June 18, 1977
Dearest Mother,
Today the mailman asked me if I’m expecting a love letter from my sweetheart. I guess that’s because he always sees me hanging around the mailbox when he gets here. Every day I think there will be a letter from you.
Mrs. S. has promised to call Miss Vernon to find out how you are doing and when we can come and see you. I can’t wait!
Pretty soon Constance will be coming for lunch. She’s the girl I told you about who used to have my room. It turns out that she is twenty years old! And she is getting married!
So far I have one good friend. Her name is Susan Schwamm and she has beautiful wavy red hair which she hates. You would love her dog. He’s so sweet. Susan says he used to be able to do wonderful tricks, but now he’s too old and sick and he sleeps most of the time. Lately he’s been wetting the floor the way he did when he was a puppy. Susan tries to clean it up before anyone sees it.
Mr. Selwyn said he will take us bowling next Friday after school. He goes to work after supper and is home in the daytime. He works for the Daily News, in the place where they print the papers. He gets a free copy every day. Anne is all excited about going bowling, but I don’t care. He said I could bring Susan if I want to.
Guess what? I am learning to play the guitar. Only easy stuff so far, and my fingers are killing me. But Susan says they will get calluses and then feel better. I can play Michael Row the Boat Ashore and Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me. That should come in handy in the summer, ha ha! Susan and I are writing a song together.
Well, there is nothing more to say except that I miss you very, very, very, very much. Did you ever get the Mother’s Day card I sent? I hope you liked it. Mrs. S. got a load of them from all the kids who used to stay here, and she has them tacked up on the kitchen wall. Anne is making you a card. She is coloring in the whole thing with colored pencils, and it will probably take her a few years. (Only kidding.)
I hope we’ll be back together for my birthday. Two whole months and six days which is a long time to feel better in, right? I guess I’ll end this letter now. If you get a chance, will you write back to me? Here is the address again in case you lost it.
105-17 63rd Dr., Rego Park, N.Y. 10181
Love and XXXXXXXXXXX
Toby