Sept 20, 1943 “Your call knocked me off my feet” (Sylvia part 2/2)

This was a complicated letter to put together, transcribe, and get translated from multiple languages. But we get multiple perspectives of the day and many voices assuring Alex that all is well and the baby is wonderful.

What a shift occurred between the first part of this letter and the second. Sylvia is positively giddy after receiving a phone call from Alex – while their family was visiting – and about the prospect of visiting him. I particularly like the note in Hungarian that talks about how graciously Sylvia showed off a dress she’d been given, and how happy she was to see Alex’s family.

There’s a sweet note from Alex’s nephew Edward – mostly explaining why he can’t write more often but who helpfully lists all the people present that day. I love that Alex took the time to write to his nephew.

This letter ends with a funny little doodle that Sylvia did of her talking on the phone (as a stick figure with breasts) while Adrienne is at her feet. She just writes “you get the idea, tho.”

Sunday 10:30PM

Darling Man – 

I’m so excited – everything’s happening at once.

1. First your call knocked me off my feet – but sweet somehow you sounded so different…. So curt and direct! I can picture what I sounded like – like a dope. But everyone was listening.

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I love you, baby.

2. I came back home, and there was Charlie Taff waiting to see me. (Myold boyfriend) Nothing doing. 
3. My aunt and uncle came up and baby – MAYBE I’ll see you in 2 weeks.

My cousin’s son is in the Navy College in Sampson, and they’re going up by car 

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A week from this Friday. My uncle said he’ll ask them to take me up too. They’re going for the week-end. Honey’ I’m so excited about it. Are you? What’s the weather like? Will I be able to see you? Where can I stay – honey, honey, honey darling!

(In my excitement tonight after hearing this, I made 

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Coffee without water! And i broke another bottle.) 

I just can’t wait, dearest. Love from your daughter Adrienne

Below is a letter that was in the same envelope but not written at Sylvia’s house (though the same day). It’s in Hungarian and I think it is from Alex’s dad David. It is vague but not particularly light hearted. He talks about “the old woman,” I suppose his wife, and the unbearable heat at home.

Dear Sanyi, [Hungarian version of Alex],

We have already received your letter, and we are very happy that you are doing well. Today, everything in the neighborhood looks fine. Yesterday, we were at Silvia’s, and later we talked to her on the phone. Silvia, as always, was lovely. Her new dress, which you bought for her, looked wonderful, and she was delighted with it. She formally expressed her thanks when we gave it to her. She looked at it with admiration and assured us she liked it very much. She even showed it to everyone around her, proudly displaying it.

She did not stop smiling, and it seemed like she was completely at ease. Aunt Gyugyon also came by, and she spent time with us happily. Everything is going well so far, and we hope she remains healthy. She felt much better yesterday, and everything is in order.

The old woman was upset from five in the morning until the evening; she didn’t calm down for a moment. The heat is unbearable, and we’re all exhausted physically and mentally. It’s not good to be at home, but there’s no other choice.

Otherwise, nothing else has happened. Uncle didn’t feel well yesterday and needed some rest. Today, I also have to work on something new until the afternoon, and hopefully, this task will keep me occupied for a while.

Everyone is working hard here, but we all feel the weight of the current circumstances. We’d all like a little peace and the chance to live a calm life again.

Silvia also sends her regards.

I’ll write more about how things are here as soon as I can. I’m waiting for your letter to hear news from you. Hopefully, you’ll have better news to share about your situation.

With love, [Pop?]

Dear Uncle, 

I got your card with the three ships on it. I’m glad your okay. How is the navy? Do you like it? Please don’t feel bad if I don’t write so often because I only can write once a week on Sundays. Don’t forget school is on Home Work and so on. I’ll write more often on my next vacation next year. Then I’ll write about everyday. 

I’m writing from Sylvia’s house with Sylvia, Serina, Mike, Grandma, and the rest. 

I’ll write more next week. Regards from my mother and father because they are not here. Love, Your nephew Edward

Dear Alex,

Received your card. Glad to hear that you feel all right. That everything is fine and you like this new life. I wish all the best for you – no doubt you will accustom very soon to the new —? We are here at Silvia’s – she is fine and the baby is darling. She paid so much attention to me – smiled at me – and is quite good – really wonderful! This ver moment everybody was excited and was in your sister-in-law’s hands because you were calling at the phone. 

Well I stayed here – didn’t want to make too much confusion. Everything here is usual. Pop is OK now and today, Sunday, went to the Turkish Bath – Hope and hear your good news soon – and see a nice picture of you and to see you in person in the near future. Tu abbraccio, [I hug you in Italian] Michael

Dearest Alex,
Well, we had promised that we would visit Silvia and everyone, and we kept our word. Here everyone is well; Adrienne is adorable and hasn’t cried at all. Everything is in order, thanks to your letter, which was much appreciated. I repeat again, as long as dad is in good health, I desire nothing more. I don’t expect you to write often, only if you can for your own sake, as long as you are well and so are your wife and mother. Everything here is in order, I work, and everything is going well.
I wish you all the best and send you a thousand hugs.

Yours, Serena

you get the idea, tho.