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Transcription of Letter
From
Mrs. J.R. Derbyshire
62, Friars Avenue
Delapre
Northampton
England
To
Mr John Derbyshire
57, North Perkins Avenue
Elmsford
New York, 10523
U.S.A.
Dec. 7th 1974.
My dear Son,
I'm having a letter writing, Xmas card session in your room, while Dad watches the
Gog. It's a grey drear day,
what Grandma Knowles
used to call "one of the dull dark days before Xmas." Have you had your sweater I sent by air nearly two
weeks ago. I expect you've heard
we have a bakers strike, but it doesn't bother me, I can live without bread & sugar. I'm sorry where there's
children to feed & men to pack
up for work. It's worse than war time. Well, dear, I'm very concerned about Judy, she's not at all happy with Hawaii
& they seem to have very
little money left. She talks about coming home, I'm not sure whether she means without
Allan. They had
good jobs here, a nice house etc., some security for Tess, now will have
nothing. I don't know what to
think, I'm really worried. I expect you think I'm an idiot John, but I can't help it all sorts of horrid thoughts mill
about in my mind. Allan
doesn't seem to have much stamina, it's time they settled for Tessa's sake. Every time she's uprooted she has to leave
all her little treasures
& toys behind. I'd give anything to have her here. The nearer Xmas gets, the more depressed I feel. I'm sorry to
sound morbid, my love, I've got
a fit of the "miseries." Take no notice.
We are very well, have stocked up with what we can for Winter, things get more &
more expensive or unobtainable. Still we are much better off than many & I shouldn't be moaning.
"Little Harold" has given us 20p worth of Beef
coupons, that's 40p for a couple, it all helps. I keep an eye on dear old
Mrs Cobbins, I think I
told you Mr C had
died, Michael came from Australia & wanted his mother to go back with him, but she wouldn't at the last minute. I
suppose at her age it's a big
step to go to a new country & new ways. I hope you are looking after yourself & keeping warm & fed
properly. Today's papers say there
are millions of Americans out of work. This is probably your last letter till New Year my love. Have a lovely Xmas
& I hope 1975 brings you good
health & good luck. Ever in my thoughts.
Loving you as always
Mother & Dad X X X