Introductory Note : Bob Kelly is the son of Larry Kelly, my grandmother's brother. The two siblings were very close in age and throughout their long lives. When I finally met Larry's son in Orlando three years ago it was like seeing my dad again. (If you go to the look-alikes page, you'll see what I mean.) We've met once more, in Ottawa, Illinois last year for a trip through the Kelly's hometown from the 1830's through 1923 when they moved to Detroit. I am so impressed by Bob's amazing optimism and incredible strength and humor through incredible odds. He writes about his current condition at the bottom of this letter. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers and enjoy his nice letter he sent me today. I've inserted some photos and links for further illustration. (As Bob urges others, please consider sharing similar memories. The more family members I meet, the more people tell me how much they like learning more and more about their relatives--current and past!) --Kevin Walsh (5/9/09)

 

Hello Kevin, 

The pictures from your last e-mail (link) bring back some fond memories. When we still lived in Florida our family used to enjoy the Jupiter Easter picnics with all our cousins and their families.

Harry Kelly's cabin on Lake Horicon (near Gaylord, Michigan)

As a youngster I enjoyed a few weeks during the summer at Uncle Harry's cabin near Gaylord, MI (photo above).

Singer Island, Florida - circa 1940's

It was fun fishing with Kevin and Keith growing up on Singer Island. It was great sitting around Kelly Brothers Real estate office listening to my father, Larry, Uncle Walt, and Uncle Jerry tell war stories.

Larry, Jerry, Harry, Walter and Emmett Kelly at Emmett's daughter Betty's wedding, April 18, 1953

I remember the 3 1/2 day drive from Michigan to Florida. I drove Aunt Laura and Uncle Leon and could not exceed 55 miles per hour.

Laura, Jim, Bob and Leon Walsh at Larry Kelly's resort, Singer Island, FL circa 1954.

There were many fond memories with other aunts, uncles and cousins. Kevin, if you will share this e-mail with other members of the Kelly tree I would enjoy hearing from them.

After all, most people retire to Florida.

We retired to Chatham, IL.We now have 4 of our 6 children, and their families, living in Chatham. We live about 200 miles from Ottawa, IL where the Kelly tree began. (click here to see photos of Bob and his son in Ottawa in March, 2008).

I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer 4 years ago.The survival rate for esophageal cancer is 8% after 5 years diagnosed. I am not quitting the fight, however, my cancer has worsened. They did not completely shrink the tumor this past round of chemo and radiation. Because my esophageal cancer is so close to my spine there will be no more  chemo or radiation.

In the past 4 years I have gone from 265 (fat) to 158 (thin).My latest hospital stay was from 10/16/08 till 4/17/09. I am too weak for another attempt at removal of the esophagus. When they put a feeding tube in about 6 months ago it exacerbated my multiple sclerosis. 8 weeks of physical and occupational therapy has left me using a walker in the home and a wheel chair outside  of the home.

On the last pet/cat scan a tumor has shown on the lung. Will have an X-ray in 3 weeks to see if it has grown. Also a tumor has  shown in the stomach. To have an Endoscopy for further test. 

Looking forward to hearing stories from any of the Kelly tree. (Click here to share a memory.)