Dorothy Baker Bladorn to Edna Spennetta 5/3/1961

May 3 1961

Dear Aunt Edna,

I’ve been intending to write to you ever since I got your nice note. Makes me ashamed to think that as busy as you are, you were so prompt about writing.

We are so pleased that you are keeping busy and getting out with the children and grandchildren. It’s nice Jessica can say with you. She’s such a sweet, pleasant girl. I had a nice visit with her. Also enjoyed seeing and visiting with Paul. We had only seen him once since we were children and that was for a short time.

Yes, we did love Uncle Jess, and felt so sad. Whenever I am emotionally upset I feel better if I can sit down and write a poem. Guess you’ve been subjected to some of my “emotional outlets” before. This is pretty amateurish but it does portray my feelings:

Another leaf has fallen from our family tree today.

My darling “Uncle Dudley” has just passed away-

I feel so very saddened I don’t know what to say

Except that

Those who knew him loved him

In a very special way

For he taught the joy of giving

By living it each day.

You and Uncle Jess were my best examples of people who really believed that “it is better to give than to receive.” He just seemed to live to have anyone get what they wanted. I always wished that I could repay you in some way for your many kindnesses. I guess that life has done that for me by giving you happiness and good fortune. Anyway, I’d like you to know that you’ve been two of our favorite people. Al is as fond of you as I am.

Tomorrow is Mother’s birthday. We’re going to celebrate Sunday. Virginia and family are coming Friday and spend the weekend. Hers and Al’s and my birthday all come within two weeks of each other, so we’re going to have one party for all of us. We’re planning a picnic if the weather is nice so we can get all the family together. Vickie has the chicken pox, so Virginia Lee’s family won't be able to come. I’m wondering if Mama will feel like it. If we don’t go too far from home, so we can take her back when she gets tired, she might like to go.

Mother says you and Mary are coming down for Mama. She said you planned to “antique” along the way. (Mary told us when we were up there.)  You probably won’t be able to make the trip in one day, will you!  You’d better plan to headquarter here and stay a fews days.

I have to go over to the garage and deliver a customer’s car. We finally signed an agreement with the freeway, and they take over July 1st.  We will have to pay rent after that and probably have to move by December or before. I’d like to just sell out, but Al doesn’t feel ready to retire. Sure wish he’d get a job and let someone else have the responsibility - but I guess he wouldn’t be very happy working for someone else.

Be seeing you in a few days.

Love Dorothy and Al