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Transcription of Letter
From
J.R. Derbyshire
62, Friars Avenue
Delapre
Northampton
England
To
Mr John Derbyshire
126, Stevens Avenue
Valhalla
New York 10595
U.S.A.
Jan 20th
My dear Son,
we are wondering how you are fareing, having read of Blizzards in New York & East Coast. We
have had a dredful week here, freezing fog & snow. Dad is too scared to go out, we sit huddled up to the fire &
have all the heaters on
we can. I did get into town yesterday to get some food, but I was quite exhausted. I have an electric blanket on my bed
& hate getting up in
the morning, roll on Spring!! Judy has just rung to say they are coming over &
Tess will stay
the week-end. She is very anxious to know where she is going to sleep when Uncle John comes. Last week, in the course
of our many weird
conversations she suddenly said "What do you want Nana, buried or burnt"? Though she did say it wouldn't hurt
me as I shouldn't feel
it, but of course I mustn't die yet.!! Marcus is 1 year old on the
31st of this
month. I had him for the day last Tuesday, he is a darling.
You should see me dressed for going out this weather, horrible to behold,
like a being from Mars. I've
put 14 lbs on since I saw you last, damn, bother, dash & blow, all
that effort for nothing &
clothes I can't get into it. I think it's being inactive as much as anything. We long to see you, but hope it's when
the weather is better. Its 2
years darling since I was making plans to come & nearly 5 years since you went to U.S.A. How time flies. Dad's
quite convinced he won't live to
see 79 or you, but he's been saying this for years.!!
Auntie Polly is 81[1] & has flown to
Africa recently for 3 months to her Granddaughter's. She writes of the wonderful climate & the "coloured
servants"!! etc. Do you ever
see Lou? are you still seeing Kathy & family.? How are Mary & Jay making out. Have you recovered your losses? We long to know
how things are with you so
please write. We do so worry & we're not getting any younger. Sometimes, when I'm really depressed, I wonder if I
shall ever see you again. My
mind is full of pictures of you, you will always be my beloved & darling Johnny.
Love you dearly. Take very good care & please write soon.
As always
X X X Mother