Dear Louanne Ellie Mae:
I'm writing this letter slow because I know you can't read fast. We
don't live where we did when you left home. Your dad read in the newspaper
that most accidents happen within 20 miles from your home, so we moved. I
won't be able to send you the address because the last West Virginia family
that lived here took the house numbers when they moved so that they
wouldn't have to change their address.
This place is really nice. It even has a washing machine. I'm not
sure it works so well though; last week I put a load in and pulled the
chain and haven't seen them since. The weather isn't bad here. It only
rained twice last week; the first time for three days and the second time
for four days.
About that coat you wanted me to send you, your Uncle Stanley said
it would be to heavy to send in the mail with the buttons on, so we cut
them off and put them in the pockets.
John locked his keys in the car yesterday. We were really
worried because it took him two hours to get me and your father out.
Your sister had a baby this morning; but I haven't found out what
it is yet so I don't know if you're an aunt or an uncle. The baby looks
just like your brother....
Uncle Ted fell in a whiskey vat last week. Some men tried to pull
him out, but he fought them off playfully and drowned. We had him
cremated and he burned for three days.
Three of your friends went off a bridge in a pick-up truck.
Ralph was driving. He rolled down the window and swam to safety. Your other
two friends were in back. They drowned because they couldn't get the
tailgate down.
There isn't much more news at this time. Nothing much has
happened.
Love, Mom
P.S. I was going to send you some money but the envelope was already
sealed.
(
geocities.com/sunsetstrip/palms) (
geocities.com/sunsetstrip)