Life with Elsie

Life With Elsie is a memoir by James A. Frost, published in 2006. The memoir portrays the author's life experiences and underscores the significant impact of his relationship with Elsie, his spouse. The narrative extensively explores love, companionship, and personal development, offering readers a sincere and contemplative account.

Background
James A. Frost, an accomplished author known for his reflective and contemplative prose, embarked on writing Life With Elsie to pay tribute to his enduring relationship with his wife, Elsie. The book, published in 2006, was conceived as a memoir that chronicles the significant moments and everyday experiences that shaped their life together.

Inspiration and motivation
Frost's impetus for composing the memoir was to chronicle Elsie's profound influence on his life. Their relationship, characterized by reciprocal esteem, unwavering encouragement, and profound affection, yielded diverse experiences that Frost endeavored to encapsulate in his writing. Through Life With Elsie, he aimed to safeguard their collective memories and give readers a glimpse into the grace of a lifelong partnership.

Writing process
Frost assiduously constructed an authentic and poignant narrative using a wealth of personal letters, diary entries, and recollections. Each chapter was meticulously crafted to symbolize the various stages of their relationship, ensuring that the memoir effectively conveyed their bond's emotional depth and intricacy.

Contents
The publication Life With Elsie is structured into multiple chapters, each dedicated to distinct facets of Frost's life with Elsie. The narrative is replete with personal anecdotes that adeptly convey the profound nature of their relationship and the diverse phases of their shared life.

Early life and courtship
The memoir begins with an account of how Frost and Elsie met, their courtship, and the blossoming of their relationship. Frost describes their early years with warmth and nostalgia, capturing the excitement and tenderness of their young love.

Marriage and family
In Life With Elsie, James A. Frost extensively examines the diverse aspects of his married life with Elsie, presenting a comprehensive and sincere chronicle of their shared journey. The narrative comprehensively elucidates the progression of their relationship, illuminating both the moments of joy and adversity that have shaped their union.

Early marriage
The memoir accounts for the initial years of Frost and Elsie's marital partnership, marked by their zeal and optimism in establishing a shared life. Frost details the early obstacles faced by the newlyweds as they sought to navigate the complexities of marriage. Their continued education and the impact of World War II further complicated their relationship.

Building a family
Frost and Elsie had three children as their marriage continued. This was a transformative experience that brought them joy and new responsibilities. Frost provides touching descriptions of their children's births and the profound sense of wonder and love accompanying their journey into parenthood.

Navigating challenges
Throughout their marriage, Frost and Elsie faced various challenges that tested their resilience and commitment to each other. Frost candidly addresses their difficult times, including financial struggles, health issues, and other personal hardships. He emphasizes the strength they found in their partnership, illustrating how their love and mutual support helped them overcome these obstacles. These chapters provide a raw and honest portrayal of the realities of married life, demonstrating that enduring love is built through both triumphs and trials.

Legacy of love
In the later chapters Frost reflects on the legacy of love and values that he and Elsie passed on to their children and grandchildren. He speaks to the enduring impact of their partnership on their family, highlighting the lessons of love, resilience, and support that continue to influence future generations.

Themes
Several key themes are explored in Life With Elsie, including:
 * Enduring Love: The memoir emphasizes true love's enduring nature and the strength of a lifelong partnership.
 * Personal Growth: Frost discusses how his relationship with Elsie contributed to his personal growth and understanding of himself.
 * Resilience: The book highlights the resilience required to overcome life's challenges and the comfort of a supportive relationship.

Reception
Similar to his previous works, such as Life On The Upper Susquehanna 1783-1860, A Short History of New York State, and The Establishment of the Connecticut State University, 1965-85, Notes and Reminiscences, adeptly presents a historical narrative intertwined with sincere storytelling. This memoir resonates deeply with individuals who appreciate narratives imbued with themes of love, commitment, and introspection.

State University of New York

 * Central Staff Administrative Wives.
 * Steering Committee Agenda: 1967: October 16.
 * Membership List: 1969: March, no day.
 * Newsletter: 1969: no day.
 * Master Plan. 1964.
 * Newsletter. 1965: April 12.
 * Invitation. Inauguration of Samuel Gould. 1965: May 13.
 * Governor and Mrs. Nelson Rockefeller's invitation to a reception for Samuel Gould. 1965: May 13.
 * Summary Bulletin. 1969–1970; 1970–1971.
 * State University of New York College at New Paltz. Bulletins, 1966–1967; 1967–1968.
 * Program. 1978: June 5. Dedication of the New York State University Plaza.

The Board of Trustees For The Connecticut State University

 * Resolution 1972. July 14. Alternative Position.
 * Resolution 1983. Title. President.
 * Program 1985. Testimonial Honoring James A. Frost.

Newspapers

 * Oneonta Star. 1949: December 3. 1950: May 13. 1951: December 12. 1952: May 9; June 9. 1954: July 9. 1955: February 23; March 5; May 20; September 6, 28. 1956: June 13, 28. 1957: February 19, 25. 1959: May 16, 20. 1964: June 12.
 * Binghamton Press. 1950: February 2; June 14.
 * Albany Times Union. 1964: June 12; September 19. 1965: February 9, 20; April 9. 1966: September 11; December 9. 1970: April 9.
 * Auburn Citizen Advertiser. 1964: June 13.
 * Batavia News. 1964: June 13.
 * Buffalo Evening News. 1967: February 10.
 * Cortland Standard. 1964: June 12.
 * Ithaca Journal. 1964: June 12.
 * The Kingston Daily Freeman. 1967: April 28.
 * Knickerbocker News. 1957: September 7. 1965: May 12.
 * Lockport Union Sun Journal. 1964: June 12.
 * New Paltz Independent and Times. 1966: December 14.
 * New Paltz News. 1967: September 28.
 * New York Sunday News. 1965: August 8.
 * The Oracle (student newspaper, State University of New York College at New Paltz). 1967: January 27 through September 9.
 * Plattsburgh Press-Republican. 1964: June 12.
 * Schenectady Union Star. 1964: June 12.
 * Utica Press. 1965: April 9.
 * The Hartford Courant. 1972: August 29. 1973: August 19; October 20; November 1. 1974: June 5, 6, 7; August 30; September 20; October 5. 1975: January 18; July 2; October 5; September 26. 1976: February 4; April 10, 16, 20, 23, 29; May 6; June 5; August 26; October 16; November 14; December 4. 1977: May 4. 1978: June 11. 1979: May 5; June 9; October 26. 1980: April 25. 1981: January 11. 1983: December 10. 1984: May 5.
 * The Hartford Times. 1974: February 4; August 30; September 19; October 5; November 10. 1975: January 11; December 17. 1976: April 11, 22, 23, 24.
 * The Central Recorder (student newspaper, Central Connecticut State University). 1990: October 17.
 * Danbury News-Times. 1973: January 29. 1974: October 25.
 * Farmington Valley Herald. 1983: June 7.
 * The New Herald. 1976: March 23. 1983: February 10; March 4; December 10. 1984: May 5.
 * The New Haven Journal Courier. 1974: September 27.
 * The New Haven Register. 1974: November 13. 1975: December 14. 1976. January 6; July 15. 1983: March 7.
 * Redding Pilot. 1974: September 26.
 * The Simsbury News. 1993: July 1.
 * Southern News (student newspaper, Southern Connecticut State University). 1976: November 17.
 * Willimantic Chronicle. 1975: January 16, 17.

State of Connecticut

 * General Assembly, Official Citation. May 16, 1984.
 * General Assembly, Official Citation. April 16, 1985.
 * General Assembly, Appreciation of Service. April 17, 1985.
 * Governor William O'Neill, Official Statement. April 25, 1985.

Mclean records

 * Nurses' Aides. Duty Schedules. File.
 * Home Health Beneficiary Notice.
 * Hudson Home Care: Bills for rentals. File.
 * Hudson Home Care: Description Invacare solara wheelchair.
 * Nurses' Aides: Reports to McLean. File
 * Regulations, Agreements, and General Information. File.
 * Laird, Elaine. Instructions to Nurses Aides. Elsie's exercises.

Unclassified sources

 * Rahim Tours. Russian Itinerary. 1993.
 * Globus Gateway New Zealand Itinerary: Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti.
 * Yellowstone Park Company. Tour of four days and three nights.
 * Winters in Florida, 1990–1998.
 * Florida Travel. File.
 * Florida Lease Documents. File.
 * State University of New York College at Oneonta, Catalogues 1961–1963.
 * Bethlehem Central High School, Delmar, New York.
 * Commencement Program, June, 1967.
 * Commencement Program, June, 1969.
 * Deppert, Harry, and Jean, Invitation to their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Contains notes written by Elsie.
 * Southern Connecticut State University. Program. Dedication of the Manson Van B. Jennings Hall. October 26, 1984.
 * New York, The New York State Red Book, 1971–72.
 * The Country Club of Farmington, Connecticut, Centennial Celebration. 1995: June 9.
 * Erling Hunt, File on James Frost. Given to James after Professor Hunt's death.