I received word tonight that Doris Gath, who is known and loved by many Jim Reeves fans (including our family), took a tumble while visiting her son, Eldon and daughter-in-law, Clara a couple of nights ago.
Fortunately, she "only" broke her wrist, and did not sustain a "major" injury (like a broken hip). Clara comments this is the first medical issue her mother has experienced and how lucky she is!
The orthopedist was able to set her wrist and so that hand is in a cast. Doris came through it well and enjoyed a good lunch today and is in fine spirits. But the healing time is usually around 6 weeks for something like this, so I'm not sure if she'll be able to do much typing at her computer keyboard (though Clara says her mom is doing pretty well with just one hand!)
We wish her a speedy recovery and appreciate being updated on her condition.
Doris and Elmer Gath were close friends of Jim and Mary Reeves from the earliest days of Jim's career, and visited in each other's homes. In fact, Doris was Jim's Minnesota fan club president and also performed other functions for the national club.
Doris and Elmer have gone on picnics with the Reeveses, and she sat next to Jim in his den in Madison, TN as he gave the Gaths a preview of his recordings right after "He'll Have To Go" came out.
Jim also adored the Gaths three children, including little Jimmy who was tragically killed in an auto accident while still young.
Anyway, best wishes to Doris! I believe Clara will be checking her mom's email so if you want to write Doris I'm sure her daughter will convey your message to her mom.
Doris, I wish you well and a very speedy recovery! It's no fun to have a broken wrist, but thank God it wasn't any worse than that! We hope to see you back here on the forum as soon as that wrist mends. You're a sweet lady and, as I'm sure you know, the envy of every Jim Reeves fan for having been a close friend of his and Mary's. Get well soon!
Thank you for your get well wishes. I have to type with one hand/finger so this is short. I'm doing quite well, am home alone again. Always for Jim, Doris