Love Letter 23 – Come Hell or High Water

Love Letter 23 – Come Hell or High Water

What a difference days make – cawing crows, gossiping girls, shining sun, whaling wheels – at the intersection of Broadway and Balaclava this late autumn afternoon. The warming breeze eases over me as I sip leisurely on my half sweet Earl Grey latte, ingesting Will Downing’s soulful flavour while throwing myself into Berkeley, California 1960 with Mom’s Love Letter 23:

Apt #102 2331 Blake
Berkeley, California
Oct 7/60 4:45 A.M.

Hi My Darling,
How shall I start this time my dear – every time I am sure that there can be no more change something happens –
Have had 2 letters from home in the past 2 days so had a fair idea something had happened.
Two things:
First of all Gran has been fairly sick lately and lost over 25 lbs since I left and is getting increased dizzy spells so a possibility of her being hospitalized – am sure nothing serious, but Mom did very well in covering up as she always does – guess it’s another year of sickness in our family.
So phoned home to-nite – they were all so pleased to hear from me – and Gran not too bad but is going to have a full physical and possibly be hospitalized.
Also Wes Andrews the head of the Company Hospital has an opening for me starting November and promises I can have 2 weeks off at Christmas come hell or high water – and wants me to come and work.
So as of to-nite darling have officially resigned and will leave San. Fran. Oct 21/60 at 9:30 A.M. and be in your arms at 10:45 pm – am so very excited.
I love you so much – all I know is the sooner I’m w/ you the better so will spend 2 weeks w/ you now and 2 weeks w/ you at Christmas and New Years dear.
Does that confuse you anymore.
I have never had more changes during my existence –
Read your letter over and over and it makes you seem close to me, but not close enough.
Everything should be arranged by tomorrow.
Am going to the Air Lines tomorrow to find out the details – and send you the letter from there.
Could you please get Ernie’s ticket details in my previous letter and my ticket – same flight just 5 weeks sooner – need my ticket right away.
Can hardly believe it –
I’ll be so glad when April 29th comes!
Also honey could you please send me a cup and saucer w/ the Queen on it – so I could give it to Mrs Havis before I leave – will pay you when I get home.
Sorry to get you to do so many things for me.
Hope everything is fine at your home and I don’t disrupt any family plans.
All I can say is I love you more than anything in the world!!
Sorry this is such a mess – please write again soon – your letters are the only thing that keeps me going – just think I can tell you in words I love you in 2 weeks.
Love – Yours Always,
Bette xxxxx
Chopp – Chopp!!

What a difference ONE day makes for Mom – family concerns back home, a new job offer, a prompt resignation, earlier travel plans and the anticipated exhilaration of being in Dad’s arms, come hell or high water!

“Baby I can‘t wait to be back
Inside the warmth of you!”