Ray Stannard Baker to Cary T. Grayson
Title
Ray Stannard Baker to Cary T. Grayson
Creator
Baker, Ray Stannard, 1870-1946
Identifier
WWP16749
Date
1933 November 13
Description
Ray Stannard Baker writes to Cary Grayson about adjusting to his health diagnosis.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
Dear Friend
I thought you might like a report of progress.
I am leaving for the South this week, with every intention of obeying the Table of Commandments which you and Dr. Bloedorn laid down, and I have hope that they may prove effective. You know when the Devil was sick, the Devil a monk would be!
The local difficulty is plainly much improved, but the general condition of fatigue and the ills which so easily follow upon over-exertion, yield more slowly. I think few people who have not themselves had the experience of it, realize the strain of long continued and concentrated labor such as mine -- unless one is in the pink of condition, as I was fortunate enough to be for so many years. My problem now, as you see so clearly, is to discover a new working formula; find out just what I can and cannot stand; and then go ahead. This I hope to do during the coming months. One of my neighbors said to me the other day, “You know, it is a serious business discovering what it means to be past sixty.” I think this is the discovery I refused earlier to make, and which is now forced upon me.
It was a great satisfaction to me to have your advice: since I felt that it came not only from a physician whom I trusted, but from an old friend who knew much about me as a human being. I came away vastly encouraged. Mrs. Wilson has also contributed to my peace of mind, not only with her buoyant reassurances, but practically, in a way which, in these dubious times, is one of the best antidotes for anxiety. I am going to loaf as completely as I know how until after the holidays and then see how the work goes.
With continued and warmest regard, I am
Cordially yours,
Ray Stannard Baker
I thought you might like a report of progress.
I am leaving for the South this week, with every intention of obeying the Table of Commandments which you and Dr. Bloedorn laid down, and I have hope that they may prove effective. You know when the Devil was sick, the Devil a monk would be!
The local difficulty is plainly much improved, but the general condition of fatigue and the ills which so easily follow upon over-exertion, yield more slowly. I think few people who have not themselves had the experience of it, realize the strain of long continued and concentrated labor such as mine -- unless one is in the pink of condition, as I was fortunate enough to be for so many years. My problem now, as you see so clearly, is to discover a new working formula; find out just what I can and cannot stand; and then go ahead. This I hope to do during the coming months. One of my neighbors said to me the other day, “You know, it is a serious business discovering what it means to be past sixty.” I think this is the discovery I refused earlier to make, and which is now forced upon me.
It was a great satisfaction to me to have your advice: since I felt that it came not only from a physician whom I trusted, but from an old friend who knew much about me as a human being. I came away vastly encouraged. Mrs. Wilson has also contributed to my peace of mind, not only with her buoyant reassurances, but practically, in a way which, in these dubious times, is one of the best antidotes for anxiety. I am going to loaf as completely as I know how until after the holidays and then see how the work goes.
With continued and warmest regard, I am
Cordially yours,
Ray Stannard Baker
Original Format
Letter
To
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Files
Collection
Citation
Baker, Ray Stannard, 1870-1946, “Ray Stannard Baker to Cary T. Grayson,” 1933 November 13, WWP16749, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.