It is a amazing what over 100 years of letter-writing can reveal about a person. In a tribute to my still-living 105-year-old Grandma, Kora, I am writing a book about her life, both from a biographical perspective and from an inspirational perspective. The years she has had in her life and the life she has injected into those years can provide an abundance of wisdom for us all. In fact, just this past weekend while I was visiting her, she began a statement with most amazing four words I have ever heard: “When I get old…”
Grandma has always been a letter-writer. Back in the day, it was “cheaper than a phone call,” and she would write small and deliberately all over the page, around the sides, and onto the backside, filling up as much space as possible. She would even continue her pontifications on the outside of the envelope once the letter was sealed inside! She would write about her day, her demands, what she ate, her demands, her upcoming plans, her demands, etc. She expected the same from the recipient in return. In fact, if one ever sent to her a birthday card or Christmas card that did not have a lengthy letter tucked in the inside, she would either throw it away or send it back. As for me, I always had to make sure I drew a cute cartoon or smiley face at the end of mine. At age 46, I still do that in correspondence to her! She lets me know if I ever forget, too!
Fortunately, many of these letters have been saved over the last century. I am developing my book and its chapters around these letters and am calling the book, “Koraspondence,” as a tribute to her. The story is like “Marley and Me,” without the tail, but with all of the mischief. I do see it on the big screen one day soon!
Below is a copy of a letter from Kora to her husband, Lloyd, written when she was 22 years old. They had just gotten married, and my grandfather, a new pharmacist at the time, was doing an internship at a pharmacy in Ponca City, Oklahoma. My grandma stayed behind in their small hometown for a bit to finalize plans to move everything to be with him. These loving letters were exchanged during the time they were separated. I will also share some from my grandfather.
Stay tuned. This could be the best “Koraspondence” you receive all day! It sure beats the heck out of a simple e-mail written in text code! And, it only cost two cents to mail each one! The cute little red stamps are still on the envelopes, just as fresh looking as they day they were applied. I have kept the spelling of the words as she penned them, to maintain the dignity and integrity of the prose.
The letter was dated July 21, 1927, out of Russell, Kansas.
“My dearest Lloyd,
Received your letter this morn. Was in bed when it came but I got up then and don’t think I didn’t. I was plenty homesick for you anyway. Went to Grace’s party last nite but had a rotten time. Was so homesick all during the evening. All the rest had their men and how I wanted you. Lloyd, I’m sure really ready to come back to you.
Sadie and I are invited over to Beaulah’s tomorrow nite for dinner. I may go over this pm for awhile. Sadie and I are going downtown after awhile. I want to go and see Dr. Browne.
Called up Esther this morn to see how Wanda Jean is. She said W.J. was much better, which sounds good, doesn’t it, honey?
Mrs. Householder met me yesterday and said, “I hear you got so homesick that when you would wash dishes you would sit down and cry and then go back and wash dishes and then cry again.” It sure makes me mad. She insinuated enuf that we weren’t getting along very well and Mrs. Humes told her that.
I made some valances for our dining room and bathroom windows in our apartment this morning. Tell Nell I may send them on ahead and have her put them up so they’ll be up when I come back with company – whoever that might be.
Received our Aetna yesterday. We are paid up until October it states.
Think I’ll send this S.D. You will be home in the morn and mite need a stimulant. I’ll need one before next week is over. I’m sure lonesome for you, honey.
I’ve sure got a sore throat. Can barely swallow. Sadie has one, too.
I keep our car in Dad’s garage. You be on the lookout for a garage there.
Well, sweet, be a good hubby. Love me lots like you do and write me a long letter telling me all you do. Better not take any more meals with Nell and T.J. I don’t want to feel obligated. You can afford to eat downtown. Gee, I’ve sure got the blues. Heaps and heaps of love.
Yours alone, Kora”