January 2, 1996
I thought I would get around to writing more about 1995 but procrastinated so I will review the last months of '95.
Sister Emmie fell over her walking stick and broke her other leg while still recovering from hip replacement. By Christmas she was walking without a stick but is not entirely comfortable.
Sister Jessie had gall bladder surgery in mid summer. Had trouble with pancreas but as of to date it seems to be healing.
Sister Pam is mostly chair bound as the result of minor strokes or something and has to have assistance to walk and her speech is very slow and uncertain. She is the youngest of the five of us.
Brother Johnny has had some health problems but so far nothing serious.
I had gall bladder surgery Aug. 29. Laperscopic [laproscopic], stayed in hospital about 30 hours and came home. After 2 days at home my temperature went up. Went back to the hospital on Friday for 6 days with Bile duct leaking into stomach cavity. Was quite ill for 4 days mostly spent under pain medication so I don't remember much about it. Had a tube to drain this. Meantime the fluid there pushed my right lung out of place and I had mild pneumonia and fluid in the pleural cavity which had to be drained 10 or 12 times. Came home. Went back on Monday Sept. 11, for 1 day to have more fluid drain[ed] from chest cavity. Am doing okay now. Lost 12 # [pounds] which I guess was good.
Harry, my boys and daughters-in-law were great about looking after me. Also my neighbors and friends brought in meals- shopped for us and were wonderful and loving which helped us to cope.
We were and are ever so grateful for the compassion-concern and love shown us during this time.
I hope I will remember to return their kindness to others in need.
Christmas was a happy [time]. Robert was here for Christmas. Harry [Jr.]and family came over about 10 to exchange gifts. We went to his house for dinner at 6 o'clock.
Mike and Anne were visiting her relatives in Ohio so we will have a mini Christmas when they come up in January.
My only living Aunt (my mother's sister) called today. She is 81 and still very vital. We had a good visit and I will try to write down some of our conversation another time.
We hope and pray for a good year in 1996.
Beth McKeown Miller