Polio - 1956

Polio was still a feared dread disease in 1956.

This is a letter from Margaret Upton Waning's cousin Helen Gantenbein.

By this point Helen was married to Earl (no last name known) and Helen's sister, June was married to Maurice Suckow.

Suckows and Waning Children - Madras, OR

I think this was a letter enclosed with a Christmas card.

"Dear Margaret and All --

We have so appreciated your letters - I'm a stinker for not answering.  Only person I know of that's worse is my sister.  I didn't hear from her for a good six months.  Then she had such bad news.  I suppose she has written you - but in case she hasn't - Curtis has Polio.  He is left with his upper arms paralyzed.  The expectation is that he can get back at least 80% of his muscle use.  He should be..."

"home from the hospital by now.  I talked to her Sun.  The rest of their family is O.K.  We had a heck of a summer.  Earl's back went bad on Father's day (a disk injury).  He spent the Fourth week end (plus) at home in bed then went to the hospital for 10 days July 7 - wore a brace till back to the hospital 5 days the last of Aug.  And in a cast for a month then a brace again.  He was much better 'till about two months ago, and now he is again in pain.  He is working - he did all summer between trips to the hospital - but he is miserable.  So you see why we couldn't make any plans for go to June's - or anything.  Earls' Dad is still the same - paralysed and blind.  Dianne, Clair and babies just stopped by to give us pictures of the babies and Santa.  Sure wish I could show them to you they are sooo cute.  Debbie is all..."  

"puckered up to cry - it's adorable!  We expect to have quite a Xmas with them - we enjoy them so much anyway.  This note sounds like the last rose of summer but in spite of our troubles we really are happy.  We would like so much to see you folks again.  I surely hope an other year we can make it.  Hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

Love Earl and Helen"