20 Jun 1975
Dorothy Griffin to Family / LaCanada, CA
Dearest Family,
I have neglected writing to any of you now for weeks, but the enclosed articles will give you an idea of the reason. I have been ,interviewed, photographed, eulogized, and gifted. It has been in a way like a living funeral! but not a sad funeral! The only flaw in the whole thing was the fact that I didn't have a living relative to any of the celebrations. Dad cannot sit through any of these things. unless I am at his side, and of course I couldn't be at the tea, or at the breakfast. And Margie honestly said that she didn't want to be in a strange crowd of people with my attention being given to all of them. In other words that she didn't belong. But it would have meant a great deal to me to have someone.
The interviewing was a real surprise. A press release was sent out to the various local papers, and the Star news decided to make it a "special" so this Jackie Knowles came over to school anal interviewed me for a couple of hours. Her write-up was surprisingly kind, as I had said a good many things to her that I afterwards decided were indiscrete, but she handled it all very` well and it has been very exciting to hear from so many people about it. The only thing she blew up on was her statement that I am on the edge of a new career. She had asked me if I was doing anything in the schools next year and I told her that I had been asked to five a single parent-education session. I have really been asked to do psychometry at the beginning of school for the early childhood education program, and have turned it down, telling them I would be unavailable in September and October. Actually I think it is a good thing to cut it off sharply, although its nice to know one is wanted.
The tea was a smashing success in my memory! Hospitality House in Descanso Gardens is such a lovely, lovely place. And all the people I liked so in school for so many years, who have now retired, came, as well as all the elementary people and guidance people from the secondary schools. But the only time I cried was when a sixth grade chorus song to me--songs from "Sound of Music" I had them go in and they ate up most of the food for the tea! Oh, yes, and the gift--you will never believe it. I was given a silver 5 tiered candelabra! More than a touch of elegance. Best of all, it converts to a low candelabra. Which I like best.
I thought all the glory was over, and that the breakfast would be sort of an anti-climax, but after being called to the podium twice for awards. amid great handclapping, I was called for the third time and as I went to the podium everyone stood up-wow--it was unbelievable and my moment of glory:
We go to see Dr. Ryan on Monday, and over to Shirley and Bobs home--I are so anxious to see them in it! I'll write about it all when we get back.
Love always,
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