Dear Rita,
I am so glad you are making clothes for Roylene. Really. It might be because I have this chubby, perfect baby on my knee...or maybe because I realize how precious every little moment is because of Robbie’s illness. Nevertheless, I am excited about your new addition. Babies are babies. And they are darn cute. You are coping with this whole thing with a gracefulness that I admire. And I’m sure Toby and Sal will be over the moon. There’s nothing like a baby to keep our boys alive out there. I was hoping I might be pregnant again after Robert’s visit, but I was so sick. Your grandchild is a blessing in disguise. I promise you.
And you will make a wonderful (YOUNG) grandmother! Just look at what your gift did for my boy. Robbie made you a picture! He doesn’t hold a pencil well but I went out and bought some nice watercolor paints at the artist colony here on Rocky Neck. He made you a rainbow. It’s in my little care package. I’ve also sent more stockings, a book of holiday recipes I found at Toad Hall bookstore (I bought two, one for each of us) and a jar of my famous (first) rosehip jam. Can you tell I’m trying to keep busy?
Rita, would you consider coming for a visit? Maybe for the holidays? Is it too strange for me to ask? I have plenty of room here. Too much room.
Oh, Rita, I had a hearty laugh when I read your letter. I know that’s serious business, but my goodness. I adore your stories about Mrs. K. I know she’s a thorn in your side, but she amuses me to no end.
On another note, I’ve been going back to services with Anna. And meetings, too. We are doing all sorts of things to help the war effort. Tinfoil collection, newspaper, book drives, helping connect women who need money with jobs left empty by servicemen. I’m thrilled! I really like working next to her. I can see so much hope in the faces of the people who come down to that little meeting house.
And I believe in Hope, Rita. I hope so hard all day long. Hope for the war to end. Hope for Sal, Toby and my dear, dear Robert to come home safe and sound. Hope for Hitler to be strung up by his you-know-whats. I hope for Robbie to be Robbie again. And I hope you’ll come to visit me someday.
I’ve your room picked out already. Upstairs, it faces the sea. I’ve taken one wall and commissioned one of those artists to come and paint sunflowers. It’s where I’ll go to read your letters.
What will you do for Thanksgiving? I invited Robert’s mother and for once she’s accepted. So I’ll be having Claire, Anna and Marie and Levi. I’m going to do all the cooking and decorating myself. Who needs hired help? Not me!
With love,
Glory
P.S. Robbie asked who he was painting the picture for and, I hope it’s all right, I told him, “Auntie Rita.”