These old love letters I discovered in my 105-year-old grandma’s basement a few weeks ago are so inspiring, yet also quite revealing. While some of them made me blush, a few made me realize what a character Grandma always has been. Each one adds an effective touch to the book I am writing about her inspiring and entertaining life: “Koraspondence.”
Take a peek at this one letter she wrote to my grandfather on July 21, 1927, when they were newly married, temporarily separated from her husband, and just 22 years of age. I have copied this as it was exactly written, to maintain its integrity, authenticity, and character. (Well, she is a character in and of herself, and I don’t necessarily need a letter to prove that!)
“My dearest Lloyd,
Well, I received your letter this p.m. I looked for it this morning and was pretty sick when I didn’t’ get it, too. Believe me, honey. Say, I’d have been furious if I hadn’t have received it this p.m. Boy, it has been keen.
Had quite a time at the slumber party. Went riding in Irin’s car fist. Then went home and ate watermelon. Grace had a date and we waited up for her in the dark. They parked down in front of Mrs. Mohl’s before driving up to Frazier’s. Then Peanuts and I went downstairs and watched the porch. Well, $5.00 wouldn’t have been too much for what we saw. Grace had a date with Bill Bruney and say she’s no angel. Kissed Bill and all. Boy, we almost split our sides. Then we locked the bathroom door so she couldn’t get in and put coat hangers, nails, etc. under the rug where she knelt and in herbed. Then, we had 5 alarm clocks set in her room – in bureau drawer, closet, under the bed, etc. All set at different times. All she did all nite was hunt alarm clocks and turn them off. Had waffles, bacon, eggs, coffee, and cantaloupe for breakfast. Marie was over here to lunch today noon. Going to Grace’s party tonight. Having 9 tables of bridge.
Wanda Jean had another spell last nite at 9 0’clock. They gave her chloroform about ¾ bottle, the size of Listerine. And she didn’t sleep until about 10:30 this morning. I was up there awhile. She doesn’t recognize a soul and hadn’t yet at 4 this p.m. It surely is too bad. Fern’s mother came. She bit two of Ray’s fingers so hard, he had to bandage them. I almost cried. Will let you know tomorrow how she is – but don’t worry or feel bad, honey. Wish I were home with you.
Pat isn’t’ sick yet. Dr. Link is doing something to her now. Charging them $50.00. Isn’t that terrible? Tell Nell I’ll write sometime but I’m so busy.
Well sweetheart will hurry and take this to the post office. I love you lots.
Yours, Kora”
The next time your alarm goes off early in the morning, be grateful that Kora did not set it for you!