The letters below include one from my mother to her brother Royle.  (December 1974).  

Dear Brother Royle,

Just sitting here thinking about you.

Knowing you get lonesome and blue

So thought I'd drop a line or two.

We went Monday to see Dear old Nellie,

Confined to that old wheel chair.

Delbert's like most, a typical Helle

That dinner table filled with finest fare

He fries chicken, finger licken' good.

I, as usual, ate more than I should.

Carol and Janice along, they stay skinny.

Helle's like that aren't too many

After a fine dinner, we sat and chewed the fat.

Lloyd and Opal came up in the afternoon.

We talked of this, gossiped of that.

The day passed all too soon..

There's one thing upon which we all agreed.

Having you well again is what we need..

I hope that will happen right away fast.

Like the old half, slow not fast fiddler to soon fiddle half fast.

We're looking forward to next Spring,

When you come to Savanna and make the old saw sing.

My kids will spread the word real proud.

You're well, you'll play saw and draw a big crowd.

This announcement they'll spread far and wide,

And when you play, stand at your side.

For your trip with your saw when you get well,

I know tickets to hear, we could sell.

But we don't want money.

Just to let others to enjoy your face so sunny

And see the one who to is so dear

While they come and the sweet music hear.

You know when I got sick, I lost my voice

You still have your music - Oh rejoice.

Tho' I've tried now I can't sing

A tiny squeak in the air does ring

But one thing from me will never part

Tho' I can't sing, I've still got music in my heart.

So I listen to you play, the glorious young sing

And to me, in my heart, it's all the same thing

I thank God I've still got my ears

No more regrets, no more tears

My granddaughter plays the piano

God bless the young to follow

There talents are fresh and new

Their music and faces beautiful too.

You've yours and I've mine

Their faces aglow with love shine.

When our eyes grow old and dim,

The glow of their youth we'll see because of Him.

There's a warm glow in my heart

I know you feel it too...

Because of the children and grandchildren it did start

Always something old... Always something new

Harrison's the same old Harry

Working hard - He never does tarry.

You're right all thru the year

He guzzles long and hard, that beer.

In equal amounts, the coffee you drink,

Between the two of you a thimble wouldn't sink.

Lots of Love,

  Charlotte

Dear Uncle Royle,

Glad to hear in your last letter

That you are feeling better.

Now Christmas time is drawing near,

And you can be with those so dear.

My folks enjoyed your granddaughters two.

They say their talent is really true.

The rabbits are doing fine and dandy.

They eat a carrot, or whatever's handy.

Uncle Walt gave me a bale of hay,

And David feeds them every day.

Now Crystal went and got herself ill.

So I'm running the grocery store till.

And last week a fellow came by,

Talked awhile, and bought a pie.

Before he left, to go his way,

A dog he have me that very day.

Blue Tic he said and Labrador too.

So now he's tied up, I'm starting a zoo.

If that weren't enough, it didn't end there.

Today I was given, horses, a pair.

I came home tonight and said to the crew

Four rabbits, a dog and horses too.

They really don't mind or so they say,

But now I must buy, more bales of hay.

But next week it may not be like that,

Unless someone gives me another cat.

My mother right now, is under the weather,

Step throat the doc says, but she will get better.

A little medicine, and a little rest

Will give back her pep and zest.

Everyone else is feeling great

So that is something to celebrate.

I hope this mail brings you cheer

Like maybe a cold glass of beer.

So now I'll close, with this to say,

I'll write you more, another day.

Your loving Niece,

Carol

Dear Charlotte,

Sometimes God answers our prayers from above

Especially when we pray for those we love..

And then sometimes he pays no heed.

And for that, more understanding you will need.

Why did my dear sweet Joyce have to die?

After losing her, nothing can make me cry.

I decided then at least a better man I would be.

A good life, a monument to her memory..

If I could change and help other people's life

It would be a better world, less strife.

Twenty-six years, I am never alone.

I have seen her wherever I have gone.

When I see children, happy as can be,

That is when she is very close to me.

When you feel her spirit in everyone you see,

That is what Gods gift is to me.

When Alta died, it was a hard blow.

Knocked me out and laid me low.

Here in the hospital to ponder and observe

And showed me a few ways to serve.

Sometimes it is hard to tell

The best way to help one you love so well.

The bible says your purpose you will beat

When you help someone get to his feet.

Brother Royle

Now, Sharon you are a poet, I can see. 

You are every bit as good as me.

I would write more, but at a later time

So answer me and make it rhyme.

Your Loving Uncle,

The Spoon River Poet

Dear Sharon,   I am writing to you a copy of a letter Alta wrote and gave to me just before a serious operation.  When you feel you can write a letter like that, you have found the right man.

Royle my Darling,

You have always been first, last and my all.  Our babies were later editions of you to me. You have nothing to regret.  You have always made me happy.  If I should leave you, you will never be alone.  As long as one of our children need you.  For I, thru them, will be with you always.  For love overcomes all barriers.

Forever Yours,

Alta