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  • Walter E. Dandy Letter 07/16/1912

    89 Anson Street

    Barrow in Furness, England

    July 16, 1912

    My Dear Son,

    Received your letter this morning. The news it contained made us feel very sad and to think what a narrow escape you had. Might have been a poor cripple all your life. What an awful thing if you had broken your back and spent a life of misery after a hard studious life to attain the highest in your medical profession. How easily your life could have been blighted for all time to come. And mine and your father's would have been equally the same. There surely was a Providential protection and unseen hand that has kept you and preserved you in the accident that has befallen you. I think you used very poor judgment to jump so far after a ball or run such a risk for the sake of a ball or winning the game. The outcome of your hastiness you couldn't play any more. Why didn't you let the other fellows do the jumping and you look on for a change? If there is any risk to be taken you are always the first to run. The game must not be lost and you are willing to take the chances. Go a little easier and think next time before you make a leap.

    I am very thankful you escaped without any bones broken, something that has always been my greatest anxiety that you not go through the world a cripple. It must have been a hard fall to mash your watch into a shapeless mass. You have not had it two years and now it is a thing of the past something we had hoped you would retain as an everlasting remembrance from your father and mother, and one of the happiest days of my life when you received it for being the head of your class.

    Pa was on a railroad for 28 years and carried that watch, never had as many accidents on the road as you have had in your short life. You made him come off the road for fear of him being killed. I would like to know what we shall do with you for fear you get killed. This watch Pa has keeps excellent time hasn't had any trouble with it since he had it fixed. Well I am sorry about the watch, but thankful you are no worse. How long since it happened. I guess you waited till you got better before you mentioned it. I expect you haven't quite recovered yet.

    Well I have nearly filled this letter about your accident.… I feel you had a very narrow escape and feel very very sorry that your valedictory watch has been broken.

    They are just calling me for tea (& I am sure you will be glad). You are 12 pounds lighter than last year. That is to much flesh to loose.

    You did not tell us how that man got along that you operated on. We asked you in our last letter but I suppose you forgot to tell us although we never forget and are always anxious to hear about the persons you operate on. I am sending you a card with our picture on it. I think you will find us among the group. Pa looks about half sick.… We were just getting off the boat to go on another boat the Queen Victoria. It was very cold on the boat. We had to wrap up to keep warm. I did not know our picture had been taken till we arrived in Barrow and saw it in the window. So that picture of mine was taken in blissful ignorance. I have a light suit on and vail on my hat, fur arround my neck. I think you will know me.…

    Your loving Mother

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