Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: T, 1951-1953. A-71, folder 345. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

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faith - complete faith in her husband after 20 odd years of marriage - well I just went "to town." First Miss Agnes McCarthy at 600 Wash. St. who showed me why he had been cut off welfare - I know Welfare is not the states word for it, well briefly I wasn't considered a born salesman for nothing. I told her that I had been considered a so called hopeless case in the past but with the proper help etc. etc. Result she had me call his supervisor in Brockton in order to have him restored to State Benefits.

That couple returned - now it occurs to me that I told you about them before but that was my pet case as i had been thru thru the same experience with the exception that my husband didn't - keep faith with me. It just occurred to me that tomorrow when I am in town I shall drop up and talk with Miss McCarthy - hoping and praying that the Carney Clinics plus the good South Shore members whom I introduced them to have done their work well. If not in time I will go down to Hull and tell the wife where she is wrong - as Frued would say the Edipus Complex or possibly the Mother Complex. Too much babying him [?] keeping him ill.

Dr. Van Waters I must go to bed as it is 3 a. m. but for the past week since I returned from Hanover [illegible] I have been in my room not later than

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7 p. m. yet I haven't been able to get to sleep until 1 or 2 but then the luxury of not having to answer an alarm clock - sleep thru until 10 a. m.

Before I close I am goin to scold you. Quote from your letter, "I have ha[?]d virus Pneumonia but have spent little time in bed." Who may I ask, used to say to me back in the 1940s "But Elizabeth dear how can we know how you feel unless you come to us and tell us. I had the Virus shortly before I left Fram. was so ill that I couldn't even get out of bed all day Sat was better Sunday and back on duty however, almost 2 weeks later when I couldn't shake the cold Mrs. Wellsman called Dr. O'Leary for permission to give me Penisillin which cleared it up. However, with you it is different remember way back you confided in me about many things. Remember the 2 or 3 hours you were finally allowed to return to your desk after a serious lung condition. Remember how you have taught me that until I learned my limitations, took care of my own health - I wouldn't be able

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to help others. Oh fie! fie!

On the other hand dear I also know that work brings forgetfullness at least [surcease?] from the paint of heartbreak and sorrow. Physical exhaustion and how good the bed feels when we finally crawl in.

Remember we all need you badly yet I know that they are many - many nights you must crawl into that lonely bed and after a silent pray to God that if it be His will make that night the last in order that you may join your loved ones in Heaven, I know Dr. Van Waters as it has been my plea over so many years. Never giving into despair as to His mercy never questioning as to why I should have to carry such a heavy cross but just accepting as He does know best.

Good night my dear and sweet dreams.

Lovingly, Elizabeth

I shall add a P.S. as usual. If you care to have Miss Cavanah read this - do so - also tell her that if she also has shut me off from my family - that is alright also.

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Since my return from Hanover I have let my sister know where I am - also my son in case they would like to get in touch with me - that was 1 week ago tonight - yet no workd. I had one note from my husband meekly asking me if I would care to tell him why all the changes in addresses. I in turn replied without rancor. I still feel that I should reopen my case for more alimony. Miss Cav. hasn't wanted me to in the past 1 1/2 years. considering my emotional envolvement but if she recalls how cool, calm and collected I was at Dedham when she rushed in to my defense - she will realize that now after 6 years of divorce my emotions and love for him has is are dead. As Dr. Panenstadt told me after she had interviewed him - "He will never change."

It isn't alimony alone - its all the precious possessions I had from my girlhood on, my snapshots of my children - even the gold bracelet which you had repaired for me at your

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jewelers [?] for my Janet's 17th birthday - just little things but oh so precious to we mothers.

I know Miss Cavanah did everything within her power to help me and I had to be made to stand on my own 2 feet but even yet it hurts but time is a great healer and it doesn't take me long to reason things out. All is well that ends well and also a firm belief [?] in the Divine plan.

E

Sorry I didn't mail this sooner but better late than never.

Please offer Ann [Markey?] my apologies for being so rude to her over the phone. I know that - that also is rather late.