Letter from Bobby Johnston to Warren [Letter 320]

Letter from Bobby Johnston to Warren [Letter 320]

5/13/45

260 Sunday - May 13 - 3:15 P.M. My Dearly Beloved Wendy's Daddy: At long last I can get down to writing you - there seem to have been interruptions all day. The first thing we did this morning, after Wendy got her shirt and panties on, was to try on the kimono. It fits perfectly - and Wendy looks lovely in it. I've already taken some pictures, but will take lots more, because I want to be sure and get a good one for you. I was amazed to find that it fits so well - Wendy evidently is lots bigger really, than I think. She was awfully cunning while we were trying on the kimono, saying “Mmm-mmm” over and over again in a very pleased little way. [pg 2] Just as I was ready to start for the Post Office, Sammy arrived with your beautiful big hydrangea plant all done up in gold and silver tin foil. Its so pretty, all big pink and blue blossoms. Golly, sweety, its still hard for me to realize that I am a mother. A big soft gentle hug and kiss to thank you, my darling. On my way down I passed a middle aged woman, who looked at me stopped and said, “You’re Mrs. Warren Johnston aren't you?” She turned out to be the woman in charge of making out the Special Delivery lists and slips. Evidently she was curious, and on asking, someone had pointed me out to her. She said that she thought it was wonderful that you sent me so many packages and letters and sweety, I think so too- 6:00 P.M. More interruptions, this time to [pg 3] take more pictures- but I'll go on about that later. Found out from her that she is a Columbia Teacher College graduate, and that she lives in Baltimore - is going back this week - her husband is a Master Sergant in the New Guinea. Also found out that the SM's name is Lewellyn, he was a Marine in the last war, lives with his Aunt here in Carmel. No mail today for either Helen or me. Along with my regular letter, and envelope of clippings, I mailed a letter from Helen to Walter in a separate envelope, enclosed in a long envelope addressed to you. Helen wrote some directions on a little slip of blue paper which you will find inside. When I got home, I found to [pg 4] my great excitement that the S.M. had delivered the wooden box. Had quite a time opening it, but finally got on to it with a hammer and screw driver. Darling, it was such wonderful fun to unwrap everything. I didn't unwrap any of Wendy's things - will save them all for her birthday. I found the Benedictine first - want to save it all either to tuck in my bag when I come up to S.F. to meet you or to save so that we can have that certain very special drink after our first dinner together again. Next I started on Wendy's package, but stopped as soon as I find your note. Then I found my geta and gasped with delight. They are charming, and now more than ever I love the little pair. What do the characters say? The chap sticks in their individual [pg 5] boxes are wonderful - guess we’re going to have a hard time keeping Wendy from appropriating one for a pencil box! I was thrilled with the place mats and coasters - I'm awfully glad you had the J put on them - makes them different, and attractive. Aren't they especially neatly made? The fans are interesting to have. And, the big bag! It's a perfect picnic basket, big enough for a large thermos, and anything else we might happen to want to take along. The striped hand bag is going to look especially nice with my gabardine dress. I'm awfully glad too, to have a bag like Wendy's - it's handy for so many things - Did I forget anything? Shouldn't wonder if I had - three was so much, and I love everything [pg 6]. Darling, I wish I could thank you properly this very minute - I love you. No sooner had I put everything into the box, then Mrs. Price came over, and of course I had to show her everything. Almost as soon as she left, Lois Johnstone and Helen stopped in, and we had a repeat performance. The Johnstone are leaving Carmel this week. I had just gotten this letter started, when Helen came back alone. She's been having awful nightmares - tries to get to Walter, but a big shell always bursts between them, before she can get to him. Its been an awful blow to her, and of course to a lesser degree to Lois and me, who are the only ones who know. I decided it would be a [pg 7] good time to take some pictures for an hour or so. I dressed Wendy in her kimono, and a special headband I made for the occasion. Clusters of real flowers fastened on either side of a piece of pink satin ribbon. She looked so darling. We took about 15 shots - And - hold tight - Wendy stood alone for all but about six which we took sitting down! Just since yesterday, she's been able to really stand well without holding on to anything, and without wobbling. And, today, she started to take a step, toward a top. Bobbie was spinning for her. I think there's a good chance that she may be walking round about her birthday. [pg 8] Next we took half dozen pictures of mummie, standing and sitting - wearing [Lang?] play shoes, white shorts, new long sleeved, bow tie blouse and the crocheted jerken. Now there are just about ten pictures to be taken on the roll. I can hardly wait to have it developed to see what we got. The last roll of prints should be ready Tuesday morning. Tomorrow I will leave the set of nine negatives you wanted (the ones I sent Janie Mook). After all the picture taking, I fixed us rum and cokes, and then Helen left to take Bobbie to a movie over at the Presidio. My darling, its been a wonderful combination Mother's Day and [pg 9] birthday, if you were just here it would be perfect. 8:00 P.M. Helen and Bobbie came back about 7:30 because B. decided he didn't want to see a movie after all. They stayed and talked for awhile, and I've just now finished a supper of vegetable soup and scrambled eggs. Sweety, after what happened yesterday, I'm back to that awful uncertain and frightened stage I was in when you left. I guess I won't have any peace of mind at all now til you’re safe back home again, and that's still such a long ways off. Darling, I love you so much- Bobby

Correspondence

World War, 1939-1945

World War, 1939-1945--Women

PA Digital

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