MySource:Moultriecreek/Letter Jessie Blake to Lois Barker

211 Miss. Ave., N. Chattanooga, Tenn. Nov. 13, 1921

Dear Lois,

In time of great sorrow I am always at a loss for something to say for mere words seem so inadequate. But I feel for you, and to tell you just that seems the only thing I can do.

Not only do I feel for you and the others in your loss of husband, son, father, brother, but I feel the loss myself. I loved Dolph. He seemed so much like my own Father. I never knew anyone who in so short a time won my complete respect and admiration and kindred love as did Dolph. And you seemed not like a relative by marriage but really one of us.

I was dissapointed [sic] that Dolph didn't get to come to Chatt. recently and that I did not get to talk a long time with you. And I did not get to see Uncle Tom at all. But everything was in such a stir and the only day I was off from work it had to rain - and then had company to entertain.

I understand that Uncle Tom is very ill. I trust he will soon recover. Give him my love.

Lois, I know it's hard - I do not know how hard for I've never had the experience. But God gives us strength to bear burdens that of ourselves we could never endure. We must bow to the inevitable humbly, bravely doing what we can.

While you will feel you loss deeply the task that is before you - that of being both father and mother, to your children - while heavy in itself, will lighten the loss. For in your children - his and yours - in a way you still have him.

May God's blessing rest upon you and yours is my sincerest prayer.

With love and deepest sympathy, I am, your cousin, Jessie Blake

No envelope.