Love Letter 20 – 54 More Days

Love Letter 20 – 54 More Days 

The late morning sun continues its climb across the cumulus clouded sky while, on this side of the garden suite window, the fresh fragrance of mystic pear fills the illuminated living space. Brittany Howard explodes from the nearby google device as I slowly and gleefully sink into early October, 1960 with the handwritten pages of Mom’s Love Letter 20:

Oct 2/60  2:45 A.M.
Alta Bates

Hi Bryan Dear!
Have I told you lately that I Love You – well darling I’m telling you now!! (for the 1000 time at least).
Oh honey am so excited only 54 more days!!
The big 3 had a meeting in their bedroom at #102 for several hours before I came to work!
Ernie, Joan & I – & guess what?
Reasons:
Joan doesn’t want to leave now:
1. “doesn’t want to be the 1st to leave, alone.”
2. “It’s going to be cold in Ottawa in Nov.”
3. “I wonder what it’s going to be like living at home again.”
4. “Maybe we should go via Vancouver, spend a couple days there for the Grey Cup game.”
Ernie:
1. “Let’s go to the Grey Cup game at the end of Nov.”
2. “I don’t want to spend too much of the cold winter in Man.”
3. “I don’t think it will be too easy to find work before Christmas.”
Me:
1. “All I want is to be w/ Bryan – and I’m leaving at the end of Nov – come Hell or High Water!!”
Hope you don’t tell anyone how many times 3 females can change their minds – confusion A++.
So honey – the final decision is made – we all had a bourbon & water even – Nov 25th here we come!!
Ernie is roaring up to the Air Lines Monday to get the exact schedule, dear and you’ll be receiving one.
After several phone calls regarding time, money, etc. I can’t remember too much but – leave San Fran Fri A.M. @ 9:30 A.M. – (Nov 25/60) arrive in Seattle 2 hrs later, spend about 3/4 of an hour there, on to Vancouver and I leave about an hour later and arrive in your arms about 5:45 pm.
I’ll sit around at the airport & wait for you if you’re still at work.
Ernie & Joan are staying in Vancouver for Fri, Sat & Sun then leave Mon for Winnipeg –
Honey? May I drive the car to the airport Mon Nov 28th to pick up Ernie – she wants to spend one nite in Wpg & leave Tues A.M. for her home (Minto), that part is tentative but she would like some arrangement like that – we’ll see when the time comes.
All I know is I’ll be w/ you, then – Zowie doesn’t that sound great – 54 days.
I can’t even think about Christmas too excited about being w/ you.
They are all enthused about seeing the Grey Cup game – but we can pretend we’re there, dear.
Sit cuddled on the couch w/ the T.V, in front of us – how does that sound.
I love you, dear so very very much.
54 days until I am w/ you.
209 days until the wedding.
210 days – our honeymoon.
Well have had about a dozen interruptions so just in case I seem more confused than usual (if that is possible) in this letter just take it w/ a grain of salt.
Well dear how is the world treating you.
I can just see your face every time you read one of my letters – every time may prove to be a surprise.
There’s the clue dear – am full of surprises just wait until after we’re married – oh no?!!
How is everyone at home?
Say hello to all for me, please!
Nothing much has happened since I last wrote – just the big 3 meeting.
Phoned Tysons last eve but they weren’t in so will call again to-day – should be around some time Sunday.
Had over 8 hours sleep to-day so feel up to par – hardly lazy at all.
Washed my hair then off to sleep at 8:30 AM until after 5 pm – as I mentioned before must get my rest now.
Defrosted the frig to-nite – had nearly 2″ of water all over the place – in between watching Perry Mason and cleaning the kitchen made out alright.
Is Perry Mason on the Canadian T.V.
Well my dear – will close now and will write again soon.
I love you as always have – 54 days –
Bye now.
Yours always,
Bette (Johnston) xxxxxxx
Doesn’t mean I’m your sister either dear!
Chopp – Chopp!

Mom’s elation all but bursts off the handwritten pages as she recounts ‘the big 3’ bedroom meeting and her absolute ‘Come Hell or High Water’ decision of November’s departure. Woohoo – 54 more days and she’ll be with her honey again – there’s nothing a drink of bourbon and water can’t resolve . . .

I just want to stay high with YOU