I’m excited to come across one of the rare letters from Great Grandma Esther, Grandpa’s mom. Grandma Esther (Lieberman) Ackert came to the U.S. from Austria Hungary between 1887-1892, when she was 10-15 years old. She’s roughly 61 years old when she’s writing these letters. English isn’t her first language. Grandpa’s family is Jewish, and you can read throughout some of the previous the letters how my Lutheran Grandma DeLores is trying to figure out the best way to build a relationship with her new mother-in-law. She wrote recently to Grandpa that she wasn’t sure if she should call. And then when she received a phone call from Grandma Esther, she seemed relieved and delighted by the outreach. Grandma Esther then told her she’d love to have Grandma call her. It seems like both sides of the family were trying to navigate their new marriage.

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Dearest Joe,

Received your letter. Was very glad to hear from you. I am glad to hear that you like the climate better in Washington and haven’t any colds anymore.

I am feeling as good as can be expected, so please don’t worry over me.

Aunt Jennie came home last week, she went right out to the lake. She is feeling fair. She asked about you.

Salma Lieberman had a boy. They invited me to the Briss last Sunday.

Bernice is fine, she went to her mother’s this afternoon, so I am home alone for a little while.

I have no more news to write, so I close with loads of love and kisses.

From your loving
Mother