DIY History | Transcribe | Campus Culture | Adelia M. Hoyt memoir and photographs

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Page 108

108, UNFOLDING YEARS

During her long life Emma had rarely been ill or required any personal care. She had been the tower of strength on which I had leaned and she had cared for me through many long illnesses. Now it was up to me to care for her. God gave me the strength to do it for which I shall always be grateful. After the first week a friend, Miss Lucy Cardwell, came and stayed with me at night but I continued to care for Emma night and day. At the end of two weeks I realized that I could not go on that way. The doctor sent us a night nurse. She was much like the doctor and not very efficient; but doctors and nurses were hard to get in those days, and it did give me a chance to get some sleep and Miss Cardwell could go home. However, she came in nearly every day and was a great help and comfort. Other friends and neighbors were most kin and anxious to be of assistance. But the doctor forbade all company in the sick room because of my sister's highly nervous condition. Lillian was now coming every day and was not only the best of help in the kitchen, but kept the house in perfect order and assisted me greatly in the sick room during the day. 
From the first I felt that the end was not far off, but could not believe that it would come so soon. I tried to look ahead and plan for weeks, perhaps months. The month of May came and went -- very warm. Our roses were beautiful that year and with them and flowers sent by friends, Emma's sick room was kept sweet and lovely. She was able to appreciate them and for a long time took an interest in all that went on. She would ask to see the papers morning and evening and would read the headlines. She wanted me to turn on the radio which was between the twin beds. 
After the first two weeks Emma improved slightly and the doctor said she might be up again. But I had no such delusion. She was growing weaker and at times did not seem to be herself. She had difficulty in sleeping and took very little nourishment. Finally, the doctor gave her a more powerful sedative and she was never quite herself afterwards. On June 1st I noticed this especially. I was always alone

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108, UNFOLDING YEARS During her long life Emma had rarely been ill or required any personal care. She had been the tower of strength on which I had leaned and she had cared for me through many long illnesses. Now it was up to me to care for her. God gave me the strength to do it for which I shall always be grateful. After the first week a friend, Miss Lucy Cardwell, came and stayed with me at night but I continued to care for Emma night and day. At the end of two weeks I realized that I could not go on that way. The doctor sent us a night nurse. She was much like the doctor and not very efficient; but doctors and nurses were hard to get in those days, and it did give me a chance to get some sleep and Miss Cardwell could go home. However, she came in nearly every day and was a great help and comfort. Other friends and neighbors were most kin and anxious to be of assistance. But the doctor forbade all company in the sick room because of my sister's highly nervous condition. Lillian was now coming every day and was not only the best of help in the kitchen, but kept the house in perfect order and assisted me greatly in the sick room during the day. From the first I felt that the end was not far off, but could not believe that it would come so soon. I tried to look ahead and plan for weeks, perhaps months. The month of May came and went -- very warm. Our roses were beautiful that year and with them and flowers sent by friends, Emma's sick room was kept sweet and lovely. She was able to appreciate them and for a long time took an interest in all that went on. She would ask to see the papers morning and evening and would read the headlines. She wanted me to turn on the radio which was between the twin beds. After the first two weeks Emma improved slightly and the doctor said she might be up again. But I had no such delusion. She was growing weaker and at times did not seem to be herself. She had difficulty in sleeping and took very little nourishment. Finally, the doctor gave her a more powerful sedative and she was never quite herself afterwards. On June 1st I noticed this especially. I was always alone