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happiness

Hospital Friends, Lightening, Toothaches (FGK-35)

These letters from friends mom made while in the hospital must have been kind of bittersweet. I’m sure they built extremely close friendships, and they would have understood each other in a way that no one else could. Their shared experience would have bonded them because no matter how hard anyone else tried, it would be impossible to fully understand what life was like for these kids isolated from family and friends in the hospital. I feel for mom being one of the kids who had to remain in there after some of her friends were well enough to go home and return to their lives. Grandma talked of mom’s loneliness and I feel it in my soul even though I know I don’t understand but a small part of it. Mom was in the hospital almost 3 years when this letter was written.

Based on the handwriting (and I know I probably shouldn’t make assumptions), it seems that Anne is younger. And Janet, if you’re out there, I find you anything but an old bore!

I wonder what happened to these old friends. I don’t recall mom ever getting together and visiting with them in my lifetime.

Stavely, Alberta

August 15, 1954

Dear Margie;

I guess it’s about time I wrote eh? You’ll think I’ve dropped off the face of the earth again.

How’s life at JRCH? Same as usual I suppose. Do you have an y idea at all about when you’ll get out? I just can’t wait for you to get out of that place and we can see each other again without having some nurse’s permission, and then only being able to say “hello” and “good-bye”.

I at last got my results the other day, and I was even pleasantly surprised. I got 4 H’s , and A, and a B. My B of course was in math, but was better than I expected at that! If you happen to see Mrs. Aiken, you might tell her my marks. She may want to know. I should write her myself I guess, but I very likely won’t get around to it. You know me and my letter-writing well enough to agree with that.

I’m in Stavely at present – have been here since last Wednesday. Anne is with me and we’re staying at Broomfields. You remember Mrs. Broomfield don’t you? The one I called Auntie Ella. They know George Lane quite well. Now you know!!

Auntie and Uncle took us to the drive in last night. While we were there it started to pour rain. We had the windshield wipers going, making it awfully hard to see, and the lightening was blinding. We left before it was over and had an awful trip home. The lightening was the worst I have ever seen, about six streaks would come at once, and it was mixed with sheet lightning. Every time a flash would come it was as bright as day only it looked like kind of a blue light.

I just got Anne going and she’s going to put in a note too. I’ve had a time keeping her mind off homesickness. She had a bad toothache off and on since we came and last night we noticed that one side of her face was swollen. It must be abscessed to make it do that.

We’re going home tomorrow on the bus. I think Anne’s glad. I just noticed her telling you the same thing.

We wanted to get home for the fair on Tuesday, and anyway, we’ve bothered these poor long-suffering folks enough.

I hate to disappoint you dearie, but this is all the news I’ve got. I’ll write as soon as I can and tell you about the fair.

Start putting the pressure on Dr. Walsh and Miss Olsen and fly out of there one of these days.

bye, and bushels of love,

Janet (that old bore)

Stavely, Alberta

Aug. 15 1954

Dear Margie

I hope you can get out of the Red Cross Hospital quite soon. When you get out you have to come and see us. I really should write to you more often, I’ll try.

Auntie Ella bought me a new doll and a dress. Janet bought me some other new clothes, including a pedal-pusher outfit so Ill be well dressed for a while.

We went to a drive-in last night.

I’ve had a bad toothache the last few days. My face was swollen this morning.

We are going to leave Stavely tomorrow morning early on the bus.

Love Anne

Hope to see you soon.

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Teepees and First Nations Celebrations (FGK-34)

I feel like anything I could say would ruin the perfect beauty of this letter. I am simply going to make the statement, as I do every time this terminology comes up, that I think Aunt Gertie would want to use culturally sensitive words, and this was the language they had at the time. There has always been a lot of respect for our First Nations neighbours to the west of us (and elsewhere).

Cochrane, Alberta

July 23, 1953

Dear Margie:-

Well Margie Sumer is certainly well underway. Haying is in full swing. Last night we had a lot of fun setting up the teepee for the Indians crew in our yard. The children helped us make the wickets and pickets and set up the poles. Afterwards they ramped through the doorway and had pillow fights on the beds. You could hear the giggles everywhere I thought I never would get them in the house to go to bed.

We surely enjoyed the Indian Day celebration at Banff. I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. It was held on the grounds of the Banff Springs Hotel. The enclosure was made to resemble a theatre stage and the walls were made of small pine trees set close together. Three gaily painted teepees and a microphone were the main stage feathers. The Indians wandered in leisurely and squatted in groups around the tents. Their beautifully beaded costumes and headdresses lent the whole scene a gay colourful note. The announcer was the best I’ve ever heard. He was from New York and had been made a blood brother ie his wrists had been slashed and his blood mixed with Indian blood. Not many white people have had this honour. He was so witty and interesting that he held us all spellbound.

I wish you could have seen their dancing: the elk dance, the deer dance, chicken dance etc. Each Indian is doing something different and yet all are keeping perfect time. Even the little children join in. Two were only about 3 years old and they were so comical. They kept pulling their gum in and out of their mouths watching the crowds with big brown eyes and keeping the step perfectly. One little boy of the “Ear Family” was only 4 1/2 years old and he was a wonderful dancer. He spun hoops on his arm and both thighs all the time he danced. The crowd kept cheering and he came back three or four times to give solo dances.

I saw the famous dancer “Saddleback”. He is supposed to be the best Indian dancer in Alberta and I can well believe it. You just couldn’t help but notice him. He had a beautiful powder blue suit with rose heading and more snow white fox skins at his waist and one he held over one arm like a muff. He put his feet down so carefully and lightly and they were never still a moment. The many bells on his ankles tinkled merrily. You could almost imagine the deer’s movement as he danced. He also danced with hoops whisking on both arms and legs. One thing I noticed particularly in the Indian dance it is the play of the muscles in the shoulders. It was a steady rhythm and must take quite a while to learn.

Eddie “One Spot” sang some cowboy songs. Another “One Spot” boy played the guitar and sang. Music takes on an added charm in the mountains as it seems to almost echo back. I was sorry we hadn’t taken all the children as they would have enjoyed it so much.

At one point in the program the announcer asked which people thought they had come from the longest distance. Some were from South America, Switzerland, Sweden, England, Germany etc. One girl called “Karen” came from Sweden. Another gentleman was from Switzerland. These were considered to have come from furthest away. As a keepsake of their visit to Canada each was given a beautifully beaded pair of moccasins. They surely were pleased.

Last week my aunt Mina and uncle Ed and 3 cousins were here from Toronto, Ontario. They were motoring through northern USA and back through Canada. They seemed to enjoy western Canada albeit uncle Ed was sure fed up with mountains. He was so funny describing his driving on mountain roads.

I guess Shirley is leaving me in another couple of weeks. She is going to get her old job back as secretary. She can earn a lot more money that way. I’ll miss her as she has sure been a good worker and i really need the help with a hay crew. Alvin is going to try and get a job with the oil wells as it pays well. It’s too bad young folks can’t learn to wait to marry till they have a bit of money saved up. They seem to have to learn the hard way.

My peonies have been just grand this year. I’ll still have bouquets of them for another week I think .The garden looks so nice since we used our new rototiller.

I’ve been busy canning fruit and making jam. It’s nice to get the shelves filled again.

We all send best wishes

Lovingly

Aunt Gertie

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Skipping Assembly, New Shoes, School Stress (FGK 33)

I was quite a ways into this letter before I realized who it was from. Before I throw my aunt too far under the bus, I’d like to say that compared to some of the teenage naughty school behaviour, hers is really pretty innocent. For example, the year my parents made me go to boarding school on Vancouver Island they had a Terry Fox Run and I think we had to go at least 10k. We were to run up the Malahat (seems super safe right?) turn around, and come back. I was with a group of kids who thought it was total BS and had no desire to run. We made it to the turn around spot and spent the entire time back to the school trying to hitch a ride. Fortunately no one actually stopped to pick us up or goodness knows where we’d be now! I never told my parents that story, so if there are sudden rumbles of thunder and lightening tearing across the sky today, it’s just them reading my blog in heaven!!

I miss my aunt a lot, reading these letters reminds me of how when I was younger and went away to both the boarding school and University of Lethbridge she consistently sent me letters to remind me I was loved. The letters I received were not nearly as hilarious as the ones she sent mom, but I suppose then she was an adult, I would send much different letters to my niece than to my sister. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for her because of that, and reading these letters to mom is like reading a letter she would have sent to a good friend of hers. It makes my heart smile. This is also the closest I have ever heard her use “bad” language. It’s nothing like my “bad” language, but that’s like comparing apples to pineapples.

Assembly period Tues

Dear Marg

I have just gotten into trouble I think. Five of us girls, Sheila Stephen, Evelyn Heinrich, Rita Holms, Pat Mrstik(?), and myself were sneaking up the stairs with the intentions of skipping assembly, and guess who was talking on the phone at the top of the stairs, that’s right Mrs Stevie. We kept right on going. Wonder what’s going to happen.

Yesterday Barbara and I went into the library to study during assembly and guess who walked in but mr Schula. He never said anything.

5:40

Well Mrs Stevie hasn’t said anything yet. I was just in her room buying stamps and it wasn’t mentioned.

I bought a pair of shoes today, black suede shoes. They haven’t got the toe out so I hope Marsh is satisfied.

Two of the girls from the college ran for the Teen Queen for Calgary. There as one from every high school. Anyways, one of the girls that lives in the dorm (Irene Stowell) won and the other girl from MRC got second, so we feel pretty happy. Irene got a real Hudson Bay coat and then tomorrow she’s going to Edmonton to compete against Queens from all over the Province.

I saw Aunt Irene, Heather Scott, Gina (?) McDougall, Mrs armstand, and Mrs Charlie Robinson. Aunt Irene is getting another baby! Honestly!

Must get ready for supper

Love Sheila C

Wed

Dear Marg

Went to assembly this morning for a change. Bored silly.

I have to read a take the minutes at the Council meeting today. Marilyn’s Modeling at a fashion show.

Love Sheila

8:15

Mum came in after 4 and went into speak to Mr. Collette. Wonder what they talked about. Then she took Marsh and Wayne downtown and they had supper out. Doggone that meeting anyways!!

Talked Marsh into going to the dance at Glendale so I’ll be able to wear my new shoes.

I sent in a request on Hospital Hour for you so you’d better listen. Don’t know whether you’d like it or not. You’ll have to hear it to appreciate it.

Must get to work.

Saw Anne Monday. She might come out during the latter part of the Easter Holidays.

Thurs 12:20

Dear Marg

Boy am I ever mad!!! I was under the impression that all the biographies for the yearbook were in and even written out, now I just found out that only half of them were in and some lost them. Gad. What a mess!!

Sure have a lot of studying to do. Exams next week you know!! Where does time ever go!

Marilyn and Peggy are eating ice cream. Slurp Slurp

4:10

Dear Marg.

I have just disgraced myself. In French this afternoon I was reading a part out loud and I couldn’t say ‘monsieur’ finally I got the giggles and I couldn’t say anything. I felt like crawling through the nearest window. Another girl had to finish. The teacher just laughed and thought it was a great joke thank goodness. Still haven’t got those GD Biographies.

Must get to work

Love

Sheila C

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A Day in the Life at the JR Red Cross Hospital (FGK-31)

This letter was written by four of mom’s friends in Ward 13 at the Jr. Red Cross Hospital. Mom must have been home for a visit – by this time she’d have been in the hospital for a little over a year. This letter makes me both happy and sad. I’m happy that these kids seemed to have a genuine friendship with each other which must have helped immensely, I’m sad because there were so many children in that hospital isolated from their friends and family.

I appreciate this letter immensely because I feel like it provides me with better insight as to what mom’s daily life was like in those years. As I’ve been studying for my Masters in Counselling Psychology the last year and a half or so, I have a much better understanding of the effects of trauma and it must have been incredibly difficult for these children, as well as their families. The constant outpouring of love Mom received from her family and community surely must have helped balance out some of the trauma, but with no psychological help available it was a lot to overcome.

My mom’s inner strength and will to live continues to amaze and impress me. The same goes for these other children.

Jr. RC Hospital

Nov 18,/52

Dear Margie

We promised we’d write to you so here goes. There hasn’t been anything very exciting happening around here to tell you the truth.

I got my packs discontinued at night a week ago (about time eh!) at eleven and from tonight on I get them off at nine. I have also been walking at the tank of course. Miss Mason says I’m still to weak to walk all the time. Boy it sure felt good to have your feet on the floor once again.

How are you getting along? Fine I sure hope, we sure miss you here but I’ll bet you’re having a good time at home. We sure get into trouble, the other day we just couldn’t wake up in the morning and Mrs. Hope came in and said if we couldn’t wake up for our breakfast we couldn’t have a nurse in the wards, baths, or anything so we all stayed wake this morning.

The boys have sure been bad lately, they were throwing hard boiled eggs around last night. Alfred broke the Polio power jar, by throwing it at the wall. They are sure good to us, they send us candy quite often etc.

Clifford got his packs discontinued, it shouldn’t be too long before he can go home.

Laurie also got her shoulder pack off.

Gwen has a new Physio now, Miss Olson. Mis Evoy is finished. Gwen said to tell you she sure likes it by the window.

Rose goes to the schoolroom in the wheelchair now, she’s sure proud of herself. She and Dale fight over the wheelchair.

Mrs. Smith the night nurse is sick with Polio. Poor old Mrs Boyce was on along for three nights. (Boo!hoo!)

Remember Miss Fairly, we had her bring us milkshakes on Sunday, were they ever good.

They showed us a picture last night about the Post Office, concerning the guides, Scouts etc.

Miss Durand just came in to say “good-bye” – she’s leaving to get married on Sat.

Gerald Nickle went home since you left.

Dorthy Fawkes is getting along real well, she’s out of the respiration for good. Gwen thinks she may be coming over here, she’s not sure.

We are all looking forward to Christmas, seeing we are going to spend it in here. Do you think you will be home for Christmas?

We sure have a lot of fun but Mrs. Baker is sure getting strict.

We have a promise for this ward, ‘Be Prepared For Anything” How true, eh?

Gwen said to say that Mrs Boyce is still as noisy as ever.

Mrs Baker, Mrs Haworth, Mrs Moulton, and Miss Steiner are all on 3-1/right now.

Right now Rose is in the boys room as usual, talking to Willard and Alfred.

The blind fell down again, only this time it fell on me, my leg is sure sore today.

Well, I guess we’d better close for now as it is about time to go to bed, and we want to send this with Mrs Moulton.

Love and Best Wishes

Marguerite Robinson

Rose Lamothe

Gwen Fawkes

Laurie Snyder

PS (with an arrow drawn upon to Rose being in the boy’s ward) Don’t believe her Marg. Rose

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Coronation, creek crossings, and branding (FGK-30)

Mrs. Barkley is quickly becoming one of my favourite writers. I really wish I’d known her, and not just because of her wonderful handwriting (she and Lawrence have among the prettiest and easiest to read). She tells stories so well, and just sounds like she’d be a really nice person to be around.

I have questions about this letter, and a few thoughts. First off, I never really considered the fact that mom was in there without TV. I mean, it makes sense, and it explains why she knew the number of dots on the tiles of her ceiling. How did my uncle get out of exams? This is a trick I would have liked to have known. Why did she take off (and from where) and leave Grandma and Winnie behind? And I want to hear more about the creek crossing episodes. I hope for her family she wrote some of her history- like I said, I love reading her stories.

30 days of letters and I’m not even 1/4 of the way through the letters. I am loving every minute of this, the best part of my day is reaching my hand in the bin and seeing what letter I’ll pull out for the day. I’m so thankful these letters found their way to me.

June 22, 1953

Dear Margie,

Now, I’m not really so optimistic as I was the first of the month. Quite resigned to the fact, it can rain anytime! Not happy about it and the cold air isn’t a bit funny.

Did you listen to all of the Coronation on the radio? Certainly a number of solemn oaths for one individual to make, don’t you think? I wonder if she maybe felt a little depressed? It must have been an unforgettable sight to see. It will be wonderful when you can have television in there. I really think one would be wise to wait now until they sell the coloured sets.

We hope to go to Percy Copithorne’s tomorrow to brand. I suppose that makes you feel like birking the blankets from here to there. Bernard was telling us when they were riding the wagon across the creek today the riders were up close and of course the horses were splashing water on them so Louis picked up a pail off the wagon, reached down and filled it with water and threw it back on the riders.

She writes birking, and that’s not a word – it’s running at the edges of my brain, but won’t let me access it. Probably what happened to her too lol. Anyway, the meaning is clear. Mom would have wanted to be home branding instead of in the hospital.

Up at Bragg Creek, Bruce’s (?) horse fell in the creek so he got properly soaked, Clarence C’s horse fell but Clarence missed getting wet.

The bridge from Midnapore is to be moved this winter to the Elbow up south of Barnes or thereabouts so if this Monsoon season is not on again next year we’ll be having a picnic. We done that one other year and it happened to be a lovely day. Irene and Kay were along that time. I suppose your Mother told you I just drove off without her and Winnie last Thursday.

Are you doing school work yet? Do you find your school work any easier since you have done so much reading?

Wasn’t Marshall a smart one to get home without writing exams?

I hear my men coming in so guess they have the tractor all bedded down for the nite.

Best Wishes

the Barkleys

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Christmas Party Drama (FGK-29)

I recall hearing stories from community members of Mom’s generation about what a big deal their Christmas Concert was. If I remember correctly, there was a lot of excitement a couple of weeks before they were set to put it on as they all got to go to the Hall to practice instead of having to do school work. As a child, I loved having to go and “preform for my present” at the Hall Christmas party (especially the year I played Mary and just had to sit there rocking the baby Jesus while my cousins had to sing and do all the work), and it’s been revived in recent years by the Hall board (which I am fortunate enough to be on, but take no responsibility for being the brain child of) as a potluck and Christmas Carol party with Santa as the Grande Finale.

Box 58

Cochrane, Alberta

Nov 14, 1953

Dear Margie,

Well, I suppose it’s about time I returned your letter! Gosh I just don’t get around to writing letters!

I have quite a bit of news that won’t make you overjoyed. The usual Jumping Pound Christmas Show will be a thing of the past. A little school party will take its place. Darn! That’s where we really miss you, Margie. The main reason is that there aren’t enough large pupils to carry on a real show. A thing we have always done in yesteryear. However I believe that one big reason is that Mr. O’Brien is tired of putting on such a big show. He claims that he will do all in his power for a concert if people want it, but I notice he has tried with success to kill the spirit. I guess it’s best though because if we put on a poor job this year from lack of talent it would sure wreck our reputation.

How is your school work? I’m finding that I’ve really got my hands full. I have finished my first unit in Science and am finishing up my Social unit now but I am badly behind in Math and I am on about page 110. I’m behind in that too!

We have some baby kittens at our place. They arrived a few weeks ago. Dave and Mary say that they are big enough to purr. However I have not heard them.

Gee! It’s about winter isn’t it? There isn’t any snow or ice around here yet. I guess it won’t be long before there is though and it will be time for toboggans and skates.

I’m running a little low on news. Reckon I’ll have to go.

Wishin’ you health and wealth

Lawrence

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Teenage Weirdness (FGK-28)

When I first read this letter I debated whether or not to share it just because it’s so weird. But then I thought, mom was 14 at the time this letter was mailed and teenagers are weird. Probably much as she loved getting letters from family and neighbours about the goings on at home and in the community, she would have appreciated the normal day-to-day weirdness that only teens bring. In fact, I could see my daughter and her teen cousin writing each other a letter like this. While the name may make you think otherwise, this wasn’t mom’s sister (handwriting is totally different, aside from the fact I can’t see my aunt having sent this letter – it must be a friend of mom’s).

Because this seems to be a silly kind of day, I am including a silly kind of photo that I found. It has nothing to do with this letter, but was mixed in with the box of cards and letters.

Calgary, Alberta

Can’t Remember the Date

(envelope says Jan 31 1954 – and is sent to mom at the Jr. Red Cross Hospital)

Dear Moron,

I sat down before the typewriter to write you this letter. Pardon the ball point pen.

I don’t live where I used to live because I moved to where I am now. When you come to see us ask anybody where I live because nobody knows.

I am sorry we are so far together. I wish were closer apart.

My aunt Hazel died and is doing nicely. I hope you are the same.

Shirley has the mumps and is having a swell time. She is at death’s door and the doctor is trying to pull her through.

We are having more weather this year than we had last.

I have sent your coat by express. I cut the buttons off to make it lighter. If you want them they are in the pockets.

I started to Neverville to see Lloyd’s and I saw a sign that said “This will take you to Neverville” I got on as it said and I sat there for two hours. It never moved an inch.

If you don’t get this letter let me know and I’ll send it to you.

_____’s baby swallowed some pins but they fed it a pincushion so it’s ok now.

In this letter is a picture but for fear of losing it I’ll take it out. I sure hope you like it.

I forgot to send you the money I owed you but I sealed the envelope before I remembered.

When you answer this letter please write slow as I can’t read fast. Also don’t send a night letter for I go to a day school.

Yours sincerely

Another Moron

(Sheila)

I didn’t know competitive flagpole sitting was a thing. But here you have it!!
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A Hospital Friend and a Family Friend (FGK-27)

I have never, ever heard my mom referred to as either Mag or Maggie. Only rarely did I hear people call her Margaret, and it was usually people who didn’t know her well. This first letter seems to be from a friend mom made while she was in the hospital. The second must be a family friend- I’m not sure who (anyone?) there was no last name on the card.

Theres was a very brief time in my childhood when Dad decided it would be a good thing for me to take Cod Liver Oil. All I remember is hiding at under the kitchen table as far away from him as I could get and crying because I didn’t want to take it. I can still taste the disgusting memory of it in the back of my throat.

Markerville, Alberta

Sept 16/54

Gug a dud

Dear Mag

Well here I am at last. I thought it as time to drop you old bags a line. Gosh do I ever miss you. Honestly. I wished I could have shown you the lovely cushion Miss Reid gave me. I’ll draw a picture of it.

Her drawing
So many of mom’s letters have been sealed with a kiss so to speak. This one has the kisses on the back of the letter, but lots of envelopes are covered in big red kiss marks.

Here is all the colours of the rainbow on the ribbon, there’s three rows of white ribbon.

She called me into her office and gave it to me.

Do you know something? I have to take cod liver oil.

Well here it is another nite, Sept. 17. I’m listening to the fight. I’ve got $2.00 bet that Rocky will win.

It has looked like it was going to snow all day. Sure hope it doesn’t.

Bay Calgary sure did well on Monday nite. I guess Miss Olsen will be back on Monday. I sent for a grey wool dress. Kind of cute.

How’s school? I find many things different form the hospital. I keep thinking about what you guys are doing. How is fish eyes?

We are going to have roasted duck tomorrow nite. I wish you could be here.

Well Maggie, I guess I will sign off for now. Say hi to everyone for me. Tell Olsen I’ll be written to her.

Good Night sweetheart, it’s time to go

Love Helen

Ps How’s ______’s back?

Say hi to your family from me.

974 Alfred Ave

Wpg-Man

April 8/54

Dear Margie

Well here I am again, I am driving days now so am able to sit down tonight and drop you a line.

I received a letter from your mom and dad, sure pleased to hear from them. Our weather is sure staying cold, it’s been below zero the last few days. there was quite a blizzard last night.

I saw Len yesterday, he pulled up beside me while we were driving down the street, and said he was on the way home, he had been to Kenora Ontario.

How is your leg, the one you had fractured? Sure hope it’s ok again, and that you are able to finish with your Physio. do you still have water therapy? I guess it keeps you busy with school work, and all your exercises and Physio.

Ken is in Calgary now, he would like to come in and visit you, but I was telling him that he would not be able to get in. He will try and see Marshall while he is there. He plans to come home at Easter, he gets 5 days leave them. He has a car which he intends to take back to Calgary with him.

Say hello to all for me.

Bye for now

As ever, Stan

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Remember That and be Happy Always (FGK-26)

This letter from Grandma made me so emotional, especially the part where she described how she had made it all the way into the hospital only to be too late for visiting times. Instead of complaining or whining about injustice, she reminds mom that she is their guest and show appreciation for being there. Considering it seems we are just starting to acknowledge the mind/body connection, it seems Grandma was decades ahead here on the ranch by reminding mom that a glad heart purifies the body. I really needed to hear that. I always had a special love for Grandma, but these letters make me love her even more, she really was a remarkable woman.

March 14, 1953

Saturday afternoon 4:15 PM

Dearest Margie:

Just have to write you and let the work go hang. Sheila and Marshall are out helping Dad de-horn and I scrubbed and waxed the kitchen floor alone. We washed clothes this morning. Trudy Usher gave Sheila a lovely bouquet of spring flowers for her birthday and Sheila wanted to leave them in with you last night but I said let’s bring them home for the weekend to enjoy them too and then take them into you on Sunday. they look so nice on the kitchen table, the whole kitchen looks so nice and shining clean now.

I haven’t done any cooking today, made Sheila a birthday cake yesterday and we ate it at supper last night.

Wish I could have seen you last night, did Helen tell you I was so near, just at the office, but rules are rules, we don’t own the place, you are their guest and we must remember and show our appreciation to them for having you there.

Sheila and Marsh went to the dance last night, Dad and I were too tired. They said it was a very nice one. Slim was there with _______ – isn’t he a rascal?

Old Smokey is really feeling cute these days, guess I’m feeding him too well, he just seems to know everything you say to him.

Sheila just came in looking frozen. She said the men weren’t going to stop for tea so I packed up a snack and some hot coffee and sent her over wth it to them.

I phoned Aunt Ruth but she was up town – her and Aileen as usual, but Gordie answered. He is all excited he is going to the boy-scouts chuckwagon race or something.

Hope you see a nice show this afternoon. We saw Clarence Buckley at the garage yesterday, the Olds school were chosen to see the judging of the fat calf show or something.

Guess the bull sale is next week, Dad says he isn’t going to buy any bulls – but we’ll see.

Marsh says Mrs. Barkley has a really good dishwasher, isn’t that nice?

Have you done any letter writing? I wish you’d write to us. Sure wish those old chicken-pox would clear up.

Sheila says all the Normans were at the dance, and Gladys strained her stomach curling but she was there anyway. Springbank is sure curling crazy.

8:30 pm

Well here I am again Marg – Bill went to town so there was only us four for supper and we are all sitting quietly around the dining room now. Sheila is hard at work on her homework, wish Marsh would do that.

Hope you are getting along good with your school work. I just phoned in and they said you are well. This phone is almost impossible though.

We had a very lovely Star meeting on Thursday night. There were people from all over the province there.

I’m sending you in a corsage of imitation heather we wore, Dorothea Andison (?) made one for each of us, they’re made out of wire and needs. Betsy Bloom the Worthy Grand Matron is Scotch so we were wearing them to please her – we hope. You can give it to Mary McKinon if you like – she’s Scotch too.

The gophers are out now – around here anyway, wonder if they get Rabies too.

Dad was riding up in the hills last week and he saw the skeleton of a moose and also som huge wolf tracks.

They are going to de-horn our calves on Monday and the Lazy J cattle too – so suppose Winnie will be bringing up a fancy tea for them eh?

How are those old legs of yours coming along lately Margie? Hope you are finding the exercises easier and that you can move them a little more every day and the back too. Do you still go down for the tank etc at around 2pm? I am praying almost constantly to help you but more so around then if it’s possible at all. we must have patience though, it takes almost 18 months to heal those nerves they say, but I am sure you will be walking before that, even though they may not be entirely healed. It is certain that a glad heart speeds up circulation and sweeps impure matter from the bloodstream and health appears. Remember that and be happy always.

I couldn’t get that record of the Lord’s Prayer for Sheila at all so I got her the medium sized suit case to match her others and a nice card and Marsh signed it from you and him. Dad and I gave her a suede jacket so with the twin sweater set she got plenty eh?

Aunt Gertie phoned and wants us to go up for dinner tomorrow, so seeing we can’t get in to see you, I guess we’ll go.

Well, I must close now and sure hope I can see you on Wednesday.

Lots and lots of love dear

From mom xxxxxxxxx

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happiness

Worms, Parties, Well Wishes (FGK-25)

Mom always talked about how much she loved Aunt Annie who lived in the old house (so basically next door) until she got married. Auntie Gertie was another bright light in the world, I remember her as a kind woman who always had a smile on her face.

I’m not sure in Aunt Annie’s letter if mom had some sort of relapse, and if she was in the hospital or not. Her card didn’t have an envelope, but it’s a really cute card, as is Auntie Gertie’s.

Oct 3rd 1953

RR No1, De Winston

Dear Margie,

At last I have found my pen so here is a wee letter with your birthday card.

I was so glad to hear from you and to know that you are well and happy and just getting along fine. I know you’ll lick that thing and that you’ll not be too long about it now that you are over the hump.

Clarence is growing and changing a lot. You aren’t going to know your little cousin when you see him again. He is seeing all sorts of strange things himself. He was shouting and calling the other day so I went out to see what all the excitement was about. He was down and his hands and knees with his little face right down on the ground, and pointing to something. I had to get down too, to see what it was. I surely laughed I discovered it was a big __ worm. So if you hear about anybody looking under a worm’s tummy you’ll know it can be done.

We are going up to the Birthday Party for the Buckley boys, we will all miss you Margie, but we’ll really throw a party when you are able to be up and about again and can join in the fun. I hope you’ll be able to read this as I am rushing so that I wouldn’t be surprised if you had some difficulty. Clarence is asleep and I have my dinner dishes yet to do.

So I’ll close for this time and you’ll be hearing from me again.

With heaps of love and kisses

Aunt Annie xxxooo

This is a small card from Auntie Gertie – there was no date on it so I’m not sure exactly when it was sent. It’s a beautiful card, makes me feel like I’m home (which of course I am).

Dear Margie,

I’m still thinking of you. It’s wonderful to hear you’re improving. Keep up the good work. I’ll try to send you a letter next week.

Love from Aunt Gertie

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