May 11, 1975

Dear Charlotte,

Today, a little while ago,

Lloyd came and gave me news that laid me low.

When I heard I felt very heartsick and sad,

And then after thinking, I felt very glad

That you had gone where the best is to be had.

When sick and the doctor don't know what to do,

Go to the best there is .....very true.

Twenty two years ago for Alta we had no hope.

We thought she was about to the end of her rope.

Dr. Frankhauser said take her to Iowa city.

I can't help her...More is the pity.

Nine months ago, by future was bleak

And I went there my health to seek.

I keep my fingers crossed. I say I feel fine.

I am like a man that finds a gold mine.

I have found the good side of people, the love

Of friends and my family. It must come from above.

Life is good...many joys I have yet to find.

One is to see you.  That beloved sister of mine.

Now a grandma to some great girls and boys.

Your job - make them happy and full of joys.

To all around you - may love surround you.

Last fall when I needed a little cheer,

Your family gave me love, helped banish fear.

Now I give yu my love and cheer all the way

Your friends love you, even tho they don't often say

Violets are blue - Roses are sweet

We hope you will soon be on your feet

No arthritis will Harrison have - He drinks beer!

Now I know you think that is queer

Now beer is a word that I use to make rhyme

I use it to tease that brother-in-law of mine

Next week Lloyds and I will go eat fish

At Ethels and I hope to get my wish

Will stop in Savanna and see you there

Feeling better and sitting in a rocking chair.

Sitting around you, Angela on a knee

Kisses for everyone, including me.

As Ever

Spoon River Poet

P.S. I am me.. I can't help it if sometimes I spread the old bull shit or um gow mah

May 20, 1975

Dear Royle,

Last night I raised my eyes

And what do I see. 

A very Dear Face of my youngest Child

With her, a husband, kind and mild

It was a sight between you and me

A down right pleasure to see

This Rheumatoid arthritis is no fun

So miserable I can't cheerfully pun

I have pain from head to toe

I'd like to tell it where to go.

I have doctors, four and five

I know they're the best alive

I've got a husband near

Sometimes wanders off for a cold beer

But he's been loyal and true

Like to make you a cup of brew

If my writing you can't read

Try again til you succeed

There's much my hands can't do.

One is write freely to you.

Can't squeeze the tube of tooth paste

To try to fasten a bra is a real waste

So far my hands are not deformed

I've tried days of coated aspirin called ecotrine

Now trying anti-malaria drug called quaraforn

I go twice a day to physical therapy

Once in hot and cold water in turn

Once in a huge tank, very hot water you see.

With 2 motors stirring and whirling like a boat.

I lay immersed but nearly afloat

Lovely girls come work my joints

Maybe it helps to a point.

I've painful nodules on each elbow

At removing them I've decided to go.

I see so many worse than I,

At the thought I sit and cry.

Doctors hope it's been caught in time.

Its very active case, fastest seen in a long time.

So its working fast from head to toes

So far hasn't bothered by back or nose.

I've the greatest kids in the world you see

Crystal and Roger moved to the motel

  And care for it as lovingly as me.

I know it's in real good hands

Crystal married a real good man.

Sharon and Roger, for this weekend

Stayed there the motel to tend.

So Crystals could come to spend

A happy time for me this weekend

Daryl is out of the Navy

His home is with me.

With him there's no one like grandmother

And with me, he's a boy like no other.

Well brother, God bless you

And hope each day for you is bright and new.

Love,

Charlotte