Cambria Pines Lodge
Cambria, California
June 27th 1965
My Dearest Patricia:
I didn’t get away as soon as I thought I would - not until three or shortly thereafter, as doris may have told you. it was 2:00 or past when I finished my wash. I stopped at the college to get my mail - mostly junk mail but a few gems. Then I walked through lucky’s market to pick up a few things to nibble on the way down here - there wasn’t time to stop for lunch - and I saw some gorgeous strawberries that I couldn’t resist. So I got 3 baskets of them and took them out to your mom and the kids. Your little brothers, especially mas, enjoy them so much.
Your mom said - and she probably has told you - that after we left yesterday, that Nobie whispered and when she asked him what he wanted, he said he wanted his postcard that I had sent him from Sequoia. He know where it was but couldn’t reach it. She got it for him and he held it and looked at it till he went to sleep. I guess it was the first time that Nobie had shown that he missed me when I left. Mas and Morty often don’t want me to leave but this time it was Nobie. I just love those little brothers of yours and I’ll never go anywhere any more without sending them a card each to prize and enjoy.
I’m still recalling the afternoon and eveing yesterday and how happy everyone was. You have a special charm when you are playing with the little ones or talking to them. You are so responsive and sympathetic to their little problems and wishes - and they adore you. your mom says their relationship with me is as good for them as it is for me. Though I try to be a proper and affectionate godfather to you, to them, says “mom” to me “you are papa, uncle and grandfather all in one and they need the association with a man.”
[page 2] Coming down - I drove all the way without stopping or getting sleepy or needing to rest - I used my positive suggestion again and it works! I’m looking forward to our mutual use of it. I know from what I have read in past years - and from my friends - that it can do wonders for people. You say I have helped you a lot through easing some of your financial problems and this is doubtless true as it should be and as I want it to be, but I am convinced that I can do as much more or even better than the score by helping you to lose or lessen your tensions. I’m sure the world can gear up for you in a way it has never done before. And I know that in similar ways you can help me to acheieve greater relaxation and effectiveness, protect myself from tension and probably (quite probably) reduce the variety of drugs I am taking and of which, within limits, I am getting a little weary. I have already talked with John R. about this somewhat and he has said if I can get to where I can do without some of them - such as tedrol - I’ll be better for it. Maybe I can get down to just digoxin (for my heart) and prolanthin (which regulates the behavior of my intestinal tract, and quite possibly this can be done through suggestion such as you can give) Many MDs have used programs of suggestion to aid specific patients and accomplished remarkable results, so why not try it on me - John says I’ll probably have to continue the two I named, digoxin and prolanthin - for the rest of my life, but he said probably and he’ll be around to check up on results. I’m getting a bit excited about the prospects.
Haven’t got Connie’s letter yet, but I presume it will show up here in a day or two. I’ll write her another anyway. And don’t forget, I’m hoping for at least one from you before you take off for Manzanita Lodge to visit Connie. And now as always - the best of my thoughts are for you, whatever you do, whenever you go. We’ll house hunt for the family, as soon as things permit. Love - as always - Carl.
Dr. Carl Duncan and Patricia Whiting Collection (SJSU)
