September 16, 1967

Hello.

So today was Miriam's funeral. What can I say? It was a funeral. It was closed casket, the plot she was laid to rest in was close to a shade tree. It was our first time in a Synagogue in a long time, I think the last time we were there was in '64 or '65 when she brought us for a service. Carrie was the biggest wreck out of all of us, I had to hold her while she sobbed. They had a really close bond, I can understand why she would be this upset, but I don't think I've ever seen her this way. The only thing I can do is to be with her.

I'd never met Miriam's family before, and I felt pretty bad about it. I guess she'd said a lot of great stuff about us, said we were like her kids even though she'd never been a mother. Her family seemed to understand, though, and said I could call or write them if I ever needed anything. I appreciate the sentiment.

As we were leaving, her sister pulled me aside and handed me a few envelopes. I guess a little before her mind went, Miriam wrote some letters for each of us. I don't know what the others were, that's their business and all, but when I got home I opened mine.

There's a check for six thousand dollars inside. I can hardly believe it. She wanted me to have a good portion of her estate after all we'd done for her. I'm in shock, really. I think I'll put most of it in a college fund for the twins and put the rest towards the house. You can't be too responsible, really. I'm getting choked up again just thinking about it.

In any case I'll be taking some bereavement leave. I doubt I can hold it together too long, at least in public. I can't let Carrie or Cory see me like this, either. Miriam wouldn't want me to be this upset, I know that, but I can't help it. She was more of a mother than Corinne could have dreamed of being.

I'm getting worked up again. I'll come back in the morning.

Until then,

Camilla D.