May 20, 1946
My Darling Nick,
Here’s that very lonely wife of yours once again with a few lines. No letter from you today and I was really disappointed as I usually get one or two on a Monday but I hope there will be one tomorrow morning. I have just come in from another evening at the club. They didn’t have much to tell us tonight though, only that they have reached 35,000 and that the Queen Mary is sailing on Wednesday. How I wish I was going to be on it, but maybe I will be lucky the next time. Nothing much else happened today, it was quite an ordinary day, but they are all ordinary darling without you, the only good thing about it is that it’s one day nearer. I shouldn’t be at all surprised if Eileen doesn’t go on the Queen Mary this time, I haven’t heard from her for a long time but she promised to ring me up or come and see me before she goes as she will have to come to London before she goes. I have talked to so many wives to-night and heard so many repat numbers that by now they are all going round in my head but anyway, it’s all very exciting but the time I am patiently waiting for and which will be the most exciting is the day I get that telegram, please God soon. I hope this finds you okay darling and that you are not working too hard. I’m quite okay but missing you like hell. One girl I was talking to hasn’t seen her husband for a year as she has had a baby in between, I think if I thought I weren’t going to see you until next January I should go crazy or something. This past five months without you have been terrible darling, the only good thing is that they are behind us and it can’t be long now. Little Mickey said to me the other day “Uncle Nick is in Canada,” as if he had to tell me. Well darling I think that’s the news for to-day, Janey has just gone into bed with a book, she looks like she is all set for the night, I don’t like reading in bed, but there’s one thing I do like doing in bed, aren’t I getting terrible, still all I can do is dream these days, but I hope it won’t be long now. Well darling now I guess I’ll run along so I will say Good-night my darling. God Bless You and may all your dreams be pleasant ones. Good-Luck. Au-revoir. Hope to see you soon. All my love to you forever.
Your everloving wifey,
Rene
I LOVE YOU (in x’s)
May 20, 2013
Dear Grama,
Well, today officially marks 2 months to departure date. It’s a completely different experience knowing when I’ll be leaving, but a longing much the same. I miss my Adam daily, hourly, and every tiny moment in between.
I went to Primrose Hill yesterday, with the girl who lives in the flat next to me. She introduced me to it on a whim and I was quite surprised that it was only a short walk from your house. It was fabulous being up there and having such a spectacular view of this beautiful city. It’s a place of perspective shifts, that’s for sure. It’s a completely different kind of appreciation than when you’re smack dab in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Central London. It’s admiration from afar…like the kind you felt for Papa and I feel for Adam. It’s an equally beautiful perspective that I’m learning to embrace and enjoy.
As I explained to Sophia how much I wished Adam were here to see the view, she said something that got me thinking. She said, “Won’t it be lovely though, to bring Adam and your kids here some day. You’ll tell them what it was like for you back in 2013, and share the story of their great grandmothers life, way back in 1946.”
It obviously made me think of you, imagining the very same thoughts. Imagining what your family would some day think of your adventure and decision to follow your heart to Canada. How it would shape both your life and theirs.
When we came back here with you in 1995, 3 years before you passed, I didn’t quite get it. Mind you, I was mostly caught up in the Spice Girl inspired platform shoes that I bought that were so cool and way ahead of fashion back home. Or maybe it was the lights of Piccadilly, and the magic of the theatrical performances that entranced me. I don’t even think I knew what a war bride was at that age. I just knew you to have a great accent, a cheerful and contagious laugh, and a soul that had more character than one could ever imagine.
Little did I know that 18 years later I’d be living here, connecting with you and your story way more deeply than ever before. When I think about what I’ll have to give to my children and grandchildren after all of this…it will be the stories. The form will be dated I am sure, much like letters are now, blogging will be something of the past, but it will be a story wrapped up in a bow none-the-less. It will be a gift that will enable a glimpse into the life of Mommy, Grama, Great-Grama or Aunt, many years later.
With a granddaughter’s love & admiration,
Carly
xoxox
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How are you documenting your life’s letter…scrapbooks, albums, letters or journals? I’d love to hear some creative ideas.
