Autumn in New York

Autumn in New York is particularly spectacular. For me, it brings on a rush of emotions, from nostalgia and melancholy to excitement and hope for the new year (I guess I will forever feel like the academic calendar dictates the real start and end to the year).

Even with the weird weather patterns caused by climate change these days, the city transforms on cue when September comes along. The air turns crisper, the breezes pick up, and the leaves start to turn, and even sunny and warm days feel different from the humid summer mornings. It’s a beautiful time to reflect and, of course, to write some letters.

Public school started yesterday and the streets felt busy and excited. Guided by instinct rather than logic, I bundled my little one into a sweater, only to find that it was still almost 80 degrees outside.

When I opened this letter, written exactly 78 years ago to the day, I was once again moved and surprised by the ways Sylvia’s emotions mirror my own. She also swings wildly between romantic wistfulness at the thought of Alex’s return and anxiety and tears for which she can’t quite pinpoint the origin. She is honest about how hard it is to be apart but hopeful about Alex’s homecoming. Anxiety about whether Alex will be faithful to her gently comes up again in this letter.

Sylvia is getting ready to move into their apartment in the Navy Yard Projects just as I prepare for a move with a little one of almost the same age. (Her move, though, will cost $10 and ours… well, much more!) I can’t imagine how she felt making this move on her own, eagerly waiting for the family to be reunited in their own space. She talks about snuggling up to her husband, and how unfair it feels that the Navy will not send him home as soon as the army will send soldiers home. I love the description of Adrienne hugging and kissing Alex’s picture. I linked to the post where Alex first mentions the song “Marble Halls” that Sylvia says she is listening to.

I love how funny Sylvia is – “I’m deliriously happy thinking that I’ll see your ugly face soon” and describing Adrienne’s appetite as “healthy strong young horse,” (again, similar to Sylvia’s great-grandson).

The mix of anticipation, hope, nervousness, and romance in this letter was deeply comforting for me to read today and I hope it helps welcome all of you to the complicated season of Autumn, as well.

Saturday 9/9

Darling Sweetest Man –

I’m in the living room – on Jerome Street – playing “Marble Halls” and thinking of you. My emotions are all mixed. Sometimes I’m deliriously happy thinking that I’ll see your ugly face in only a few weeks – and at other times I’m almost ready to burst into tears for what reason I don’t know? Sheer nervousness perhaps. Anyway, darling, I can’t wait to have your arms around me again and to snuggle up against you. Sweetheart, hurry home to baby and me and remember how much your two women love you, so don’t fall for anyone over there… believe it or not, babe, but it does worry me a lot – especially after that “Lonely Heart” recording episode. So be as true to me as you always were, and as I am to you, beloved.

2.

There are so many little things I’d like to tell you – that Adrienne has a new tooth that she wakes up at night for me to take her to the toilet for her bowel movement (but she still west). She doesn’t move her bowels in her diaper any more; that she took your picture off the table and hugging it to her she kisses it and calls you. Darling, there are millions of things I could whisper into your ear about our little Angel, and when you come home, I will do so, but not only about her, but about us. I’m crazy in love with you, and this separation is becoming more painful and harder to bear and instead of becoming hardened to it, I feel it’s just the opposite! Perhaps it’s opening our home again, but without you there, perhaps reading in the newspapers the announcement from the

3.

Navy Department that none of the Navy personnel will be released until Japan’s defeat! This followed the Army’s announcement that men not needed int eh Army will be released on 3 counts:

1 – Length of service

2 – Overseas duty

3 – Dependents (Children under 18)

You’d fit all these categories – except that you’re in the Navy!!! My Dearest, it’s going to be horrible to see so many men released and allowed to return to a normal family life, but not to have you back. Of course, I realize the truth of the Navy’s statement, that all the Navy will be needed to deliver goods to Europe (your dept) and to defeat Japan, but it will still be painful. However, the separation will be much shorter, my husband, and before Adrienne’s second birthday, I am sure you will be home for good!

4.

So don’t let’s get morbid during these last few months. The worst has already been passed. And let us look forward to a safe and happy homecoming in the very near future.

To get back to more mundane subjects. Betty Lampel wrote me that she’s pregnant! Surprised? Me too. Also, I’ve started tieing [sic] up our books, and will do the packing all week, a little at a time. I’ll be moving into the new apartment Friday, Sept. 15^th. The baby will stay with mom until I’m settled. The moving won’t cost much, about $10.00 or so which isn’t too bad. I borrowed $15.00 from Anna for the deposit on the rooms, and that’s my only debt so far.

The pictures of Adrienne haven’t arrived, but I expect them

5.

Almost any day and will send them on to you. As I told you in my previous letter, your pictures have been mailed out.

The baby is fine and eats like a healthy strong young horse. I’m well too.

Please cable me that you’re all right. And write me, lover. Write soon.

Love,

Sylvia

(This is a letter from Adrienne – I held her hand. Can you make it out? Dear Daddy, I love you. Come home soon. Adrienne)