As I continue to go through boxes of my mom’s “treasures”—so many cards and letters from family and friends—I find some gems that are worth wading through the rest. Last night I came across two letters, one from Mom to Daddy, another from Daddy to Mom, written on Christmas Day, 1946, six months before their June 13 wedding. These are every bit as sweet as the letters I have from after they married, a few of which I’ve used in blogs before. Reading between the lines, it is obvious that they both knew they had found “the one” who would be their livelong partner.

As best I can tell, Mom must have gone to Atlanta to meet Daddy’s family, or at least most of it. With 5 older brothers and a younger sister, and most them already married, that was likely a bit intimidating for Mom­—and Daddy—but it sounds like it all went well.

Both mention Christmas gifts from the other—a beautiful scarf for my mom, and (I’m guessing), a comb and brush set for my dad. The mention of the scarf pretty well solved a mystery I referred to in the cedar chest blog. I thought it was likely a gift from Daddy to Mom, but didn’t know when. I’m sure this must be the scarf!

The letters follow. I know these were not written with the intent of sharing them—certainly in 1946 nobody dreamed of the Internet or blogging. And even if they existed, my parents were only writing to each other. I share these letters as a way of honoring the love that these two had for each other. We should all be so lucky!

December 25, 1946

Dearest Jere,

It seems such a long time since I told you “good-bye” in LaGrange. I did not realize that I would miss being with you as much as I have.

I want to thank you for the most enjoyable and pleasant weekend I have spent I a long time. I am so glad that I had an opportunity to meet your family—I think they are all wonderful people, and I do appreciate all of the kindnesses shown me. Won’t you thank them all for me?

Jere, I like my Christmas present very much. I think it is the loveliest scarf I have ever seen. Thank you!

I hope you have had a very pleasant holiday and that Old Santa left you everything you wanted. He should have been very generous with you, for I think you have been a good boy this year.

I hope you are still planning on coming over to see me this weekend. My mother says that any time will be quite all right. Don’t you dare mention staying in that cold dormitory room either! We shall be very happy to have you stay here, for there is plenty of room.

I must brag a little and tell you that I received an “A” in Art 800, but my Philosophy is “incomplete” at present. I hope you made all “A’s” on yours.

I’ll not try to write much tonight, Jere, for it is quite late and I don’t know anything much to write either. I shall be looking forward to seeing you soon.

Merry Christmas!

I love you,

Nita

****

At home, Christmas morning, 1946

Dearest Juanita,

I’m going to take time out from combing and brushing my hair to tell you how much I appreciate the lovely gift which I’m already using and enjoying so much. I also want to let you know that even though we are all having a wonderful time here at home together, my thought are constantly roaming to Athens. I only wish you could have stayed on a couple more days while you were here.

I hope you had a nice bus ride back and that your work at the Bakery wasn’t too far behind Tuesday. And of course I’m also thinking that you are enjoying a very Merry Christmas. Bromley & Martha, Lem & Betty, Joe & Libby, Merrill, Dad, and I are all here getting ready for that Turkey dinner. Believe me, we’re really having a good time, too. If you were here, everything would be next thing to perfect.

I was so proud of you, Juanita, when you were here. All the members of my family that met you really think the world of you. They can now better understand what I’m talking about when I speak of some of your virtues, etc.

The family plans are still so indefinite, I haven’t decided as to whether I can go to Athens Sunday or Monday afternoon. But I will let you know as soon as I can. I do so want to see you soon. It’s already been so long since three o’clock last Monday afternoon.

After we left you Monday, we shopped a bit and then saw “Sister Kenny,” which was very good. I know you will enjoy it if you get a chance to see it.

I’ll write more as soon as I know when I’m coming. In the meantime, I’ll be thinking of you and looking forward to seeing you as soon as possible!

I love you,

Jere

© Melissa Clark Vickers 2020

For more stories about my folks, see:

• A Simple Love Like That
• As the Train Pulled Out of the Station
• I Remember This Time Last Night
• Of Pens, Perseverance, and PhDs
• The Cedar Chest Time Capsule

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