Monday, February 19, 2024

Milliron Monday: Letters Home August 20 1960

  

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010
Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021
Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, Dr. Pete and Jody Smith. 

"She still howls nearly all day long but at least that's better than at night."
― Jody Smith

Jody's letter home to Mansfield, Ohio. Backstory: Jody is enjoying living in the country with Starboy (her gelding) nearby, but motherhood is paramount and nurturing a new baby takes most of her time. Pete is a senior at Colorado State University. (In 1960, the cost to mail a letter was 4 cents.) 

Route 1
Fort Collins, Colorado
Saturday, August 20, 1960

Dear Mom, Dad, and Jessie,
    It was nice to hear your voice, Mom; I'd gotten so spoiled though, being able to talk to you whenever I wanted for a few weeks, it seemed strange for it to be an expensive luxury again. Thank you all very much for putting the money in the account. Pete was quite relieved and pleased and went out that afternoon to pay off the loan. I'm certainly glad that's off his mind before his studies begin.
    Jessica did an amazing thing last night - she slept from 10:30 pm to 7:30 am! She's getting two feedings of cereal a day and sometimes takes 6 oz. of milk, other times three or five. She still howls nearly all day long but at least that's better than at night. The bathinette is certainly a big help. I just cart it into the bathroom and fill it up and give her a bath. I've been rocking her for a while each evening and taking her out for a couple of walks during the day - a practice which she seems to enjoy. I took off her diapers and laid her outside on a blanket in the shade while I hung up the wash this morning.
    I'll try to write a bit longer letter when I get the time and energy.
Love, 
Jody
     
Previous Letters Home: 

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Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.

  

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