“All My Love” Comes to Those Who Wait

Love Letters Reciprocated

And he waited and waited and waited………………

A week ago I posted my father’s first letter to my mother and his first attempt at expressing his love (Puppy Love-92 Years Ago) to Mom when he was 15. 

Gordon (Dad) persevered for six years to finally receive The FIRST  “All My Love” letter from Frances (Mom).  

In her diaries Frances was conflicted for quite some time about her expressions and simply ‘had to be sure.’  

Context

Godon is in school at New York University and Frances has recently graduated from Temple University, living at home and looking for work, teaching.

Both are 21. 

The Lead In - Getting Ready for Love

Fran’s Diary -  April 6, 1938 

I can’t understand why Gordon doesn’t write.  All too lately I have “come to.”  Now I know he is the one with whom I could enjoy myself most.  I’ve always fought it…too much.  With one more chance I would do differently…I pray for that chance.

Let’s Meet in New York

Genesee, Pennsylvania
May 9, 1938

Dear Gordon,

I really do think we should see and talk with each other before very long.  Such a long friendship can’t be dropped into a waste basket and be ignored so easily.I will be in Philadelphia this weekend and I want to come to New York.  How would Sunday May 15th be?  If this suits you, drop a line to me at 2018 N. Broad St., Philadelphia.  Then I will wire the time the train arrives.  I guess the Bulletin Board at the station is a good meeting place.

I could come Saturday if it would be better.  Please answer this letter to Philadelphia.

I beg of you to take notice of this letter and answer it.

Fran

They Met-Shared feelings

New York University
May 16, 1938 (12:15 a.m.)

Dearest Frances,

I’ve been home a half-hour and am ready for bed.  But, before I can sleep, I’ll have to write-as I said I would.

You have no idea how happy I am at our reunion.  We have both had a very broadening experience and I’m sure we’ll never need another like it.  At any rate, I know positively that I love you and will do so as long as you care to have me do so - forever, I hope.

Sorry you were rushed so at the last-minute.  I’ll be glad when I can do things on the right side of the clock.

Well, sweetheart, I’m going to sleep and get up fresh and ready for work.  I’m going to be tops from now on.  It’s a late start but I know I can finish first.

Your coming has been a God-send.  I’m so glad you didn’t listen to yourself say, “Go back.”

Remember to write every week; I will too.  Let’s plan to have a grand summer!

All my love,

Gordon

Fran’s Diary - June 4, 1938 

I know definitely that I love Gordon and sometime I hope to marry him.  I can hardly wait to tell him….I can’t understand why he didn’t write this week just as he promised.  I hope he isn’t sick or anything…….He expects to be home June 6th.  If we could only see each other I’m sure everything will be straightened out.  I love Gordon.

Fran’s Diary - June 15, 1938

Gordon came over tonight.  We took our supper up on the hill.  We went for a long walk, shooting at wood chucks.  Gordon and I saw “Kidnapped” which was an excellent story and play…..Gordon hated to leave but it is best we live apart.  I wish I weren’t so independent at times but I am.  I do love him.  He is so much fun for me…enjoying the things I do. 

All My Love

Genesee, Pennsylvania
July 5, 1938

My Dear Gordon,

Already I am so lonesome for you that I can hardly wait for Friday.  Come as soon as possible…six ‘er sumpin’ and we’ll have lunch out someplace.

Nola Stone has begun to paint our house.  Mom said the job would be around $30.  I believe that is just one coat.  Our house is rather straight painting.

Jean arrived home a little before we did.  Mom thinks sixteen is rather early to begin keeping such hours.  I expect she is wondering how late Jean will stay when twenty one.  I think, as with me, it will depend entirely on whom she is with.  I hope she is as fortunate as I am when you are with me…..I Love You.

If work has been as difficult for you as it has been for me today, you’ve felt miserable.  However, even though I’m tired and my eyes won’t stay open, I am thankful we had a good time and reached an understanding.  It was perfect just being near you.

If we should relive our lives, we would change things a great deal.  However, I thank God that I suddenly “came to” and pray that we may now begin working together toward a goal which may be nearer than we think.  I’m sure we have big things ahead of us and we are capable of mastering them all.

Until Friday I shall be thinking of you all the time.  Be sure and come.

All my Love,

Fran