Letters from Polly to Family July 9, 1966- May 31 1977

 Saturday, July 9, 1966

Dearest Ones all: This certainly hasn't been a week to write letters. First of all it was a very short week for us. A week ago today, we put Dave on a plane for Texas at the Sacramento airport. Then we drove from there to Fort Bragg. We had a delightful three days there, getting home Tuesday night. 

Dave didn't get home until Friday evening from Tahoe where he's been working since school let out. He stopped on the way at Beale Air Base to pick up his orders, and plane tickets etc. Then he had to decide what to take with him (which was very little) and I got it laundered-- he packed and we packed, and we left here about 5:00 p.m. the next day. 

We really haven't seen too much of him for a long time it seems. Even being here at school last semester, he was either at school, asleep, or at the Fraternity house or Library studying. But it still gives us a queer feeling in the pit of my stomach every time we say Goodbye to him. 

This time it will be for 140 days. He takes his basic at Lackland Air Base in Texas--(4 wks) thence to Sheppard Air Base in Texas for 4 weeks. and then to Alabama to the Air Force School - I think at Montgomery. Anyway when he gets through in late November he will be in the Medical Air Corps Reserve. He can then go back to college and get his degree - while putting in one weekend a month at Beale and then two weeks every summer for six years. This gives him an ID classification and he can't be drafted. 

We, and he, think he is very lucky to have gotten into this deal. He had his name on the list for over a year and finally a vacancy came through with his name at the tip of the list. 

It was so wonderful to hear from all of you again. The time flies by so swiftly. My wonderful visit with Lu, and then Bea and children seems all too long ago. Mike was so sweet to let us meet his friends etc. etc. He is a most unusual young man and a very lovable one. 

Mip, dear, it was so very nice to have a visit with you even though you didn't make it nearly long enough. Did you have fun those last three days? I know you weren't too anxious to get home again to the routine. We are wondering if Mary is finding an over-flow of patients at the hospital now that Medicare is in effect. 

Jan relayed your news, Bea, about Mike's wedding the last of the month. I know you will be busy sewing for Colleen etc. There are always so many things to do to get your own clothes ready. I wish we could make it, but it's out of the question. Chico is a real depressed area when it comes to business right now. Jim left his job at Pontiac Cadillac and is now working for Buick-Olds-- but probably only temporarily. The automobile business stinks. No one who has money for a car is buying- and people who generally buy on time can't get credit. He has several things cooking, and one of them will be what he decided to do. Next letter we will know, for sure. 

Ken, we are very proud of you and this new honor. I'm sure it will be very enjoyable from many  standpoints. I'm sure you will enjoy your vacation in Mexico when school is out. You probably will be able to see Jan, Joe and family when they come to So. Cal. if you are still there. I believe they will be leaving here around the 1st of August. Joe's summer school is out the 30th. 

Lu and Wickie here's hoping nothing prevents you from taking the trip home to Salt Lake City. I know you are anxious about your father right now, Wickie. I do hope that he has adjusted and is feeling happy again. Have a good time and love everyone for us. 

Pat and Marsh -- we are glad you are in Utah safe and sound. I'm sorry, Pat that the stairs in your new home are a nuisance--- I can see how they would be with your extra weight and poor legs right now. Can't Kathy and Laura do a lot of the laundry for you? At least try to do it when you can stay down there for awhile. Once the baby is here, it won't be so hard, or will it? Marsh told us that you are going to have a Hysterectomy with this one. Have you talked to your Doctor there about it, etc.? We all can't help but be very concerned about your health and "well being". 

My Doctor started me on Premarin (a hormone) two months ago and I feel like a new woman- no more aches and pains, and other symptoms of old age- or I should say Menapause. The arthritis symptoms are all gone and they were what I was concerned about. 

Well, I must see to my dinner- will get this over to Jan tomorrow. Hope everyone is well and happy at this sitting. I will write the folks personally. 

Lots of Love

Poly, all---

Jan 3, 1967

Dearest Lu & Wickie, 

Just a note to thank you so very much for the wonderful candy - as usual - we made "pigs" of ourselves - it is so good. - However - once a year doesn't hurt you -

I am settled in the hospital - with surgery slated for 8:00 a.m. in the morning - I will be so glad to have it over with. This should be the last time - the Dr. will take an extra tendon from my forearm & use it to put into the finger, hands again - Amazing what a real "Pro" can do. 

We had a real mice Christmas over at the coast all by ourselves - Janey & her family were in Chico with Joe's folks as guests - plus Dave - he had a big party he had to attend Xmas day - old friends, etc. 

Lu - if & when you have time please drop me a note as to how you feel about Dad at the present time - what should we do if he becomes too hard to handle for Mom? 

I love you muchly - take care of yourselves - & remember I won't be able to write for 6 wks - to 2 months. 

For now - Hugs & Kisses

Polly

April 13 1967 

Dearest Lu;

I've been meaning to write to you ever since Mom and Dad left, but I got a bug and have felt miserable up until today. I guess I got too tired while they were here- sleeping on the couch and listening for Dad etc. I just never get sick unless I get below par that way. 

I'm sure they had a good time- and Mom a needed rest. Jim was especially sweet and thoughtful with Dad, and he blossomed under the tender loving care. He talked more than he has in a long time- seemed to need to talk to another man. It was good for him. 

They both enjoyed the coast so much. Mom sketched and did some painting. Dad was out of doors almost the whole time- except for sleeping and eating. He loves the out of doors so and it's what he's missed living in the apt. He knows it can't be otherwise, but I'm advising all of the children when they do go home to make an especial effort to get Dad out into the country for an outing or a ride, at least. 

He has aged considerably since we were home a year ago, remember? He drools almost continuously and has to keep a handkerchief or napkin tucked into the front of his shirt to absorb the moisture. He's even more unsteady on his feet, and had several little falls- Mom says he does this all the time. Several times at church he has fallen down the stairs. He seems to know how to relax when he knows he is going to fall, which is his salvation. Mom is very kind to him for she reads to him and does the little things which help the hurt of being old and incapacitated. She feels very sorry for him, and this is good. She, at least, is realizing that she and she alone has to bear this burden for the present. 

As you say, when the time comes that he can no longer take care of his bathroom chores, etc. then will be the time to put him in a rest home. I am with you wholeheartedly in this. He needs to be a part of the world as long as he can do so. 

I do think they get along better than they have for a long time. I know their visit out here gave them both a lift, which they needed. Mom said they both felt loved, wanted and cared for. This was most important to Dad. He had felt for so long that he had lost both of us- you and I and we were always very important to him. So, if I accomplished that one thing- to make him know I love him and do care about him- it was well worth the trouble. 

It was hard on me, no doubt. I had to constantly keep control of my feelings. I slept on the couch and so didn't get my proper rest which help. But I did manage and when we put them on the train for their return trip there hadn't been one cross word exchanged between us. I hope I can keep it this way for the rest of his days on earth. 

When you get a chance, Lu, write him a letter telling him just how much he means to you. I think it would help him so much. All these things mean more to him now than ever before. He is feeling his mistakes very fully and it hurts him. I told him that he shouldn't feel that way, that we all make them. If we were perfect we wouldn't be here in the first place... and to just try to be happy and kind and enjoy the life that is left to him. 

We are just fine-- love the house and feel that the move from Chico was the right one. Business isn't real good here, but a lot better than up there. We know that we won't be here for too long. We want to retire to the coast as soon as our finances will permit and Dave is on his own. 

I will close for now- after I tell you how much I love you. You are everything a sister could ask in a brother. I admire you, respect you and treasure you. Don't ever forget it! I think you made a wonderful choice in Wickie- she is a perfect wife and you may tell her I said so. Please give her my love and wish her the best of everything. The same to you, 

Always, 

Polly

Monday a.m. 

Dearest Mip and Bea;

I talked to Mom and Pat last night, and Mom asked me to write you and tell you of the latest on Dad. You can call Ken, if you will Bea. I have written Lu separately to he'd hear faster. 

Mom isn't going to have Dad come home. Jim and I had worried and discussed all weekend as to what to do, and didn't come up with any solution to all of this, except that Mom just couldn't handle him at home. That is why I called. 

Pat was there and had taken Mom up to the home to see Dad. Yes, he is back there from the hospital. He is very depressed and hates the Doctors and thinks the nurses are cruel (which they aren't) and all the rest of it. Bea, you have been to the home and know what it's like. I have been to several (we had many experiences when Nana was alive) and in all of them the help are very good usually. They have to be in order to do that work. But all the patients always feel put upon and feel they are being discriminated against etc. etc. 

In the first place, Mom could not keep up with just the nursing care (even with having someone come in several times a week to handle showers etc. His bed has to be changed several times a night. They have to put a retraining belt on him or he would fall out of bed constantly. He tries to get out repeatedly and whenever he does he falls. 

Mom would have to be constantly at his beck and call, and she'd be a raving lunatic or a complete physical wreck in no time at all. We can't let that happen. 

Bea, could you try to write Dad a letter that would in some way try to make him see that Mom just can't handle him at home? I have also asked Lu to do the same and I will do so likewise. It will be hard to do, but we must at least try. The Doctor can't make him see why he can't go home and everything will be the same as it was before he fell on the stairs. 

Evidently they aren't going to try to operate on the Prostate gland ... and with the Urethra blocked- this condition will go on forever and worsen eventually. 

The simple truth is that his heart and lungs are in real good shape- also his digestive tract. But the elimination is something else again. It seems that 90% of all elderly patients are likewise afflicted. 

I know how he must fee -- I would rather be dead than have to live like that-- but what is the answer?

To end on a pleasant note- Mip dear- how's about you and Mary coming up for dinner Saturday? We will be here, and would love to see you. Maybe talking together we can come up with a miracle???

Thank goodness we do have each other to bolster us in such a time! Having gone through this with Jim- and now again with his sister.. I feel that it would be a blessing if you could just take a pill and go to sleep when life becomes such a problem. 

Love you much-

hugs, kisses-

Polly

P.S. I didn't mean that you shouldn't write Dad, too, Mip-- please do. I have been trying to send cards often with a note rather than long letters. 

Please write Mom your opinions of all of this It will help her morale ---She so wants to do the right thing. 

 Dec 4, 67

Dearest Ones all;

This will be a P.S. to Pat's letter. I called Mom last night to see how she was feeling, and was much relieved to find her so much better. Her morale is so much better. when you are ill, you are always depressed, and she had sounded so terribly, terribly down when I talked to her last. 

We have been so worried about her, and of course about Dad. It breaks my heart to have things this way... but what else can we do at the present time. To think of Dad having to just sit there, that way and live out the rest of his life. I hope he can be released soon. 

I told Mom, that I would let you know if I had any news- at all times.. and this seems to give her a lift. She has promised me to stay in where it is warm for the rest of the winter. If she has a ride somewhere or if it's nice out and she feels like walking that is something else again. She is inclined to make herself do things that she should leave to others. Her days of serving anyone are over!

I can't close before telling you Ken, how very happy I am about your success with the weight loss. I have been so worried about your well being ever since the summer. I think I am as happy as you are! You will continue to feel better- and once you reach your normal weight I feel sure you will keep it there. Hoorah!

Much love-

Polly

Monday, March 10, 1969

Dear Lu and Wickie: 

Just a few items to catch you up on Mom's latest news. I called her last night and she seems to be managing the waiting. She goes to the Doctor today for a check on her hand and finger. I would imagine Dr. Cowan has to take some preliminary tests, and we are hoping nothing will prevent her surgery taking place as scheduled on We. Mar. 12th. 

She will be in the L.D.S. Hospital- and to avoid delay in getting mail to her- at least for a few days- the address is: 8th Ave and C St. I don't know the zip code. 

Mom suggested no phone calls to the hospital, as it it too hard to get to the phone, or get it to her. So just send her notes that can be read to her. Pat will let me know what does happen and then I will let you know. 

Mom has her arrangements made with the Bonneville Convalescent home for her recuperative period. So that part of it needn't worry any of us. I am so relieved, for I just cannot go home at this time. 

Jim's hand is better but he still can't do any of the heavy work required around here. I have wood to gather, build fires, gardening etc. to do each day. We have to have a fire every night or else turn the heat way up, and we are trying to eliminate every expense we can these days. 

I know you all understand, and sympathize. It is what I'd like to do-- run home to her and take care of her when she comes out of the hospital. Medicare will foot part of the bill and the rest will be managed. We owe her some money, and it will be paid back to her this way-- as we intended it should be. She will have to be the judge of what she does after that period  is over. We are perfectly willing to have her come here and live with us, at any time. She knows that, always has and had planned on it, if she ever couldn't take care of herself. But if she is not ambulatory, and has to be lifted etc. etc. I couldn't do that and she also knows that..

Ah me, this growing old. I wish it needn't be this way, we all have to face it sooner or later, I guess. Anyway- take care of yourselves and I hope all is well with all of you. 

Lots of Love

Polly

Sat. Mar 15 1969

Dear Lu and Wickie; 

Just a few lines to tell you that Mom's surgery has been postponed for a week. So you needn't expect to hear anything until about this time next week. She goes to the hospital on Wednesday, surgery the following a.m.

I talked to her last night, and she seems in better spirits. Everyone has been so kind to her, and lots of people look in on her each day. Her kindness of others in the past is reaping its reward. 

For now, I will let it go at this, for a letter must go to Pat also this a.m. - a booster to her morale, from you - would help right now- she's having a very difficult time!

Love, 

Polly

Thursday, March 21, 1969

Dearest Ones All;

Pat called me this afternoon, with the news that Mom had her surgery, as planned, this a.m. They took the finger off and while she is in pain- they will keep her sedated, I'm sure, so it will be bearable. 

Whenever you have anything done to your hands or feet the nerves are super-sensitive and it is very painful. I can attest to this fact, having had it done three times myself. 

As soon as Pat has been able to talk to the Doctor and get some more information regarding Mom and her back et. etc. I will relay it to you. In the meantime, send her notes to either Pat or the hospital 

This period of hospitalization, will give Pat a much needed respite from worry about Mom. She has borne the brunt of all the worry and burden of doing all the extras for a long time. I feel very strongly about this but just don't know what to do about it, at the present time. 

We will take it a day at a time for now. Okay? Thanks so much for the belated birthday card and note. We are so glad Lu's toe is better. I had the same thing last summer, and it really does make it awkward and annoying. I had to look at the beach for six weeks nd couldn't go down an walk on it. It did heal nicely though. My Doctor just bound the toe to the next one for support- for a short time, and then I just used a band aid to do the same thing after my bath each day. 

We'll hope that none of us has any more broken bones of any kind, or anything else for a long, long, time. 

For now much love--

Polly---

April 1969

Dearest ones all: 

Mom, herself, called me just now. Her voice is rather shaky, and you can tell she has been through an ordeal- but she seems fine. At least as fine as she can be under these circumstances. 

I have worried a lot, as have you all, no doubt- hearing nothing in all this time. But they still have no report from the doctors, about X rays etc. She will relay them to me as soon as she does hear from her Doctor. 

Dr. Cowen is pleased with the amputation. They did no graft, just sewed it up. So she didn't have the additional problems of that to go through. 

She was at the Bonneville Home for a week, and then home.  She took a Walker with her, and she can get all around her apt. with it, just fine, she says. She will keep it as long as it is necessary. Ken should be there tomorrow, and he can do a lot of things for her, I'm sure. 

Pat has a bad cold and feels most miserable, and is also worried about the baby. There is something the matter with his leg. Poor gal, she doesn't have enough to worry about. 

For now, I will close. All is well here- I have had dome trouble with my back, too much gardening- guess I'll have to leave the spading alone, period! I can't risk getting laid up. Thank goodness, Jim can put it in for me when it does out. It took three days of putting in to make it stay this time. I shall be most careful- believe me! Have a nice Easter, everyone. 

Much love, 

Polly

Wednesday, May 12th 1969

Dear Lu, Wickie, 

I arrived home Sunday, but have been too exhausted to write until now. I have never been through such an experience and hope I never do again. Each morning I'd get up feeling like I just couldn't get through the day- but had to do it. 

We finally got Mom and her things moved out of the apt. Saturday night. It was a very sad, emotional, heart rending thing for her. She is not well at all, in fact she should not have been there at all, but for her insistence. And I can see how I'd feel- I'd want to oversee the disposing of my things, too, if I possibly could. 

She is in pain most of the time with the arthritis. She has to sleep almost sitting up, because of her heart. It is a coronary condition, so you know what that is. She has a hard time getting her breath sometimes- and the blood doesn't get to parts of her brain all the time. She forgets so easily. This makes her very angry. Her depression is the hardest part of all, to fight. 

First of all, I want you, Lu, to plan on most of your time in Salt Lake with her. Wickie, you will just have to pinch hit for him with your family this time. He has never spent enough time with Mother, when you have been there and this time may be the last time. There are things to be done that only he can do. 

I want you, Lu, to go over her financial affairs right down to the last item- and get it all spelled out-and then send me a copy. I had far too much to do, to do it this time. She has loaned Marshall and Pat a lot of money- just how much I don't know. I spent Saturday night in their home--Pat had me have a talk with each of the children, which I did-and I hope it will help. While you are there, talk to Pat, and see if you can help out any. 

I had a very long talk with Kathy- she came over to Mom's one day and helped me clean out the medicine chest in the bathroom. 

Whatever you can do to make things easier for Pat, please do. I'm sorry that this had to come at such a happy time for you and Marilu, but that is life. 

The Doctor says that if Mom improves, that she can fly down (with someone with her) to me. So that is what we are planning on. Pat will fly with her to Mip's and stay there a few days.. Then we will come down and get her- driving very slowly home. We want her to be here during the cold weather. 

I won't say anymore right now except that I did the best I could do, with Bea's help. Pat helped as she could- but it was a bigger job than I had anticipated for sure. I have never worked harder in my life!

There is a box of very precious things in Mom's room awaiting your arrival... also a box of pictures that you will have to go over with her (out in Pat's garage). But do just what Mom wants you to do, this time Your family will have to understand. This is one thing she kept saying over and over again.... I just hope this time Lu will spend some time with me. So you have to do it regardless.. Okay?

Bea has taken the things pertaining to Iran and will, on her own, put them all into a book- also we found things, art objects, that she has taken to the Huntington Library to find out just how precious they are. They do belong in a museum- and there is a possibility they will be valuable. We will know more about that later. 

Let me hear from you, 

Much love, 

Polly

Sunday, P.M.

When I called Salt Lake yesterday to try to talk to Mom, I couldn't. Pat was just taking her to the hospital in Salt Lake. the L.D..S. to be exact. 

She has been getting weaker, not stronger- and the medication for her heart had to be discontinued, because she was getting too much fluid on her lungs. One night, Pat had to have her sleep sitting up in her chair. She just couldn't get her breath any other way. 

The Dr. was going to have to be out of town for a week, so that to be on the safe side, he wanted her in the hospital where his assistant could watch her and observe just exactly what was happening. 

Also, Pat was completely exhausted and this would be a way of her getting some rest. Pat called me back when she got home from taking Mother to the hospital, and Marsh to the airport. He was flying a plane load of people to the middle west for a friend, for a fee. 

Someone from the east bought the plane out from under Marsh- the one he was hoping for a chance to use eventually. So he must really start searching for new employment of any kind. Things would be so much easier all the way around if the Bennetts didn't have this problem. Pat cannot continue to care for Mother in this manner, regardless. It was enough of a task before I left. It was all I could do to get her into and out of the tub, et. etc. Pat is not any stronger, than the rest o9f us where backs are concerned---if as tough. So, we shall just have to see what develops. 

Mother herself wants you all to be prepared for anything. She is herself. I'm sure she made a super human effort to help us get her things sorted out and get out of the apt. It took an awful lot out of her to even try to make decisions of any kind. 

I won't say more at this time-- Needless to say, I'm depressed and wish there were more I could do. So for now, 

Lots of Love, _

Polly __

Save the carbon- my hand is very tired-

PS Kathy was married on Friday-- went to Elko, Nevada- Pat is relieved. 

Sept 21, 1971

Dear Lu & Wickie -

Just a note to enclose some pictures, we felt you would like -- as they turned out pretty good- so good of Mom - As you can see - she thoroughly enjoyed having her family around her - she has seen every one now. I believe this was most important to her. 

When I talked to her on Sat- she seemed so very frail - could barely hear her - she's not happy at Pat's but feels she'll have to make the best of it- at present. Our climate is too hard on her - it's hard for her to really feel well anywhere. 

We haven't heard if Marilu received her wedding gift - Please let us know as it was mailed long, long, ago. If she didn't receive it at your home - it was lost in the mails & we can have it traced. 

I hope this finds you both well & happy - We love you--

Polly & Jim

P.S. Please Lu - write mom a note once a week - It will mean everything to her. P. 

April 6, 1972

Dear Lu and Wickie;

We just heard on the news about the explosion in Doraville. We earnestly hope that it was nowhere near your home, and that it did not involve anyone you knew and loved.  Those things are so scary, when we are so far away, and can't know locations etc. Please drop us a card and let us know all is well with you. Mother will be with us by the time you receive this. 

Bea is putting her on a plane tomorrow night, and Mip will pick her up at the airport and bring her half way to meet us, on Sunday. Mip doesn't really go out of her way to do very darn much for Mom. But when you don't marry, and have never had children, it makes a big difference in your personality. She is just not used to thinking about anyone but herself. 

We know you have much on your minds these days, with work and a wedding coming up. But BEA AND I have talked about the fact that Mom would so love to be asked to visit you. There is no reason she could not fly back there, once you are home again. She is so much better since being with Bea, and Ray. They have gone all out to make her feel wanted and she has had a ball. She won't be with us too much longer and I feel we should do everything we can to make her remaining time pleasant. 

She can't be in Salt Lake for any length of time anymore because Pat and Marsh are really at the crossroads. By this time they could have split up. Pat wrote me a really desperate letter and asked that we have Mom come here after BEA'S. I had already done that, but I told her that she should either get Marsh to a counselor and insist that he get straightened out or leave him. She can't go on and on the way things are. He needs help very badly, but if he won't see it there is nothing anyone can do. He is really sick. He comes home and has two year old tantrums. That is the reason Laura left, and all the children feel the same way. 

Bea is going to get Mom some good Water Color paper and I mean to keep her painting while she is with us. She is suffering with all the afflictions of Old age, as we all will one day. I should say, I have already started to notice the signs. The best thing is to keep as busy as possible and try to forget the aches and pains. Please forgive my mistakes, as I am not the typist I once was. I think faster than I can write. 

Jim and I are  just fine. We have our problems, but none of them serious ones. We still love our area and have managed to keep the Beach cleaner than its ever been and with more controls. The state finally has acquired a good stretch of beach property to extend their program of more recreation facilities. This should help us greatly. If we can continue to pay the taxes, we'll stay on. They get bigger each year. More Tourists- people -people on the highways etc. 

For now - Lots of love - Polly -

Oct 28th 1972 postmark

Sat A.M. 

Dear Wickie

We are so happy for you- Lu - of course Marilu & Philip. The baby boy is good size and 6 oz. more than our Dave weighed in at birth and the same length. - He will be a big boy! 

I am sorry you missed Dave & Peggy - but I was afraid that would be the case - they planned to be away two weeks - I think 

(Marilu-our oldest son, David was born Oct. 21st in Seaside CA on Fort Ord. Cousin Dave Myers and wife Peggy lived very close to us. We were in Monterey & Pacific Grove during our year there and they lived in Carmel by the sea. We had a chance to meet and spend time with them while there)

We only get down there once a year - it is 7 hrs. of hard driving away - So you have to have plenty of time off to make it worth while - they get up here once a year also & are coming for Xmas. 

Calif is such a long state - that even tho' a lot of us live here - we don't see each other often - We are going to try to go down for Bea & Ray's Susan's wedding in Nov - but don't know yet - for sure- 

Our heartiest congratulations on being grandparents & of course the same to Marilu & Philip.

Much love - Polly & Jim

Mom isn't well at all & we doubt she will ever get back to the A. L. Home - 

Sunday, April 15, 1973

Dear Lu; 

I meant to write as soon as we returned from Salt Lake City, which was a week ago. But when we did get home, I was so tired and felt so rotten, I put it off. It was a long, hard, trip - with the weather bad going... but I won't go into that. 

We made the trip because I just felt that I had to see Mother at least one more time, while she was able to talk, etc. etc. I wanted to see the home she was in, and just how she was really faring. 

She is very frail and weak, and the slightest strain emotional or physical completely does her in. She is nothing but skin and bones. She can walk with someone supporting her but for only a short distance. We took her out to Pat's for a few hours and it was almost too much for her. We decided not to do it the second day, and Bea and I just went out there (to the home) and sat and talked to her. 

Bea and Ray were there for a couple of days also.. Ray called on customers to pay for their trip, as it was the boy's spring vacation. They went on to Logan, to be with the girls for the weekend. Jim simply took the time, so we could drive up there. 

Jim has left the Insurance Agency he was with, and is now on his own. So whether we starve or get rich he will be his own boss from her on out. The man he was in with was a Tyrant and a Policeman type who tried to completely monopolize his every waking moment. This was something that could not be changed so there wasn't anything else to do. Everyone who knows about it has told him they will place their insurance with him, so we will see. No one likes the other man, and Jim had been the one to build up the personal lines. 

To get back to Mother. She is living entirely in the past now, and I don't believe she will remember that we were even there- tho I hope so. While I was with her, she wanted to cling to my hand etc. etc. and cried almost constantly. 

The home is a lovely place and the mother and daughter who run it are wonderful women - from Holland. For Mother it must mean being with Grandma Rust and Sister Amacher again. They love her, and she them. So I am relieved in my mind that she is where she should be. 

As to Pat, Bea, Ray, Jim and I talked about it, and all agree that Pat has certainly earned every penny that she and Marshall borrowed from Mother, in service. So her Debt should be wiped off the books as far as owing is concerned-- Okay with you? Ken still owes her around $1.000, and I don't think he's done anything about paying it back into her account. We can find out about that later. But just remember it, for the record. Mom as still shelling out to him , when she was here last year. 

There is enough coming in to Mom's account from rent and Money's owed, to pay her expenses at the home. so we don't have to worry on that score. Pat did get her signature and sold the Mt. Fuel stock at $75 a share which was a good fair price. She talked to Jim about what to do with the money, and he advised her to leave it in the bank as it was. She will be getting a good interest return on it. So, that leaves things as they are to date. Pat also has her power of Attny. in case of emergency needs. 

When you get a chance, drop me a note as to how you feel about all of this. Mip agrees with us about Pat, and I'm sure Ken will. Pat is the one who has done the bulk of the dirty work regarding both Dad and Mom. 

For now, I will hope that you are all well and happy. 

Our love to everyone, Jim and Polly

Saturday P.M. Post mark May 31, 1977 (Marilu: this was written after Wickie's first breast cancer diagnosis and surgery)

Dear Lu & Wickie

After reading the enclosed article, I decided there was no time like the present to write you - I have thought about you so much - ever since the surgery - & each and every time I've read something about the new things they are doing it makes me so glad. 

Only those who have had surgery know what a debilitating thing it is and how much it means to look "whole" again in your clothes. 

Anyway - look into this new "prosthesis" because it is the only one that really looks real. I saw it demonstrated on TV- & when I get to the city I shall look into it also. 

Of course the most important thing is that there's no recurrence etc. etc. -We are all praying that you'll have none of that. 

I am really feeling good again - I have my "innards" under control - but it takes a really "strict" & "limited" diet to manage it - I just wish mom had had the fortitude to go through the elimination of food & products that I've done & get it pinned down. 

Anyway I've gone 3 wks now with no stomach problems etc. It's real heaven - Hope you are looking forward to some kind of  nice vacation this summer - Our weather here is 100 degrees great today - We have had two nice rains in the past couple of weeks - far from adequate but better than nothing - 

We love you much-

Polly