Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: L, 1947-1950. A-71, folder 310. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Feb. 10 - 1948

My dear family

Of course I intend to re-wrrite the Arch- Bishop's letter in ink, also to space it correctly. Should I send it? Maybe I'd better leave that up to some one with far more intelligence. Anyway Dear Farmily send the copy back, advise one how to phrase it please.

Love-

Ruth

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Boston, Mass.

April 9 -1948

My dear dear Family: No doubt my waiting so long to write to you is seemingly being lazy. But I don't honestly say that. So, I keep hoping and praying I will have some good news to write you. But there just isn't any, but I had or have such a strong feeling about you I had to write before I could go to bed, I am tired too. Now over to the Mass. Memorial Hospital again this A.M for another X-Ray. Keep forgetting back Tuesday A.M to another dept. [unclear] clinic, chest and heart are O.K That is another [unclear]

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P.S I am taking good care of myself. Have to lie down a lot, & still get those terrible fits of temper.

Ruth

as this is the first winter I haven't had pneumonia, to think my heart and lungs are still good, make me feel good, I think of you and pray for you constantly. Just think my family, I would not be living now only for you and your kindness and compassion to me. The Care lady here is kind or I should say the house-keeper. We have such nice little talks, I have told her all about you, she is going over to the church for instruction from the priest, so God has [unclear] for me it seems. Eleanor gives me credit for having been the cause of her going into the church. I am still keeping and praying that I might be able to help someone as you helped me. You gave me

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Kindness and understanding when I needed it so badly. that help you extended me by sending me the ten dollars was indeed a life saver. I had hopes of repaying it that following week, but could not. But I am sure you know I would never, never ask you only when everything else had failed. I do so hope you are feeling well and strong. I received the secret little card, for which I am grateful. Please give my love to Mrs. Castle, tell her I still have the ashtray she gave me. Eleanor write me today, cheery letter I have not wrote to her in so long I am ashamed. I have so much on my mind. Sometimes I think of my room with regret. Oh well, I make the choice. When I think of your daily talks and (unclear) I feel so (unclear) for you & cry my dear family

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