Hello, Cousin

Hi, how are you doing?

Some of my children want a family health history.

Some of the things needed are the health of my parents siblings. Their health history and causes of their deaths. I think I know about your father but I have been known to be wrong (most of the time) And if it was cancer I don't know what type.

I have been getting information from Donnette Smith about the Bean Family. She indicated that you have information on the Bean family.All my life I heard about them and have been to a Bean family reunion and I don't know much about them. I have been wondering who was the first to join the church and their story. Donnette has given some of that.

Many years ago I met a new man at work named Quinn Bean from Idaho, he turned out to be a cousin. His Grand Father is Susan Bean Smith's Brother, I don't remember which one.

He quit shortly after and moved to Delta Utah to work. I wish he would have stayed I would have liked to get to know more if his branch. He grew up in Idaho so I know he did have family in Idaho but I don't know any of them.

Sorry to bombard you from out of the blue.

How are you and all of your clan doing? Family's expand in numbers and grow in stature as time flyers by. So I imagine yours is doing that most beautifully.

Thanks, Raymond Smith

Grandfather Raymond James Smith died of lung cancer. He had a couple of serious cases of pneumonia which scarred his lungs and he developed lung cancer as a result. That was the time before antibiotic drugs were discovered and administered. His wife, my grandmother, Vivian Christene Pritchett Smith, died as a result of a blood clot which traveled to her lungs and then to her heart. 

Their two daughters, Jessie Elaine, my mother, and Vivian Renee, my aunt, died as the result of car accidents. My mother died on my 11-month birthday at age 21. My aunt was 72 when she died. Ironically, neither accident was the fault of the victim.

My father, Howard Thomas Pitts, is living. He will soon (in September) be 87.

It is good to hear from you. I will work on the rest of your request as time goes by. Tomorrow my daughter, AnnMarie, is having a baby by C-section. This is her fifth and I will be busy.

Who is your Dad? I guess he is a close family member: hence the name Raymond.

Myrna

My parents are Frederick Harold Smith and Pearle Gore Smith.
I apologies for calling your Grand Father your Father. I know better.
I am named for two uncles Raymond James Smith and Claude Allan Smith.
Thanks
Like Duh! I also apologize for not realizing that you are my special cousin and that you and Karen were and are great friends. It just didn't click for a minute there. I was thinking you were, perhaps, a grandson of Donnette. So do you think I am nuts or what? Of course, I KNOW you are named for grandpa. Oh well, you always teased me when we were kids. Now you can tease me again and really have a good reason. 
Love, Myrna

You have no reason to apologize. I sent you an e-mail from out of the blue without warning and you don't know that I have your e-mail address. That would be confusing.

I hope your daughter and new grandchild are doing well.

After our first e-mail exchange, I have been thinking a lot about us and our family.(The Smith's)

Being the youngest child of the youngest son in the family, I am younger than most of my cousins. You and I are about the same age and you being raised by your Grandmother has always confused me somewhat. I know that my Uncle Ray is your Grandfather Ray.

That doesn't always sink in.

I don't remember ever meeting your Grandfather. I do remember going for a ride with you and your Father up Hobble Creek canyon.

One thing that I had never put together before now, is that your, Smith Great Grandparents are my Smith Grandparent's. (My head never has worked very good)I have always thought that we were first cousins. We are cousins once removed, I guess.

What ever all that means, I do know one thing. I love my cousin. I always have and she is a special friend.

We don't get to see each other. That is my fault. This year we had planned on stopping if we went to Karen's family reunion. We did a last minute fly down and back trip, and did not stop. Sorry!

Maybe we ought to have a Herbert James Smith / Susan Bean Smith Family reunion. There are only cousins left.

Myrna: A reunion sounds wonderful to me. I think it is a great idea. I have a difficult time even keeping track of the cousins. I have so many wonderful memories. I wouldn't be the person I am today had it not been for you and your family. 

Love, Myrna