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5 letters that rocked my world
5 letters that rocked my world. Another serial blog interruption.
Some time ago Theresa tagged me regarding my favorite reads. I recall seeing a phrase that intrigued me: “rock my world.” So now, instead of my favorite books, poems, and stories, and I give you snippets from 5 pieces of writing that rocked my world, to wit, my personal letters:
1. December 22, 1986
There are no excuses…for the way I have treated you. You deserve much better than me. I am sorry for what I have done. I will be better for you and the boys. I was wrong. I am sorry.
Enough said.
2. March 20, 1987
Dear Beth,
I’m so very sorry that I abandoned you. It was never my intention to develop this far along without any word, but up until the recent weeks I’ve felt totally out of control. I’ve thought of calling but seriously was not capable of handling it until at least the first of the year, but that time till now has been filled with exhaustion and worry over our son Adam. It began with ear infections coupled with bronchitis that became asthmatic pneumonia and two weeks in the hospital…Some higher force than myself has designated this time for my letter, I’m convinced. Just this week a girl I knew from my last job and we remained friends has died of cancer.
The bleak reality of life’s meaning has twisted my whirlwind to a stop. STOP THE WORLD! My closest friend is near a nervous breakdown with a job that requires 70-80 hours a week, 2 small kids and a husband who has decided she just in any fun anymore and wants to exit the scene.
What is happening here? I’m serious. Two people, young, ambitious and good, and their lives are closing and have closed in on them. All of this, with asthma, a very unstable move with my husband and I not getting along and just leaving you when your life was very upset by no means from you. Confused am I about why this is so.
Tomorrow I’m going to a very reputable and able psychic with tarot cards to sort out and make a clean path for me. That doesn’t soundlike the person who left for Houston, does it?
My friend's troubles take me out of my own.
3. November 18, 1988
Dear Beth,
How are you and your kids? These two necklaces (if you call them so) are for your children. There is a dragon on both sides. The dragon is the symbol of China. It means power and longevity in the Chinese culture. This year happens to be the year of the dragon. The dragon also gives the best protection to children. I hope your kids will like them.
The girl in the papercut is one of the best known characters in the most famous Chinese literary work – The Red Dream Chamber. Her name is Tan Chun, which literally means “visit spring.”
A new start, a new friend. The gift of the red watercolor peonies on rice paper, framed in black lacquer, still resides in my home.
4. I’m a letter-saver, and given some horrendous event at myhouse, given the safety of my loved ones, I’d grab the letters. This summer I discovered a stack of letters written between 1990-1993, all from the same person. If I didn’t know better, I’d say they were love letters. Here’s just a sampling. What do you think?
Dear Beth,
…I hope you are finding the land of the Wolverines agreeable. You are probably going through grits withdrawal, but not to worry; oatmeal can serve as a placebo. I’ll be thinking of you on your birthday…
…Nurse that strep throat; you need to be in top form when we have that long conversation….place, undetermined; time, to be announced later…
…No, these are not flash cards from Miss Bell’s biology class coming home to haunt you…I just was thinking the boys might enjoy them….don’t ask, it was activity night at my place….as always I find sincere pleasure in talking with you….
…Since you devote so much of your time to reading the “works” of others, I will spare you the agony of one more written word…oh, what the hell; the ink is running freely, the stamp has been paid for, and I’ve one last request…that is, take care of yourself….
…Tell your sons that most of my bruises from playing Twister have healed and I find myself frequently humming songs from Mary Poppins…
…For you, writing is not an option—but is compulsory. Keep me informed with what’s happening in your life—I mean, I want the dirt, the juicy stuff, what you ate for lunch, anything! Take care; you will be in my thoughts…
…I’ve spent two days here in Salzburg and can’t find the will to leave. The city and surrounding areas are so enchanting….but I wanted to let you know I’m thinking about you…
5. August 1, 1990 Ondo State Nigeria
Beth love - Out of sight is not out of heart. I marvel at how true that is as you have perpetually been on my mind ever since. Since when? I can hear you asking. Well I will tell you: since ever before, ever before we met. Remember I told you that I knew you from before, maybe (our maybe) I mean that you are the woman of my earliest dreams. In me, you had been, you are, and you will for sure continue to be…
Ok, so it’s the best love letter I’ve ever read, any time, any place. I send this blog entry out now to my friend Mr. Dele,filled with longing and yearning for what once was and never will be. Maybe, my maybe, not your maybe.
And that, my friends, is my paltry response to the tag of my favorite reads. After all, who now reads Tristam Shandy and can be wildly amused by a blank page? Then there is Peter Taylor's "What you hear from 'em," which represents the decline of a culture portrayed through a small town mythical character. Then there is the wonder theme of orphans, which seems to unduly attract me....but I digress...
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I loved reading these. I am a letter saver too. So is my Mom. Recently she was given me a satchel of letters I had written to her over my lifetime. Some are hilarious, some are very transparent (from college) and some are just heartbreaking. Thank God for letter savers.
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Beth, both you and Vicky have been writing about love lately. I just posted an entry for you both. Love, Theresa
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This is beautiful and bold, to share the intimacy of such letters. Wonderful entry.
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What a marvelous response. I give you an A+ for creativity, but I'm sorry, I have to dock you 447 points for being late. :-]
What is the photo all about? Write a 500 word essay on it and maybe I will give you extra credit.
11/14/05 1:15 PM
These are precious, and I'm glad you've saved them.