Ephemeral Whimsy: May 2017

This lady had been a friend/neighbor of my parents when they lived in Portsmouth in the 1950s. She sent them a sympathy card upon reading of Johnny's death and enclosed a nice note. She wrote:

"I know you will be surprised to hear from me. It's been so long.

I read about Johnny in the paper this morning and wanted you to know how sad we all are about it. I called Anne Price, we live about 3 houses apart, and she gave me the street you are on.

Johnny was a wonderful person from things printed in the paper and I know he was for there was never a sweeter little boy than he.

We have thought of you all through the years and wondered what you were doing.

My deepest sympathy goes out to you as I look at my 5 boys, I know very well that perhaps the same lies ahead for us all.

You may well be proud of your son and know that his life wasn't given in vain, but that others like mine might live in freedom.

Sincerely,

Joyce"