A Personal Letter Too Good To Keep To Myself
--Received by David Fulbright
I am not sure that the above is a good title, but it is how I feel when I think about a note I received in the mail on the eighth of April. It is from one of the most pleasant men associated with the family association. Bernie Schaper is a fellow whom I just plain like. Liked him the minute I met him and haven't changed my mind. Do you remember the old expression, "the salt of the earth?" That was really a wonderful compliment at one time. When our culture was steeped in Biblical idiom, it meant more. Jesus said good things about salt, you know. Anyway, back to my point. Bernie is one of those guys who is the salt of the earth.
Here is what he wrote:
Since Dorothy's death I have been trying to sort through all of the family and historical information we had collected for 45 years as well as the collections of her mother and my mother. I found myself so involved with things of the past that I have neglected the present--such as membership in the Fulbright Association, and I discovered that I had not contributed to the Fulbright Museum. So, I am enclosing checks to partially redeem myself. I do apologize.
I read with great interest the summer edition of "The Fulbright News" and saw that you re-ran my Jacob Fulbright report. Also, read the Fulbright Cemetery Census by Karen McClaran. I haven't checked this against my information, but it appears to be accurately done. I am hiring a man to mow the cemetery, but I am at a loss to find someone to assume responsibility after I am gone. Most of the Jacob descendants live away from here and are in generations remote from those buried there.
I am doing well physically and mentally--just slower and a little forgetful. I celebrated with friends and relatives my 80th last May. That was just last week (?) so how did May '97 get here so quickly?
I hope things are going well for you and that you are enjoying life. If, in your travels, you are near Jackson, please stop for a visit.
Happy 1997!
Bern Schaper
(David's reply:
I'll be there this summer, Bernie. I am not given to publicizing people's gifts to the association, but there were two nice checks for the association. Thanks, Bernie. DLF)