Author: Valeria Louise Nelson
Title: Letter to “Niece” Iva [Iva M. Cooper]
Date: 13 January unknown year
Curator: Christine Fisher
Note: Since Valeria references Iva’s father, Lyman Cooper, it is presumed that the letter was written prior to his death 12 February 1906…when Iva was approximately 22.
13 January
Dear Niece Iva,
Had so much to do yesterday forenoon and afternoon went to aid society. Could not write to you so held your mothers letter till I could write to you. I was slightly surprised, but not in the least shocked by your announcement. I was wondering why you did not take to nursing. Why you was a odity among us, but answered with the thot that it was your timidity and lack of self-reliance. You have chosen a hard calling; but if it is a call from God, He will go before you, and you need not fear to follow where he leads. I believe that it is, from the way it has come to you, and you do well to answer so cheerfully and hopefully Here am I. May you, as you lay your life upon his altar, a living sacrifice rejoice in the life more abundant and receive of his fullness grace for grace and find in His presence fullness of joy. While you await his call to come up higher where there are pleasures forever more. From my view point, I am looking on at God’s dealings with you all. I know He doeth all things well although somethings look so hard, and are so hard to bear. I am sorry for your poor father because he wrongs his own soul by his wrong doing to which he is led by his wrong thinking, putting too high a value on self the things of time which perish with the using or are left to curse others often. He is so chocked by the cares of this life and the deceitfulness riches. May he come to himself before he starves on husks. I am sorry too, for your mother to be left by you, under existing circumstances, but sympathy is about all you can give her at present, and you can give that across the State, as I can here. My one longing cry to God for her is that she may hold firmly to the path of duty. Let who will go wrong, be saved from sin, and used for righteousness to his praise and glory.
I will send Fannie Harris last letter to you. There are points in it you will see without a pointer. There are items only of interest to her sister, but she let me read it and I asked her if I might send it to you and she said I might but her sister may want to see it so send it back when you write. Fannie has been a nurse for some years in Springfield Mass. Had from $20 to $25 per week as private nurse. She was here on her vacation two weeks this summer and she told me there was a matter she had got to decide within six months, but she was not sure of the mind of the Lord then. Ray and Anna told me what it was. She decided to go to China, with results as you see. She expects to go later. She is a blond about your size and make up. Is near 30 years old. Entered hospital for training when between 21 & 22. Commit your way unto the Lord. Trust also in Him and he shall bring it to pass. Love to all, your aunt Valeria (Valeria Louise Nelson)
Aunt sends love and would write but is having a sneezing cold and don’t feel able to keep her nose clean and write. Helen is asleep in her chair while she makes her call, and aunt has been naping yester a thay??? today skating. VLN