"We have a dozen kids between us."

Phoenix, Ariz

April 28, 1955

Dear Betty & Family,

Lottie and Family too - if she's in Portland

This note to both of you - hoping it arrives when you are together. Wish I could be there too, to see the new wee one & give a helping hand. We have a dozen kids between us. Haven't discovered any of that "cheaper" part that is supposed to come with the "dozen." We all like the name of the youngest Pritchett - haven't heard of Royce as a girl's name, but really like it. Now you have the three "R's" - Randy, Robin, Royce. I was hoping you would have a girl. She and Robin will have swell times together. Congratulations to the Pritchetts! I was glad for your letter with all the news.

The new house sounds keen. Cheers for Morgan for going out more on his own.

I am enclosing a letter received a few days ago from Pop's doctor. I guess I told you I was writing to him to get accurate information to determine the real condition of his eyes & the advisability of an extensive trip. The letter is self explanatory, though not heartening. I think it is urgent that we make immediate plans. I don't like to push anyone - each of us has heavy financial responsibilities. It would be so much easier if we could talk. Since we can not, please each of you be frank about what you think & do write immediately.

Now for a plan. It is not a hard & fast plan but just a starting point from which to work. Do make suggestions or changes. Suppose each of us contributes $100, that would make $300 for sure. It wouldn't cover all the expenses but it would be a good start and I think enough of a boost so that Pop & Dora would feel that we really wanted them to come. I think they have some money they could put in too. I will contact Elin & Dora's son, Albert, too if you think it is a good idea but I wouldn't be too hopeful for contributions.

Frank's Dad could go with Pop to the station to make reservations & would be helpful in advising us. I know that the Golden State, crack coach train, to Phoenix would be comfortable. There is a good train over to Calif from here, but I don't have any knowledge of trains in the Northwest. Maybe Bob could make suggestions.

I think a nice way to handle the contributions to Pop would be for each of us to mail him a check & invitation letter to reach him by May 15 - is that a good & reasonable date? Dad Durand could pitch in to help make necessary arrangements and the trip ought to start June 1, 1955.

Immediately, I will write to the doctor & ask him to put in a personal word of encouragement to Pop to take the trip. I will wait on writing to Elin, Albert, & Dad Durand until I hear from you two gals. We ought to let Marin know Pop will be coming out when plans materialize farther. We have a Seattle address for him.

I think the psychological affect of Pop's receiving a letter from each of us on May 15 would be an excellent one.

Now, I think we should guard the seriousness of Pop's eye condition from our children & Mom for they are apt to say the wrong thing to Pop - doctor's advice. Also for Mom's sake, I don't think she should know the full extent of our help to Pop. I want sometime to do the right thing for Mom, but there are lots of factors involved.

I could write more about Frank's new job, Ruthie's extensive Campfire activities, & a few projects of my own, but right now I had better get this in the mail.

Please do respond immediately, kid. If the $100 is too steep just say so. We could make some adjustments.

Again congratulations on Royce Marie.

Love Marie & All

Betty: If "L" isn't there please see that she gets this information & outlined plan.