[Manhattan, Kansas]
Sunday Evening, April 2, 1882
My dear Sister Griffin[g]:
I thought I could come up and see you and [your son] Willie
today, but found it impossible. I miss Willie so much since I have been able to
take my Sunday School class again. And I thought of you so much since Mr.
Griffin[g]’s illness. My heart aches for you but I know that our loving Father
sustains and comforts and I know that you feel that He does not afflict
willingly. We cannot now see the rich things which will result from this furnace
heated so hot, but we ought to be grateful that he counts us worthy to be tried
as by fire. You can’t now, I know, how dark & gloomy life is while we are
shut in with our griefs, but I can’t help believing that we shall one day, --
even in this life, -- thank God for just the very way in which He has led us. I
am so glad for you that you have such a noble son as John to lean upon. And
Willie is only less grand because he is younger in years. And a beautiful,
loving daughter that is always very dear to a mother’s heart, and as my baby
says, a “Mama’s heart’s – ease.”
Poor Sister Crandall’s baby was quite ill last week. I
have not heard today but he was better the last I heard. There is so much sorrow
in this life that we can all feel glad that our own trouble is no greater. We
all hope & pray that Mr. Griffin[g]’s illness may only be for a little
time. I shall try & come and see you as soon as Mr. Wilder comes back from
Osage County when he goes tomorrow.
Give my love to [your son] Willie. Tell him I know how to
exactly sympathize with him in his rheumatic aches and pains. But warm air &
sunbaths are good for the body & the Sun of Righteousness keeps the heart in
perfect peace even when we groan with physical ill.
My head aches terribly & I have not said just all that
I would be glad to say, but read between the lines a deep love & earnest
prayer for you each & all.
Lovingly,
Mrs. Charlotte F. Wilder
