Letters From New York
5th June 1967
Dear Mum,
Most appreciative of your “few lines” which arrived on Friday as usual and do realize that it must be a difficult and trying time for you all. We were pleased to learn that the operation went off satisfactorily and trust that the post-operative recuperation will be normal and speedy. We’re working in the belief that no news is good news but really expect another “report” from you tomorrow or Wednesday. Seems I picked it right in addressing my last epistle to you at Birrong and will continue to do the same for a while or until you tell me otherwise. Hope the patient was well enough about Thursday or Friday to receive my card and letter and that they were well received. I’ve completed my Novena of masses and trust they prove of benefit.
A not too hectic week in the past one but nonetheless full of incident. Tuesday was a holiday (Memorial Day – the Americans version of Anzac Day) making for a short week and, although it was a beautiful day, all had a very quiet day at home. Our busy weekend had the kids quite contented but I became so wrapped up in reading a sheaf of Aust. newspapers and catching up with various odd jobs that some vital letter writing went by the board. We had a call late in the afternoon from an associate of Peter Rogers who was over here on business but weren’t able to get him out before he left the next day. However will have him to see us (and the U.N.) when he returns later this week. Next day an old schooldays neighbour of Joan’s gave us a call & we had him out to dinner – after I’d spent the afternoon showing him over the U.N. He’s been working with the Aust. police contingent in Cyprus (a U.N. force) and is on his way home after 12 months there. He’s from a police family – a father, two sons and a daughter – the fourth being the famous Det. Sgt. Millgate, the photographic memory man!
Thursday night was spent at a meeting of the members of the U.N. School Association with the aims of electing Greg Bartels to the Board & to question the existing Board on its actions re the proposed new school. Both moves were successful & you’ll be pleased to know I was most vocal – and complimented on my stands – about both matters. Indeed, one of my sallies obviously embarrassed the School’s Director as he phoned me personally today to answer my queries. Indeed, the meeting was quite a stormy affair as the Board had taken a decision to abandon the presently planned site and accepted an alternative plan without prior reference to the membership. The parental criticism at the meeting was the culmination of a lot of concern that has been brewing for some time and I believe it proved to be very valuable.
Saturday evening after a reasonably leisurely day Joan and I were guests at the Kellys for dinner, and a most enjoyable evening where we met Americans, a Japanese associate of John’s and an English woman – wife of one of the Yanks. Kellys gave us the news that Mrs K has caught the “bug” and is two months pregnant. Joan, now 5 months, had her visit to the doctor on Thursday and all seems to be going nicely. She was able to listen to the baby’s heartbeat on a machine. The examining doctor – a Swede – confessed to being the father of eleven and said to Joan (when she said this was her sixth) “they must be lovely children when you’re still making them”. She’s having the devils own time with her legs and back and her right knee has suddenly packed up on her now. Still the usual mountain of household chores and the never diminishing pile of ironing.
Friday saw Anthony and Phillip strutting their wares at the Y.M.C.A. in swimming and gymnastics – with Joan and the youngsters in attendance – and Phillip did us proud in running 4th in the “open” swim against youngsters nearly three years his senior and earning commendation from the coach. His reward was a nice pennant. Had them both showing me what they could do when we took them out to Jones Beach yesterday in glorious weather. Everyone had the time of their lives – Jennifer simply loved the water – though it was frightfully cold in the drink. Except for a few sniffles and barks – and now a few cases of sunburn – everyone is well.
Have made my first move towards going up to Montreal for Expo, having written today to the brother of an Australian friend & hoping to go up – by bus – in mid July. Speaking of brothers – had a phone call late last night from Bro. Norbert – an old teacher of mine (haven’t seen him in years) on his way to Eireland via New York and sent to me via Glenn. Have arranged to have him out to dinner tomorrow night – must be all of 20 years since he taught me. Well, running out of space, so more next week. Must leave some room for Joan this week.
Love,
Bill
Dear Mum,
I’m sitting here with a heating pad on my sore knees & it feels extra good. I’ve been hopping around like “old grannie” of 90 today but feel very well otherwise. Hope Margaret is feeling a lot better now & will be home very soon. She is always so bright I’m sure she will recover quickly. Mum R is having a lot of trouble with her legs too & is talking of seeing a specialist. Hope they can do something for her. At last Winter seems to have left us & the past few days have been up near 80°. Suppose in a few more weeks I’ll be wishing it was cold again.
All my love,
Joan