August 7, 1944

IOWA CITY, IOWA

Dear Mrs. Whitehall,

Thank you for the bracelet. It’s nicer than anything I’ve ever owned. I’m not writing that so you feel sorry for me. I just want you to know it’s extraspecial when a gift is something you’ve never had before and never expected to have. I hope I’m making sense.

I understand your mama passed a while ago. Mine didn’t, but she might as well have, so I have an idea of what it feels like. She took all her things with her when she left, so I wouldn’t have anything of hers to give someone if I wanted to. I would, though. It’d be like passing her spirit on.

I’ll be careful with it. Mrs. Vincenzo got all bent out of shape when I washed dishes yesterday with the bracelet fastened to my wrist. I tried to explain—it feels like part of my skin. Did so from the first time I put it on. I don’t know why.

Well, thank you much. Next time I write I’ll be signing off...

Mrs. Toby Vincenzo (Thought I’d try it out.)