31 May 1944
Dorothy Griffin to Maude / Arlington, VA
Well here I am on the deadline again. It's a good thing I made myself that promise last year as it makes me realize how many weeks and months probably slipped by before when you should have been getting the "Woman's point of view" of this one man's family.
The last package you sent Paul arrived about a week ago and those blue corduroys are really darling! They say size 6 but they must be mislabled as they are just right now and he does look so sweet in them. And the little sweaters are so cool and summery looking. I used to envy Marian Kimball when she had her first child as brother and sister Kimball kept it clothed, and it was an only grandchild. Now knowing that it was an only grandchild. Now, knowing that Paul's entire wardrobe has come from you - with five grandchildren, I winder how you are clothing yourself! Anyway it is very much appreciated let me assure you.
Bob was thrilled to pieces over his [war savings] stamps. He now has enough for a bond. He started a letter to you immediately but I was too busy to help him and since there has been so much to be done that I just havn't been able to settle him and myself at the same time.
Our club had its last luncheon a week ago and elected Very Rollo president for next year - you know here. I was so pleased. Then last Sunday all the Utah Women's Club had a big tea where I helped receive all afternoon. My face felt frozen in a smile by evening. I guess my normal experience must be pretty unpleasant as the facial muscles were pretty stiff. from smiling! Anyway it was all very successful and since it had been my original suggestion I felt quite gratified over its success.
Monday evening Bob's school had their May day celebration. His class had a play and he was a Sycamore tree. I sewed crepe paper leaves for two cays on a brown crepe paper suit I made for him. It was a big event for him. He said to me a few days before "I know you'll like the play, mother. It's very interesting.! But it's just the make believe that does so much for them and I told John - highlights their lives. John swears he can't remember ever being in a play of grammar school.
Marian plans to come about the 20th of June, so Ben tells us, and stay till Ben goes overseas. Ben is away to some school just now and apparently can't write as we haven't heard from him. He will be back and forth intermittently, finally spending two or three weeks here before he goes. He also expects a furlough so that he can drive Marian home. It has already been half promised. I am so glad we will have that little time all together. The boys (John and Ben) so seldom see one another that this will be as a time to treasure in their memories. Then I thoroughly enjoy Marian and it's a good chance for the cousins to strengthen the ties - it's so important as they grow older to really feel there is a tie of happy memories together, so you see this is a golden opportunity and I hope we all make the most of it.
Patsy may come back for the summer and I hope she finally decides to. We will get along very nicely and it will seem like a big holiday this summer. Since I'm not in a "delicate condition" I'll survive very nicely. John and I really enjoy people around. We have asked Katherine to give up her room for the summer so it will be just family. In that way Marian can have use of the big room upstairs and rest in solitude whenever she likes as there is an easy chair, writing desk, etc. all here. Patsy can have Bob's room, we plan to get in a single bed for there anyhow, and Bob and Glen can sleep either on the porch or down the basement.
Paul says any number of single words now, but thinks he is talking like as when he goes along in gibberish. The other night when Bob was saying the dinner prayer Paul chimed i with a long chant accompanying him. It was really funny. They are both getting good and brown. I'm a very busy gardener these days and am hoping for some really special zinnias as I have some very pale rose ones and some salmon colored ones among others. I'm anxious to see them bloom. Did John write to you regarding his experience with the eye specialist. If not let me know and I'll tell you the details.
Love always, Dorothy
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