Letter from Mary Ashford (schoolteacher who had boarded with the Blewett family at Bruarong) to Blewett family after the death of Jean Blewett in 1922 Eldorado 12-9-1922 Dear Everyone, It is with a heart most full of deepest sympathy that I write this letter to you tonight. Perhaps you have though me unkind in not writing sooner, but is was only on Sunday last that I heard of little Jean's death. With a girl friend I was visiting Miss Conner's people's place, and when they told me, I got such a shock. I cannot put into words all that I would like to say, but I know you will accept my deepest sympathy. I know no words of mine can lessen your load of sorrow, but I would be wanting in the ways of friendship if I didn't say how keenly I feel for you all. God, who does all things for the best, has taken your dear one from you and keen as the loss is,do not wish her back, for her sufferings are now over. I will not say "Don't grieve" - but for one another's sake try and bear it bravely. Parting with our loved ones, is, I think, the hardest cross God calls on us to bear, so as all things depend on Him, we must try and say "Not our will, but thine Lord be done." Dear little Jean! she was such a gently little girl, and as one of my old pupils I will always retain fond memories of her. I would so much like a picture of her is you have a spare one. Mother! I am so sorry to know that you are so poorly in health, but I trust you are feeling better as the circumstances will allow. Dear friends, for the present, I will not write any more, but will say Goodnight. God bless you all. Much love from Yours ever sincerely Mary E. Ashford Will write again next week. Names in letter: Everyone: William Blewett and his wife, Alice nee Waterson, John Blewett and his wife Emily Murray, Violet Blewett, Allie Blewett, Aggie Blewett Miss Conner: Alice Conner, Bruarong school teacher in 1922, who came from Eldorado. Mary E. Ashford: Mary Ashford came from Allans Flat, and taught at Bruarong 1912 - 1915 approx.