20 Jun 1946
Dorothy Griffin to John Griffin / Arlington, VA
My Dearest John
Right now I'm bursting with pride. Yesterday Bob told me the teacher wanted to see me today between 11 am and 5 to get his transfer. So I just went over. The teachers were all in the principal's office making out reports. Mis Vivins introduced me to the Principal as "this is Bobby's mother". Seems they all knew Bob. He knocked the reading test for a loop. There are three third grades over there, they told me, and Bob had come out high man for the entire three rooms. The average grade was 3.09 or three years 9 months, I guess. Bob's score was 6.5 - high sixth grade average. So you can see why I'm bursting. I only wish you might have been here with me. It almost bothers me that Miss Kidwell was so determined not to give higher grades. Here he has gained confidence in his school ability that he sorely needed. As you remember he never thought he was any too good and he was certainly kept humbled, almost too much.
He told me himself yesterday that he was high in his room. I guess I won't give him a bigger head by telling him this new news. I think though, we should give him a gift after we leave here, and tell him its because of his excellent work at school.
I finally got the letter you mailed Monday. I felt much better about everything after reading it. I particularly feel good about not being altogether personally responsible for your deciding to go out to the coast. For years I have been proud of the fact that we had never lost sight of the goals we aimed at. After having so firmly decided three years or more ago that our next goal was getting back to California to make our home if possible it seemed to me that we had wasted three years of plans and hopes that should have been put into action if we intended staying in Washington. I know you have been under terrific pressure on all sides and I was ashamed that I was showing no help when you needed it. After you left Sunday I feel more and more that way; that you were up against a lot of pressure and instead of helping I was making things even worse for you. It seemed the only right thing to have you realize that I could be a helpmate instead of an extra burden, so I called you, and I felt good after that I could feel honestly you would be doing the right thing.
Now that things look brighter I have great hopes that you will enjoy your work out there. If you do then the move will be completely successful. If you don't then it will be at least partially successful and we can bend our efforts again. I'm holding my fingers crossed honey. Don't let people get you down now you've made your decision.
I think your did will be pleased with it too after reading his letter.
Marian is very depressed today and feeling very fatigued. I have stopped telling them she should see a specialist as I think it irritates them for me to make suggestions. I do think she will pick up more energy after we've gone, whether it's temporary or not - only time will tell. If she continues this way, well, she can't go on this way; she'll either get worse or better. Ben wants her to go out to Utah and leave the children with him. He says he'll take a half day off everyday and leave them alone mornings. he's really getting desperate, and when the pressure is off me I feel terribly sorry for them both. Many moths of this and his heart will give to. He's very discouraged and even when Marian has mentioned this several times I came back. Last he told her the children would be better off alone than to have her around them in her present state.
All my love - Dorothy
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