2270 South Vine
Come with me as I meet my Mother through this series of letters, she died when I was 6 months old and this is my very first real glimpse into her world, who she was, who she wanted to be and how she loved my Father.
A collection of 36 letters hand written by my Mother Joyce at University of Denver and sent to my Father Earl at University of Colorado Boulder when they were first engaged in 1952. The letters span from September 1952 - January 1953. My Mother died from Breast Cancer in 1971 at the age of 40. The original language of the letters is read intact to maintain the integrity of the authenticity of her words, 1952 is a very different time culturally and economically.
2270 South Vine
Letter 11 10/21/1952 Faith, Dr Shirey, and the Beatitudes: A Letter on Belief and Love
In this thought-provoking letter, Joyce reflects on a heated classroom debate with Dr. Shirley , whose provocative statements on religion, Christ, and education spark frustration—and intellectual awakening. As she forms a research group and digs into sociological and spiritual questions, Joyce shares her own heartfelt convictions about faith, God, and human understanding. She balances these deeper musings with lighter news: roommate gossip, genetics test results, a scrapbook project, and gratitude for Earl’s impact on her happiness. A letter of contrast—heady, heartfelt, and anchored in love.
Topics include:
- Dr. Shirey’s controversial religious views and class tension
- Joyce’s personal beliefs about God, the universe, and the Bible
- Her small research group and discussions on teaching values
- Winnie’s engagement indecision and double-dating dilemma
- A perfect genetics exam and graduate application updates
- Scrapbooking memories and Wednesday-night longing
- Reva’s compliment: “You look happier than last spring”
- The growing contrast between Joyce’s steady love and chaotic dorm life
when you pull it out of the envelope the fold says I love you honey.
October 21st 52 Dear Earl We had another round with dr. Sherry This morning, but I think I see the situation more clearly by way of background I'll tell you he started out to be a Minister then began doubting God. I presume from the things he says He is an advocate
of the progressive education and scientific method. He can't find a way to believe the things he's read and the things he originally believed. So in consequence, he has a sharp conflict, which he is trying to work out and which he's projecting on us without realizing it, of course. He is reading the books of sociologists who have rejected religion.
and set up sociology as the only way of life and is trying to get us to see it that way too. He said he thought maybe Christ was psychotic. Now I've heard everything. The reason he contradicts himself so much is cause he really thinking it through out loud. Finding a way to teach values in the school and what values
and how is his pet subject and one which he is the most mixed up on himself. Also, it's the one that Betty, Ross, Jean, and I taking as our question for the group research. This morning and every other coffee hour from now till we're done, I'll spend with those three kids. The whole field of thought
that Dr. Shuri has opened up to hit to us with this question and several others is fascinating, thought provoking, and very enlightening. I feel more mature and a little wiser with what we've done already. One thing I'll say, coffee hours are certainly more worth the time spent than with little George and all his insignificant prattle.
Or I guess it would be kinder to say all of George's general conversations. Our group of four is composed of a man getting his doctors, I don't know what in, a Catholic who is surprisingly liberal, and a staunch Methodist, but curious, a staunch Methodist, but curious to hear more, and me. I wish you could be with us, even though you wouldn't
have the thoughts from a class that we bring.
to discussion with us, you would enjoy listening and could probably enter the round table pretty much. For my money, faith in God is a very real and personal part of life. I think you have to start somewhere with a belief that can't be proved. And to me, God is the beginning and the end of everything. The universe is too great, too intricate.
to have just happened. And the creator must be greater than any part he creates. I believe God is the whole of everything existing. I also think that no one or group can possibly comprehend nor begin to completely understand the whole. Therefore, there is room for many beliefs and interpretations of these beliefs or parts.
We got in another argument about the Bible. It takes a mature mind to see what's in the Bible. To debate the beautitudes is silly. And in my line of thinking, the words are blessed are the poor in spirit, not blessed. The words are blessed are the poor in spirit, not blessed are the poor. And there's a big difference. The same with blessed.
are the meek. It says they shall inherit the earth. But what is the earth? It could mean the spiritual realm, worldly realm, or for that matter, it could mean the new kingdom which the fundamentalists so firmly believe in. And I, for one, am not going to argue it since I know that right now at least I can't find the answer. I'm afraid I shall have to consider Dr. Shuri's psychotic not Christ.
I hope you don't mind my discoursing on Dr. Shuri and what I think of the things he brings up. When we get further along in our research and discussion, I'll tell you what we are coming up with.
The test in genetics was quite easy. I think I wrote a perfect paper, I think nearly everybody else did too. He didn't ask us anything about evolution. Now I'm glad I went to bed at midnight and didn't get up till 8.15. And I'm so glad I took time out to write to you too. Winnie has sort of given up.
on the idea of eloping. I'm glad because I fear she isn't as sure as she thinks she is. And of all the criticizing she implied about me getting engaged so suddenly, then she comes up two weeks ago with not knowing if she loves Dick or Bob. And if she gets engaged to Bob, she's still going to date Dick, which just goes to prove that the less people know about you, the better off you are.
They always end up doing the same thing anyway.
Reva stopped to talk to me in the library this afternoon. She said I had gained weight and looked so much happier than last spring. I told her she could thank you for that, my darling. I turned in my application for grad today, but I still haven't asked about the camp, the comp exams. I will do it soon though. Yesterday, I got some cellophane to make bags to paste my mum in my scrapbook.
And I don't laugh. and don't laugh. I want to keep it. I'll be thinking of you Wednesday night when George is in Boulder, sweetheart. I'd sure love to come with him, but I can't make it this time. Poor George. He's sure hanging on and it'll be rough to let go. But what can I do? So I guess I'll let them worry about it. So far, I haven't answered my mama's letter.
One of these days I'm going to take a couple hours off and write her all the latest. This letter is about the right size for mailing. So I'll leave everything else to tell you some other time. Good night and all my love and kisses. Love always Joyce. I love you so much honey. Tomorrow's Wednesday and I can start counting time till you come home again. I miss you a lot.
Bye bye for now and all my love always, sweetheart.
