and his hmg. was 8.6 on Monday and yesterday it was 7.2. Then he got chest pain and had to take 2 nitro's and was put on oxygen. He is a very sick man. He has a good doctor. Dr. Harris saw me first and he said, "Judy, you have been here all day, now go home." Then he went to see Earl and told Earl that he was sending me home. I just called the hospital and they said he felt stronger and didn't as hard pain as he did yesterday. Thank the dear Lord.
I went to see Earl today. They gave him 2 pints of blood and he looks better and feels much better. He can only have clear liquids and therefore has liquid stools. He has to have a special test done tomorrow where they put a big garden hose down your throat to see the lining of the stomach and duodeum. I was there 4 hours and came home. I fixed his bed up special for him. Someone from church gave me 3 large print Reader's Digests to read. Earl finished sewing my dress for me. It is purple/black print. I have a black purse and belt. Now I need black shoes. I plan to wear it this Sunday. Last Sunday Earl was too sick to go anywhere. I had to drive him to the doctor on Monday and the hospital on Tuesday. I rarely ever drive so it takes some remembering especially on these winding roads. I get sleepy. You know I don't get more than 4 hours of sleep a night. I come up in the loft and read or watch a video. I went to the library and check out two books today. I watched Cora earlier and it was a cop story and very good.
We are hurting moneywise. I haven't paid on medical bills for 2 months. Now, our car insurance is due. We haven't even enough cash for groceries. I am praying for help. I think this is really bothering Earl. Probably why he has the ulcer if that is what it is. I pray it is not a tumor. Can you put his name on the Prayer list at the Temple?
My dog is sleeping. She is so big and Earl say she will be huge. She is loveable and her name is Blackie. We walk her all the time and she loves it. I can only make it to the mail boxes down the way and walk back. She sniffs everything. We have deer here and she much smell them. I hope I can train her so I can trust her when I go away. She is almost house broken. She told me this morning but I didn't realize it and she wet and pooped. I am used to Earl being here because he walks her the most. Sometimes I think we should put her outside and build a dog house for her. She is big for a house dog. She loves it in here though and good hearted Judy doesn't want to upset the dog. She just came up from behind and put her head on my headed. I am sitting on the floor. What a surprise.
Earl's oldest daughter called tonight to see how her dad is doing. She is very nice. She and her husband stayed with us the weekend of the wedding. Did I tell you that I got my long hair cut very short. I look better with long hair but all I can do now is to let it grow. We had to buy a new microwave on time because ours stopped working. It is a Sears and does really well. It is the top model for the low price. The one we ordered never came in so the manager said to come and get a better one. It does everything. It is much nicer than Earl's oldest one. It worked by a dial - no selections. It just had a timer and it was an old Litton. I am about to sew for the girls. I have two patterns cut out and all they need is sewing. Sandy is anxious to get them. Maybe I can sew tomorrow with Earl in the hospital. I have to drive to Circleville for the hospital. The sun is supposed to shine tomorrow after days of rain. It has been cool though.
I now wear support hose with toes open and they are below the knee. They have 30-40 compression of Mercury in them. That cost us $54 this month for one small pair. We owe so many medical bills and they get worse. Now we have this hospital stay. It is 2 AM and my other tape is going. It is really good - war story. I am drinking a caffeine free diet coke.
I have done something to my right upper arm. It is painful and I can only life it so far. It is weak to use so I am using my left side only. I don't want to spend the money to go to the doctor. They bill Medicare so I don't pay anything until they pay anything until they pay. I have to have my Scleroderma checked also by a specialist. My teeth are going to pot so I have to get them worked on but Earl has insurance for most of that which will help.
Well, I am out of news. Thank you for writing. Take care of yourself. Remember that I love you dearly. Write when you can. Give me your address so I don't have to send your mail to Kirstie. I love you.
All my love,
Mom and Earl
I got your letter two days ago and was so glad and happy to hear from you. Earl has been really sick and his color was terrible and he got so weak. I took him to the doctor on Monday and the doctore drew blood thinking it was virus. Well, Tuesday AM the nurse called to say to take Earl to the hospital. He is bleeding somewhere and his hmg. was 8.6 on Monday and yesterday it was 7.2. Then he got chest pain and had to take 2 nitro's and was put on oxygen. He is a very sick man. He has a good doctor. Dr. Harris saw me first and he said, "Judy, you have been here all day, now go home." Then he went to see Earl and told Earl that he was sending me home. I just called the hospital and they said he felt stronger and didn't as hard pain as he did yesterday. Thank the dear Lord.
I went to see Earl today. They gave him 2 pints of blood and he looks better and feels much better. He can only have clear liquids and therefore has liquid stools. He has to have a special test done tomorrow where they put a big garden hose down your throat to see the lining of the stomach and duodeum. I was there 4 hours and came home. I fixed his bed up special for him. Someone from church gave me 3 large print Reader's Digests to read. Earl finished sewing my dress for me. It is purple/black print. I have a black purse and belt. Now I need black shoes. I plan to wear it this Sunday. Last Sunday Earl was too sick to go anywhere. I had to drive him to the doctor on Monday and the hospital on Tuesday. I rarely ever drive so it takes some remembering especially on these winding roads. I get sleepy. You know I don't get more than 4 hours of sleep a night. I come up in the loft and read or watch a video. I went to the library and check out two books today. I watched Cora earlier and it was a cop story and very good.
We are hurting moneywise. I haven't paid on medical bills for 2 months. Now, our car insurance is due. We haven't even enough cash for groceries. I am praying for help. I think this is really bothering Earl. Probably why he has the ulcer if that is what it is. I pray it is not a tumor. Can you put his name on the Prayer list at the Temple?
My dog is sleeping. She is so big and Earl say she will be huge. She is loveable and her name is Blackie. We walk her all the time and she loves it. I can only make it to the mail boxes down the way and walk back. She sniffs everything. We have deer here and she much smell them. I hope I can train her so I can trust her when I go away. She is almost house broken. She told me this morning but I didn't realize it and she wet and pooped. I am used to Earl being here because he walks her the most. Sometimes I think we should put her outside and build a dog house for her. She is big for a house dog. She loves it in here though and good hearted Judy doesn't want to upset the dog. She just came up from behind and put her head on my headed. I am sitting on the floor. What a surprise.
Earl's oldest daughter called tonight to see how her dad is doing. She is very nice. She and her husband stayed with us the weekend of the wedding. Did I tell you that I got my long hair cut very short. I look better with long hair but all I can do now is to let it grow. We had to buy a new microwave on time because ours stopped working. It is a Sears and does really well. It is the top model for the low price. The one we ordered never came in so the manager said to come and get a better one. It does everything. It is much nicer than Earl's oldest one. It worked by a dial - no selections. It just had a timer and it was an old Litton. I am about to sew for the girls. I have two patterns cut out and all they need is sewing. Sandy is anxious to get them. Maybe I can sew tomorrow with Earl in the hospital. I have to drive to Circleville for the hospital. The sun is supposed to shine tomorrow after days of rain. It has been cool though.
I now wear support hose with toes open and they are below the knee. They have 30-40 compression of Mercury in them. That cost us $54 this month for one small pair. We owe so many medical bills and they get worse. Now we have this hospital stay. It is 2 AM and my other tape is going. It is really good - war story. I am drinking a caffeine free diet coke.
I have done something to my right upper arm. It is painful and I can only life it so far. It is weak to use so I am using my left side only. I don't want to spend the money to go to the doctor. They bill Medicare so I don't pay anything until they pay anything until they pay. I have to have my Scleroderma checked also by a specialist. My teeth are going to pot so I have to get them worked on but Earl has insurance for most of that which will help.
Well, I am out of news. Thank you for writing. Take care of yourself. Remember that I love you dearly. Write when you can. Give me your address so I don't have to send your mail to Kirstie. I love you.
All my love,
Mom and Earl
Wednesday, August 29, 1990
August 29, 1990
Dear Betsy,
My visiting teachers came 2 days ago. Some lady brought them that knew the way. We had a nice visit. They brought 2 old church news, 3 large print Reader's Digest, Relief Society manual. It sure was good to see someone besides Earl. I am making a church dress out of the material I enclosed. I think that it will be very pretty. It was supposed to cost $8 and I got it for $3.50 a yard. Earl has been working on it and sewing it. I really wanted to do it but he can't cut wood in the heat and right now it is storming. Well, that is all the additional news I have. Remember that we love you and pray for you every night.
All our love,
Mom and Earl
My visiting teachers came 2 days ago. Some lady brought them that knew the way. We had a nice visit. They brought 2 old church news, 3 large print Reader's Digest, Relief Society manual. It sure was good to see someone besides Earl. I am making a church dress out of the material I enclosed. I think that it will be very pretty. It was supposed to cost $8 and I got it for $3.50 a yard. Earl has been working on it and sewing it. I really wanted to do it but he can't cut wood in the heat and right now it is storming. Well, that is all the additional news I have. Remember that we love you and pray for you every night.
All our love,
Mom and Earl
Wednesday, August 22, 1990
August 22, 1990
Dear Betsy,
How are you doing? Did you get my letters? How was your trip? We had Earl's daughter and husband stay with us so they could have motel money. They took us out to eat at a nice place Saturday. The wedding was lovely and the reception was okay. Her colors were burgundy and pink. I had my hair done at Penney's in Lancaster at 8 AM. Then I came home and made breakfast for our company. Earl and I stopped at McDonald's for a Sausage McMuffin with egg and cheese. It is very good. I even wore my white shoes that I got married in. I've only worn them 2 times. I have a brand new pair of tennis shoes that are pink and white and they adjust across the top. I bought a slacks pattern with a dress on it and I am anxious to start sewing. I wear size 14 now in all clothes. My medicine is making me gain weight and there is nothing I can do about it. It is the Cortisone for the Scleroderma. My biggest problem with it is I have a terrible swallowing. Our bed is (head of bed) is up on 4 inch blocks which is supposed to help me. I am on ulcer medicine my tummy is so sore. My dear cat has been urinating and pooping on our carpet. So we shut her up in the bathroom and she is very unhappy. I even took her canned food last night thinking she might poop. She cries all the time. Our new puppy is outside because she got into everything and when we went away, oh what a mess. We put her in the bathroom. When we got home what a mess for us to clean up! She doesn't bark yet for us. She did once and that was it. She is half Shepard and half back Labrador retriever.
We have no money except we charge but our payments are very high. We have $50 cash until the … Our checking account is the $50. So I will finish this letter and then on the 1st, I can buy a roll of stamps. I must have 30 outstanding medical bills. Plus all the utilities, charge accounts. So we won't be going out to eat at McDonald's or Bob Evans. We usually go to breakfast at McDonald's and eat lunch or supper out. I cook a lot. We just charged a microwave so I can cook and bake in it. The one we have now doesn't do anything. It cooks or heats on high power, that's all. It doesn't defrost, back a certain %'s. This is a Sears one we are getting and we have to wait until they get in.
I have been busy pulling the weeds in front of the house. It is a never ending job. It does look better. Earl has been busy cutting wood and getting ready for winter.
What should I do about the garments? Should I call Salt Lake Distribution Center and get them when I can after the 1st? I just thought you could get them quicker. Just get the three bottoms now and send them. I'll pay you. I can wait on the tops. If we had the money we would come there again and I could get my recommend and we could go through the Temple together. Oh. That would be nice. It is going to storm this afternoon. I just put the light on so maybe I can see better. We had a nice time when we visited last fall. Hard to believe it has been that long.
Tomorrow we go to Circleville and take our library tapes back. We get 4 videos every time we go. Earl enjoys them a lot. I listen and type, etc. My hands are loosing feeling so I can't write much anymore. It is cause by the Scleroderma. I am supposed to go to Ohio State Hospital in Columbus. My doctor is on vacation. Maybe we will go to Chilecothe. It is a lot closer. If we can't do that, we will go to Toledo and see Dr. Shoen. He has seen me a lot. He researches Ertthromelagia and knows a lot about it. The doctor that handles Scleroderma is called a rheumatoidologist and that is what Dr. Shoen is. My hands shake most of the time and there must be something they can do. Say a prayer for me. I could use one.
Well, you will never guess who just came to see me from the church. It was a retired couple like Earl and me. No one can find us. They live fairly close by and know the area. So they decided to come and find us. Now, they said my visiting teachers can find me and will be here next week. This couple will be back in 2 weeks. I need friends and I love people.
Alex is 2 in a couple of days. It is hard to believe. Then Markel has her third birthday. I wish I could see them again. I wish they could come here.
Earl's daughter and husband stayed here this past weekend and we had fun together. Evelyn loves to cook so I am sending her some recipes. I made these delicious bran muffins. She loved them. She is heavy set because she loves to eat.
I went to Circleville today because I complained that I never drive the car. Earl go and get the tapes, Rx, and a cup of coffee. I got everything and made it home safely. I was so nervous from not driving for so long. I didn't drink coffee. I am trying to get my Temple Recommend. How often do you get to the Temple? I wish we could go through together. Maybe soon. I wish I had some friends. It is lonely when Earl is outside. He came in at 2 PM and was exhausted so he laid down an hour. Now we are watching a video that I got today. I also got a book called "The Awakening of the Soviet Union." It is only 200 pages and it sounded good. I can only have it for two weeks because it is a new book. Well, I am out of news and will close. Hope you are well and happy. Remember that I love you dearly. I have no stamps so you won't get this until after the first. I miss you.
All my love,
Mom and Earl
How are you doing? Did you get my letters? How was your trip? We had Earl's daughter and husband stay with us so they could have motel money. They took us out to eat at a nice place Saturday. The wedding was lovely and the reception was okay. Her colors were burgundy and pink. I had my hair done at Penney's in Lancaster at 8 AM. Then I came home and made breakfast for our company. Earl and I stopped at McDonald's for a Sausage McMuffin with egg and cheese. It is very good. I even wore my white shoes that I got married in. I've only worn them 2 times. I have a brand new pair of tennis shoes that are pink and white and they adjust across the top. I bought a slacks pattern with a dress on it and I am anxious to start sewing. I wear size 14 now in all clothes. My medicine is making me gain weight and there is nothing I can do about it. It is the Cortisone for the Scleroderma. My biggest problem with it is I have a terrible swallowing. Our bed is (head of bed) is up on 4 inch blocks which is supposed to help me. I am on ulcer medicine my tummy is so sore. My dear cat has been urinating and pooping on our carpet. So we shut her up in the bathroom and she is very unhappy. I even took her canned food last night thinking she might poop. She cries all the time. Our new puppy is outside because she got into everything and when we went away, oh what a mess. We put her in the bathroom. When we got home what a mess for us to clean up! She doesn't bark yet for us. She did once and that was it. She is half Shepard and half back Labrador retriever.
We have no money except we charge but our payments are very high. We have $50 cash until the … Our checking account is the $50. So I will finish this letter and then on the 1st, I can buy a roll of stamps. I must have 30 outstanding medical bills. Plus all the utilities, charge accounts. So we won't be going out to eat at McDonald's or Bob Evans. We usually go to breakfast at McDonald's and eat lunch or supper out. I cook a lot. We just charged a microwave so I can cook and bake in it. The one we have now doesn't do anything. It cooks or heats on high power, that's all. It doesn't defrost, back a certain %'s. This is a Sears one we are getting and we have to wait until they get in.
I have been busy pulling the weeds in front of the house. It is a never ending job. It does look better. Earl has been busy cutting wood and getting ready for winter.
What should I do about the garments? Should I call Salt Lake Distribution Center and get them when I can after the 1st? I just thought you could get them quicker. Just get the three bottoms now and send them. I'll pay you. I can wait on the tops. If we had the money we would come there again and I could get my recommend and we could go through the Temple together. Oh. That would be nice. It is going to storm this afternoon. I just put the light on so maybe I can see better. We had a nice time when we visited last fall. Hard to believe it has been that long.
Tomorrow we go to Circleville and take our library tapes back. We get 4 videos every time we go. Earl enjoys them a lot. I listen and type, etc. My hands are loosing feeling so I can't write much anymore. It is cause by the Scleroderma. I am supposed to go to Ohio State Hospital in Columbus. My doctor is on vacation. Maybe we will go to Chilecothe. It is a lot closer. If we can't do that, we will go to Toledo and see Dr. Shoen. He has seen me a lot. He researches Ertthromelagia and knows a lot about it. The doctor that handles Scleroderma is called a rheumatoidologist and that is what Dr. Shoen is. My hands shake most of the time and there must be something they can do. Say a prayer for me. I could use one.
Well, you will never guess who just came to see me from the church. It was a retired couple like Earl and me. No one can find us. They live fairly close by and know the area. So they decided to come and find us. Now, they said my visiting teachers can find me and will be here next week. This couple will be back in 2 weeks. I need friends and I love people.
Alex is 2 in a couple of days. It is hard to believe. Then Markel has her third birthday. I wish I could see them again. I wish they could come here.
Earl's daughter and husband stayed here this past weekend and we had fun together. Evelyn loves to cook so I am sending her some recipes. I made these delicious bran muffins. She loved them. She is heavy set because she loves to eat.
I went to Circleville today because I complained that I never drive the car. Earl go and get the tapes, Rx, and a cup of coffee. I got everything and made it home safely. I was so nervous from not driving for so long. I didn't drink coffee. I am trying to get my Temple Recommend. How often do you get to the Temple? I wish we could go through together. Maybe soon. I wish I had some friends. It is lonely when Earl is outside. He came in at 2 PM and was exhausted so he laid down an hour. Now we are watching a video that I got today. I also got a book called "The Awakening of the Soviet Union." It is only 200 pages and it sounded good. I can only have it for two weeks because it is a new book. Well, I am out of news and will close. Hope you are well and happy. Remember that I love you dearly. I have no stamps so you won't get this until after the first. I miss you.
All my love,
Mom and Earl
Monday, August 13, 1990
August 13, 1990
Dear Betsy,
I got your letter today and was so happy. We went to town today and found a paper that had a dog in it to give to good home. We had to go to Tarlton which is quite a ways away to find her. She is coal black everywhere. Her body, ears, nose, eyes, moth and nails are all black. She is a mix between a German shepherd and Black Labrodor Retriever. We got her for protection. She is 10 weeks and already weighs 18# so she will be a horse when full grown. We took her outside twice and the second time she did her business. She loves to eat and drink water and clean our plates. She is a darling puppy. We named her Blackie for obvious reasons. It is 12 AM and we have to heave here at 8 AM in order to get there on time. Gram brought me a pile of small books on romance. They look good. I think I'll read my Temple booklet after I type this to you. Nitten, our cat is afraid of the dog. The dog runs after her and wants to play. Oh, Betsy, when I go to feed Blackie she knocks the food out of my hand and wags her tail and knocks every thing over. She is so cute. We came up to the loft after supper to watch a video and she came up and laid by Earl. Then when we went downstairs she was so scared. I brought her home and gave her a bath. She had been in a pen outside and was so very wet because it poured rain.
My scleroderma is not good. The way my hands are is the way my throat and esophagus are. I will probably be put on Coritsone soon and I don't want it after all the trouble Kirstie had. My feet and legs are the same - hot, red and swollen. I have learned tolive with them for the most part. The pain is what gets to me. They swell when I am on them too much or it is really hot outside. This is the 4th letter I have written to you since you left. Have you been getting them via Kirstie? I need your correct address and then I will know that you got them. Please send it to me and your phone number. We have so many medical buills that I don't know where to begin because we only have $100 to the end of the month. This weekend Earl's daughter and son-in-law are coming for the wedding and staying with us. So I have to clean again and get groceries. They are big eaters. I hope Blackie behaves with them here. They have a dog and cat.
Our basement is full of water. I called the builder and he came right over. The drain and pipes from the bath tub let go and he fixed them. All my boxes of things are soaked and get moldy if I don't get them soon. We have three full wardrobe boxes down there. They all have clothes on the bottom. My washer and dryer are in water too. We have our work cut out for us. Is my typing any better? I am sure getting fast. I still make mistakes and have to use the liquid for correction fluid. We ate a simple lunch at Bob Evans today. Tonight I burnt my lips and mouth on a cup of hot chocolate. I am surprised I haven't awaken Earl with all this typing and the radio on. I am beginning to feel sleepy but it will pass. I have too much to do around and too much reading to get done. This is the one time I can read and understand it. I have my scriptures to do yet.
Did I tell you that I cut my hair and every one really likes it. So do I. Earl thinks I look really good this way. I am too old to wear long hair and it is too think. Earl says my hair is softer now and it usually is like a horses tail. My dress for the wedding is a shiny royal blue. Very dressy. Cost $50. Not really that bad when you consider I have a nice evening and cocktail dress. Earl gave me a diamond pendant and an opal pendant with a pair of opal earrings to match. I already have 3/4 carrot diamond earrings that we bought shortly after we were married. I have lovely jewelry and forget to wear it. I have two full jewelry boxes full of jewelry play what Earl has locked up for me. I have a set of ruby's also. The ruby rings were Aunt Ida's and are genuine ruby. Well, I am running out of news. I feel bad that I haven't written more. Give me your phone number and I will call you for a few minutes because Earl has a fit if a person talks long. I never call anyone long distance unless it is to Circleville. Remember that I love you dearly and miss you. Take care of yourself. Give Kirstie my love. Her letter will be written tomorrow. I love you.
All my love,
Mom
I got your letter today and was so happy. We went to town today and found a paper that had a dog in it to give to good home. We had to go to Tarlton which is quite a ways away to find her. She is coal black everywhere. Her body, ears, nose, eyes, moth and nails are all black. She is a mix between a German shepherd and Black Labrodor Retriever. We got her for protection. She is 10 weeks and already weighs 18# so she will be a horse when full grown. We took her outside twice and the second time she did her business. She loves to eat and drink water and clean our plates. She is a darling puppy. We named her Blackie for obvious reasons. It is 12 AM and we have to heave here at 8 AM in order to get there on time. Gram brought me a pile of small books on romance. They look good. I think I'll read my Temple booklet after I type this to you. Nitten, our cat is afraid of the dog. The dog runs after her and wants to play. Oh, Betsy, when I go to feed Blackie she knocks the food out of my hand and wags her tail and knocks every thing over. She is so cute. We came up to the loft after supper to watch a video and she came up and laid by Earl. Then when we went downstairs she was so scared. I brought her home and gave her a bath. She had been in a pen outside and was so very wet because it poured rain.
My scleroderma is not good. The way my hands are is the way my throat and esophagus are. I will probably be put on Coritsone soon and I don't want it after all the trouble Kirstie had. My feet and legs are the same - hot, red and swollen. I have learned tolive with them for the most part. The pain is what gets to me. They swell when I am on them too much or it is really hot outside. This is the 4th letter I have written to you since you left. Have you been getting them via Kirstie? I need your correct address and then I will know that you got them. Please send it to me and your phone number. We have so many medical buills that I don't know where to begin because we only have $100 to the end of the month. This weekend Earl's daughter and son-in-law are coming for the wedding and staying with us. So I have to clean again and get groceries. They are big eaters. I hope Blackie behaves with them here. They have a dog and cat.
Our basement is full of water. I called the builder and he came right over. The drain and pipes from the bath tub let go and he fixed them. All my boxes of things are soaked and get moldy if I don't get them soon. We have three full wardrobe boxes down there. They all have clothes on the bottom. My washer and dryer are in water too. We have our work cut out for us. Is my typing any better? I am sure getting fast. I still make mistakes and have to use the liquid for correction fluid. We ate a simple lunch at Bob Evans today. Tonight I burnt my lips and mouth on a cup of hot chocolate. I am surprised I haven't awaken Earl with all this typing and the radio on. I am beginning to feel sleepy but it will pass. I have too much to do around and too much reading to get done. This is the one time I can read and understand it. I have my scriptures to do yet.
Did I tell you that I cut my hair and every one really likes it. So do I. Earl thinks I look really good this way. I am too old to wear long hair and it is too think. Earl says my hair is softer now and it usually is like a horses tail. My dress for the wedding is a shiny royal blue. Very dressy. Cost $50. Not really that bad when you consider I have a nice evening and cocktail dress. Earl gave me a diamond pendant and an opal pendant with a pair of opal earrings to match. I already have 3/4 carrot diamond earrings that we bought shortly after we were married. I have lovely jewelry and forget to wear it. I have two full jewelry boxes full of jewelry play what Earl has locked up for me. I have a set of ruby's also. The ruby rings were Aunt Ida's and are genuine ruby. Well, I am running out of news. I feel bad that I haven't written more. Give me your phone number and I will call you for a few minutes because Earl has a fit if a person talks long. I never call anyone long distance unless it is to Circleville. Remember that I love you dearly and miss you. Take care of yourself. Give Kirstie my love. Her letter will be written tomorrow. I love you.
All my love,
Mom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)