18 Sep 1943
Dorothy Griffin to Madge Griffin / Arlington, VA
Dearest Madge:
So it's a boy! And I could give you a thousand reasons why that's the perfect beginning of a family, but by now you're probably convinced that way yourself. I do envy you right now. Enjoy the sensation of being in a paradise of your own as long as you can. I remember John wanted to literally shut out everyone else and told our friends point blank we'd rather have them wait a week to come in after I came home from the hospital. It's like dawn braking on a mountain lake with no one about, like the first snow in the woods, Christmas eve by firelight, all rolled up in one and can you believe he's part of you and Don, or that he's magic and just appeared. Well, it's like nothing else in life.
I wish I could see both of you, but most of all I'm hoping Don has been able to come to you as I know you need him to complete this cloud world you're living in. We just got your Journal announcement. It was held up for postage. Are you calling him Dennis? We think he should take up dental surgery when he grows up - D.D. Griffin, D.D. Howizat? Anyway his name is a nice combination.
Mother Griffin writes that he's really beautiful! You have it all over Marian and me then as our boys all looked pretty horrible to everyone but us in the first weeks. Janet, I believe, was considered quite nice looking.
After reading an article about the real shortage in boys and the situation looking almost looking desperate, I'm convinced we should be given a congressional decoration for helping out the country in the matter.
What do you have least of for your son. I'd like to send you something you'd enjoy using - maybe a bright idea will come to me. If we live near each other September will definitely be a birthday month. Paul celebrated his second birthday on the third, and Bob will be six on the 27th.
John was ever so pleased that you had a son. He has been trying to convince him by mail that a son was the only thing, but of course John is a little partial to boys, and it's fortunate for us that he is.
We were up to New York for four days the first of the month. It was wonderful, just the two of us, and we really had a second honeymoon. Of course we never really had a first, but we made up for it. I wish sometime you and Don could go with us on such a spree, sightseeing by bus and subway, eating at the automat. John found some "yogurt" at a funny little restaurant and thought he was back in France. then he got in a long discussion with two French sailors and had the time of his life interpreting them to an American sailor.
Rockefeller Center was like a fair with fountains and flowers and people. We walked miles along fifth avenue and saw two shows a day! It was wonderful, almost an orgy. Someday we'll all get together again and do likewise.
But now I'll let you get back to your little heaven. I would like to see you so much, and your adorable son. I hope his hair is half as lovely as yours. Write when you have the energy and time.
Love and kisses.... Dorothy
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