In Monday’s post, I shared how blogging has brought me together with other bloggers and how nice it is to meet them in person.
Another aspect of blogging is, due to my posts about my family having once lived in historic Bacon’s Castle, I have come to know some very distant relatives. Some of those I’ve just communicated with online, and others I’ve met in person. I’ve also been reunited with some “long lost” known relatives.
Such is the case with my first-cousin, Carol, daughter to my mom’s youngest brother, Stanley. Carol and I haven’t seen each other in many years, but we’re friends on Facebook. That came about because her niece found my blog post regarding our family ties to Bacon’s Castle. Since then, Carol and I have occasionally shared old family photos.
Last week, she sent me a picture of her dad as a very young man. She also sent this, a note my mom wrote to Uncle Stanley in 1977:
I apologize that the image is so small. Here’s a transcript of her note:
Dear Stanley,
I hope this will be the first card you receive after….going in the hospital. You have evened up the number of our family to be operated on for our gall bladder, but it is good to have it out. I got along fine and feel good. Hope your family is fine, wish we were all closer to you for your family is the most help in the way you feel. Do take care of yourself. Love, Donnie (Say hello to all.)
You may be able to see the image well enough to see that some words are spelled incorrectly, and the punctuation isn’t perfect. In Mom’s growing up years, schooling wasn’t nearly as important, especially in rural areas, as it is in today’s world. Children went to school sporadically, working on the farm when necessary and helping to care for younger siblings. At that time, schools were few and far between. I don’t think Mom or any of her siblings went beyond about 8th or 9th grade.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen Mom’s handwriting. This note tugged at my heartstrings, and Mother’s Day week seems a good time to share it.
Thank you, Carol, for sharing this little note with me.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
oh, wow. how wonderful is that?
How wonderful to have that note. A little piece of your mom all wrapped up in a lovely letter. How wonderful that you have made those connections with family and that you are able to share such finds with each other. Thanks for sharing!
I know what that feeling is like too….my Mom left a few notes behind including what she wanted read at her funeral “one day” – When she became aware she was having memory issues she began labeling everything so she wouldn’t “forget”. She’s been gone over 20 years but still sometimes it seems like yesterday and I know it’s that way for all of us who miss our Moms. I’m so glad your cousin shared that note with you!
Pam
I agree – I love feeling of seeing a special relative’s handwriting. A colleague gave me a recipe that my Grandmother had written for her. Smiles and tears – my Grandmother only finished 6th grade – farm background also – and she had the most beautiful cursive. Thanks for prompting me to remember. Glad that you have that special card and re-established relationships.
So thoughtful of her to send this along ! Another treasured memento from our family history ..
Very sweet Dianna. Wonderful how you work, and all your family contribute, in staying United and sharing family gems. I tear up every time I see my mothers handwriting. What a treasure to have a copy of that sweet note.
Happy Mother’s Day to you.❤
What a treasure to receive so close to Mother’s Day. I know you will holding on to this precious memory. Happy & Blessed Mother’s Day, Dianna.
Those treasures like that are so endearing. I love that photo of you with your mom. I can see the love between you. Something with your mom’s handwriting on it is special, isn’t it? My dad had a distinctive signature and I have small strip of paper with his handwritten signature taped inside the cover of my Bible. I smile every time I open it and see his name written there.