Between Friends. Debbie Macomber
pretty? Will she have a chance to finish high school? Dare I dream that one day she’ll go to college the way I always hoped I would? Mike says asking questions like that is a waste of time. Still, I can’t help wondering if those were the same questions you had when I was born, Momma. Did you love me as much as I love my baby? I’m sure you did and I can’t believe you no longer love me now.
Mike and I are doing all right. We live in Washington State—it seems so far away from Mississippi. We’re renting a two-storey house and Mike’s uncle got him a job at the lumber mill. He’s working lots of hours and I’ve been putting a little bit aside every week for when the mill shuts down, which it seems to do on a regular basis. Unfortunately, Mike was so excited the night Lesley was born that he got drunk and was arrested. I had to use the money I’d saved to bail him out of jail.
I miss you, Momma. I’m not any of those ugly names Daddy called me.
If I don’t hear from you, then I’ll accept that you agree with Daddy and want nothing more to do with me. When I look at my baby, I don’t think of the circumstances that led to her birth. What Mike and I did was a sin, but we’re married now.
Lesley is a beautiful child, created in the image of God. That’s what Father Gilbert said a child is, and I believe him. I hope you’ll love her despite everything.
Your daughter,
Dorothy
Mrs. Leonard Lawton
2330 Country Club Lane Pine Ridge, Washington 98005
October 12, 1948
Dearest Aunt Jill,
I regret taking so long to answer your letter. After waiting fifteen very long years for a child, one would assume I’d be better prepared for the demands of motherhood. I had no idea an infant would take up so much of my time and energy. I’m months behind on my correspondence and can only beg your indulgence.
Jillian is truly our joy. As you know, Leonard and I had given up hope of ever having a child. We’re both convinced her birth is a miracle and we are so very grateful. I know how pleased you are that we named her after you, but you’ve been a mother to Leonard since his own dear mother’s death. Without you, he wouldn’t have any memories of her.
Leonard is thrilled with his daughter. Every night he rushes home from court in order to spend time with her. She’s already standing on her own and it looks as if she’ll be walking soon. I’m afraid Leonard must bore everyone at the courthouse with photographs of Jillian. In his eyes she’s the most brilliant precious child ever to appear in this world. She has deep blue eyes and dark brown hair and a cheerful, happy disposition. She loves listening to the radio; her favorite show is Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Leonard claims it’s really my favorite show, and Jillian gives me the perfect excuse to listen. One show she doesn’t like—I think it scares her—is The Lone Ranger. Every time she hears the music she buries her head in my skirt.
Thank you for recommending Eleanor Roosevelt’s book This I Remember. I’ve ordered it from the library, but my reading has been severely curtailed since Jillian’s arrival. I’ve been making an effort to read during her afternoon nap, but the problem is, I usually fall asleep myself. With her teething, I haven’t slept an entire night in weeks. The poor child is having a difficult time of it, but the pediatrician assured us everything is normal.
Leonard and I are delighted that you’ve accepted our invitation to spend the Christmas holidays with us. Jillian will surely be walking by then—and sleeping through the nights!
I’ll write again soon. Give our love to Uncle Frank and everyone.
Yours truly,
Leonard, Barbara and Jillian
1955
Mrs. Leonard Lawton
2330 Country Club Lane Pine Ridge, Washington
January 4, 1955
Dear Sister John,
Enclosed please find the invitations to Jillian’s seventh birthday party. Would you kindly distribute them to all the children in both first-grade classes? My husband has hired puppeteers to perform at the party and there will be cake and ice cream for everyone. I would consider it a big help if you could let us know how many children we should expect.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Leonard Lawton
Pine Ridge Mills
Pine Ridge, Washington
Lay Off Notice
Effective January 7, 1955
Attn: Mike Adamski
January 10, 1955
220 Railroad Avenue
Pine Ridge, Washington
Dear Judge Lawton, Mrs. Lawton and Jillian,
Thank you very much for the invitation to Jillian’s birthday party. Unfortunately we already have plans for next Saturday, and Lesley will be unable to attend.
Lesley so enjoyed the afternoon she spent with Jillian following their tap dancing class. We’ll have Jillian over to visit soon.
I’ve had to withdraw Lesley from dance class, but we’re hoping she’ll be able to start back soon. Jillian’s been teaching her the new steps at recess so she won’t be too far behind. These two have certainly formed a fast friendship, haven’t they? I’m grateful Lesley has such a good friend.
I’m sure Jillian will have a wonderful birthday. I’ll get in touch with you about having Jillian visit for an afternoon.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Michael Adamski
KAKE RADIO dedicates “The Ballad of Davey Crockett” to birthday girl Jillian Lawton. Happy seventh birthday, Jillian, from all your friends here at KAKE RADIO.
Now everyone put on your coonskin cap and sing Happy Birthday for seven-year-old Jillian.
Pine Ridge Library
300 Main Street Pine Ridge, Washington
October 1, 1955
Dear Mrs. Adamski,
At your request the library is holding Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk and Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis until the end of the week.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Joan McMahon Head Librarian
September 28, 1955
Dear Grandma and Grandpa O’Leary,
Thank you for the Betsy McCall doll. I named her Jilly after my best friend in school. I can read now.
Love,
Lesley
November 14, 1955
220 Railroad Avenue
Pine Ridge, Washington
Dearest Momma and Daddy,
Lesley loves her birthday gift! She’s wanted a Betsy McCall doll for months. She wrote the thank-you note herself, but then you could probably tell that. She’s a smart little girl and can already sound out words. I take her to the library often and she loves books as much as I do. Even when she was two and three years old, she insisted I read her a story before she’d settle down for her nap. Now she’s almost reading on her own!
Susan is eager to read, too. She starts kindergarten next year and follows her big sister everywhere. Mikey and Joe are growing big and strong like their daddy.
Mike was laid off for three months, but he’s back working at the mill again. We managed all right. I didn’t tell him about the money you sent, Momma, so please don’t mention it. I bought groceries and a few chickens to raise for the eggs. I bake all our bread myself, just the way you always did, Momma, but my baking powder