Grandma Ree's letters

     The month of July literally started off with a BANG! As I was able to observe, from the rooftop of a six-story apartment building overlooking the Willamette River in Portland, the fireworks being shot off with a loud bang skyward from a barge floating on the river. It was a fantastic sight from that vantage point, and I “oohed and aahed” over each one as they burst very near us. How was I, who has not been out of my own surroundings for over two years, witness such a sight, you may ask? Because True invited me (wheelchair and all) to accompany her as she promised to "house-sit and dog-sit" the 4th of July weekend for her friend Kathi in Portland. I was very hesitant to stay overnight anywhere other than my own home, but True kept urging me to give it a try; to have the experience of my first outing. It would be a great challenge, but she would be there to help me. So, I soon became excited to try it.      We enjoyed Kathi’s lovely home and garden, but ...

 

My Dear Ones,      Well, it seems that summer has actually arrived, with temperature salready in the 90s and 100s. I hope this doesn't lead to drought and forest fires later on.      True loves working outside, and has our place looking so nice, both outside and inside, where she has several beautiful orchids. Whenever True leaves for any length of time, she makes sure Linda knows about watering and taking care of everything here. When True was gone for 10 days in June, she was delighted to see everything still healthy and doing well upon her return, including me!     I'm getting to be rather an old hand at taking care of myself while True is gone, especially since she always provides beforehand things for a main meal each day that just have to be heated in the microwave. She is so conscientious about being a good caretaker, even when she's away. I'm so glad she knows that she can be gone for a few days now and then, knowing that I will mange just...

 

Dear Family and Friends,     Well, the month of May has come and gone, leaving me with a few experiences I'd like to share with you.     Since receiving my first prosthesis back in August of 2021, and struggling to learn how to adapt to it, I've felt lucky to have had only one minor "rolling backwards" fall that didn't seem to bother me at all, and True was immediately there to pick me up and get me back using my walker again.     Early in May, I was invited by the youth of the church to a "tea party" in honor of Mother's Day for the elderly sisters in the ward, and I was anxious to attend. I arranged for a ride with someone else to take me to the church. But as the time approached, I was hurrying around and getting frustrated because my ride hadn't arrived yet, but when True told me it was still 45 minutes until they they were supposed to arrive, I was startled, and from the bathroom I turned and stretched to see what time it was on the clock in...