Transcription of Document FFDoc-0970.pdf

Glad to have gotten some news from you, 'cause I was wondering all week how Betty's affairs turned out. Didn't mention it to anyone but Leo, ending the outcome, but told the folks yesterday after I knew the marriage was a "fait accompli." It didn't cause much of a stir here. Practical Charlie says you've been spared a lot of expense & a big shindig doesn't ensure a happy marriage any more than an elopement!! Am trying to analyze my own reactions and I'm afraid all I can muster up is a feeling of relief - the waiting & the wondering & the worrying (at least on one score) are over. There's no longer any need for warning, advising, threatening or battling with Betty over her conduct or her plans while under your jurisdiction as a single daughter. Her sudden decision would seem to relieve you of the responsibility - but I know neither of you will be willing to relinquish your parental prerogative to go right on worrying over you chicks even tho' they've left the nest. I also know you'll lend her your moral support in the interests of a happy & successful marriage. God bless you both for all you've been to us, & all you've taken from us. 

And now that you have only one "frustrated old maid" left - and she making plans! - don't you think it's time you loosened the reins a bit and the two of you settled back & enjoyed the rest of the buggy-ride? I know your jobs must go on for a while and you still have the house & other responsibilities to occupy your attentions. But you now owe it to yourselves to relax & enjoy each other. It was just the two of you who started out on this journey - to all intents and puposes there are now just the two of you, again, to continue it (with all 6 of us cheering you on, of course!) So why don't you break down and get really sentimental about being together? You're not too old, you know, & it's now time you started to have your own lives again.

Incidentally, our welcome is here for visitors, but I asked mostly to let you know Betty would be welcome, if she had wanted to come. For heaven's sake, don't wish 400 lbs of Thornhills on my good Cushman bed!!

Have you an address for Betty - and is his name Anthony or Antoine? Would like to send her a card now & also one for her birthday. Since she took us by surprise she'll have to wait awhile for a wedding gift - will have to collect my thoughts on that one. Seems to me, with Betty's inability to handle money, I'd do better to get some of the things she needs. What do you think?

1PM - Lunch over & the mailman due so I'll have to get this out.

Pat & Jeanne still coughing but Leo thinks Pat is improving. Hot as hell here today & we have to go down for Pat's 5th shot.

? later, Love Dot.

Keep us posted on the news, if any.

[On Envelope, Gen's handwriting] News re: Bette's eloping