Letters from Ollie J - August 10, 1993

Later in her life Grandma Ollie was often dealing with respiratory issues. Her "weak chest" and lungs always seemed to make her susceptible to a variety of ailments; a history of pneumonia, bronchitus and infections certainly didn't help her, especially towards the end. Is it possible to inherit a wracking cough? In the winter, when I'm cold and sick, I certainly remember my Grandma Ollie. Genetics are "fun."

Another few notes here: Cousin Carol's daughter Leatha (or Litha as Grandma spelled it) is named for Ollie's husband, my Grandpa Jack. Leatha was his middle name. I was about 6 when he passed. Wow. He'd be 99 this year.

I was finishing up my undergraduate degree in 1993, but at the time of this letter wasn't sure if I was finishing in the fall or spring semester. I actually worked and lived on campus during the summers, so was watching all of the NYC and county fireworks from the end of the campus quads. As for finishing up school, I could have officially "graduated" in Dec. 1993, as I had enough credits. I ultimately took a few spring 1994 semester classes on the weekends and in the evenings, while living off campus, commuting to a part-time job in NYC, and working on campus.

10 August 1993

[The Farm
Pikeville, NC]

Dear [Granddaughter],

My trip home from CT was nice. [Cousin] Carol met me with her two boys. Driving my Car. My cough kept agervating[sic] me. So went to Doctor and he gave me some Medicine (Prescribed) Took that and went to see a lung specialist. She sent me to out Patient to have a breathing test. Got spray medicine and will see her (Dr-) 18 August She will report on (Ex rays) and breathing test. Hope I am going to better than have been for quite a while and Good for long time for a change. I do feal[sic] fairly good for a change.

No cough. What a realief[sic].

We had 2 inches of rain last of last week. My sure made grass grow. Maybe Will get it cut Friday.

Emily (Carol’s daughter) went to visit her Great Aunt and will be Coming home tomarow[sic]. Been gone most a month and was home sick. Near all that flood waters.

I have sewed some. Repared[sic] couple of my Blouses. Made Litha[sic] and Dotty [two more of Carol's daughters] a dress her grand ma had started.

Oh finished the quilt I had in when you were here. Lady was pleased.

You got your classes all lined up. So what are your next decision? Graduate about Christmas or next spring?

Think I’ll wash my Car tomorrow. It surely does need it. Rain Saturday helped some.

Did you go alone to watch fire works?

I saw a little of fire work from here to Raise[sic] track. Fair for Beginers[sic].

All here are doing fine soon be going back to school.

[Carol's sister/Mom's cousin] Jean plans to go up to Temp 20-21 Aug and I want and probelly[sic] go too. She wants a load.

There we or Stake has 10 Sept for a Bus trip and I sent in my money so expect to have a seat. Understand We will have 2 Buses going. Exciting.

Take Care Bet you had fun with your mom.

Love You

Grandma

Hope to see the Meteor Showers Wednesday[sic] Night 9-10 PM