Ok, before I get into the letter, I just need to insert a little commentary. HOLY MOLY the delay between writing letters and receiving a response is insane! Naturally, we know this to be true. But I have been dying reading all of these apologetic letters from Grandma about the dance she went to with some other guy. Platonically. I mean as she said, “what was I supposed to do… sit and be a wall flower?!” Grandma loved to dance so much! But of course Hi (Grandpa’s brother) and Alice (his wife, who also works at the factory with Grandma) gave her such a hard time that she felt like she had to beat herself up over and over. Let us remember that she is nineteen years old!

A few letters back, I saw Grandpa’s reply. I gave him a high five for his understanding.

“Please,” he writes, “you know I have always said that it’s our life to live and not our relations. If they didn’t like the thing they shouldn’t have poured it on so heavy. Darling, I know that you didn’t mean anything by it, but people are funny. Especially relations.”

Damn, Grandpa. Thank you.

But then, of course, it had to cross the country by mail, and Grandma CONTINUED to apologize and Great Aunt Alice apparently continued to give her a hard time.

Life is so much easier with texting.

But this is it. Grandpa’s letter FINALLY arrives, and I have to say — thank god. Give Grandma a little relief.

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To My Loving Sailor Husband,

Today I received the most wonderful, understanding and whole hearted letter I ever expected to get. I’m not sure what I was expecting you to say about my act, but I didn’t expect the understanding so complete that I got.

Darling, you know and so do I that I’m still acting young and without using my head. That’s one reason why I want to be with you. I’m learning being away from you. I’m sure you can and will help me if it is only for a month. Darling, I know you want the matter closed, but you don’t know or will never know how your letter took me.

I read it once, then I ate supper, then I read it again and tears came. I have the most understanding husband in all the world.I really didn’t mean to hurt you as I see I have done. That is one thing I don’t want to do. If you don’t want me to come out (really) I’ll stay home. I know if I stayed there I could never save money. We would like but no more. I think a trip is the best thing.

Write and tell me what the weather is. Ours is very springy. Hot, breezy and dirty. I’m comfortable without a coat. So much for the weather.

I called your home but as usual Bernice took the conversation. Somehow I wish I could get Mother.

Darling, I’m very tired tonight. I sure hope tomorrow is our last 10 hour day for a while. It is nice to get the money when I need it so much but it isn’t worth it to feel this way all the time.

About Lucille and Dale, I think I have already taken care of that. Wish those two could get together like us. It is wonderful to know someone really cares what happens to you. I know my acts don’t agree with my word but time alone will tell what the end may be.

Darling, do you need any money or anything? I can send or bring out to you. You know you won’t receive food goodies from me so name anything else and I’ll do my best.

Now I think I will close as I still have dishes to do and I’m home alone. Believe me I know how you used to feel after a 13 hour day. It isn’t a good feeling. God bless you my one and only. My God led me as you prayed. I too will pray hard for the right. As long as I have my Joe to have, trust and understand. I’m sure things will never get the best of me. I’ll do my best to be friends with Alice at work. I know you would expect that of me. It isn’t by any means too much to want. Until we meet in dreams and letters, may God bless you and keep you.

Your Loving Wife,

DeLores

P.S. XXXXXXXXXX Ten Thousand more to you my sweetheart. I’ll remember this day always. Our first clash and how we came through. God Bless you. Bye Bye, “Wife”