February 15
Dear Daddy Longlegs,
This morning we had a guest minister at chapel.
It doesn't matter where a preacher comes from or what church he belongs to.
He always has the same message for us.
I was sitting next to Sallie, hoping to hear an inspiring sermon.
But instead he preached the same old thing.
"Young ladies, you must be careful not to get too much education.
You must not waste too much time reading or thinking."
The minister looked out at the pews filled with girls.
We had just finished exams, so we'd done a lot of reading and thinking.
The minister went on.
"Your main role in life is to be a wife and mother.
Too much education harms a woman."
I shook my head in disbelief.
Of course I'd like to be a wife and mother.
But I want to do something more with my life.
I want to be a great author!
"I wonder if he speaks at men's colleges," I whispered to Sallie.
"Do you think he warns men that too much education will harm them?"
Sallie stifled a giggle.
"I doubt it, but he should!"
Here's some news: We no longer have to turn out our lights at ten o'clock.
We can stay up all night if we want!
The only rule is that we can't disturb others.
No loud parties.
So what do you think is the result?
Are we all staying up until dawn?
No, just the opposite.
At nine o'clock everyone is tired and starting to think about bed.
It's nine thirty now, so time to say goodnight.
Yours,
Judy
March 5
Dear Mr. Trustee,
Tomorrow is the first Wednesday of the month—always an exhausting day at the John Grier Home.
Everyone will be relieved when it's time for you trustees to leave.
By the way, did you ever pat me on the head when I was a little orphan?
Please give the orphanage my love.
I really mean that.
It's been almost four years since I lived there, and I've come to appreciate it.
When I started college, I resented that I'd been robbed of a normal childhood.
I envied the other girls when they talked of home and family.
But now I think it's an advantage that I was brought up in an orphanage.
I see the world from a unique perspective.
The other girls—especially Julia—don't realize how happy their lives are.
But I'm thankful every minute that I'm happy.
And I've vowed to keep on being happy.
Give my regards to Mrs. Lippett.
(I think "regards" expresses how I feel toward her. "Love" is too strong a word.)
Remember to tell her how nicely I've turned out.
Affectionately,
Judy
April 4
Dear Daddy Longlegs,
Sallie and I are spending Easter vacation at Lock Willow Farm.
We were in desperate need of some peace and quiet.
"It's so relaxing here," Sallie said as soon as we arrived.
"I didn't think I could eat another meal in our dining hall."
"Me neither," I replied.
"It's so exhausting to dine with four hundred girls, especially when you're feeling tired.
You can't even hear the girl across the table unless she shouts."
"And that just adds to the noise!"
Sallie and I have been taking long walks every day.
This morning we climbed to the top of Sky Hill.
That's the mountain where Jervie and I once cooked supper.
It's hard to believe that was almost two years ago.
I could still see where the smoke from our fire blackened some rocks.
"You're awfully quiet," Sallie said.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Oh, nothing. I was just admiring the view."
It's funny how certain places get connected with certain people.
Whenever you see that place, you think of that person.
Suddenly I missed Jervie very much—for about a minute!
But I couldn't say anything to Sallie.
I've never said much to her—or Julia!—about Jervie.
Sallie and I are also spending part of our vacation reading and writing.
Nothing too serious.
We're just reading novels and writing letters.
Oh, but I have started to write a new book!
I began working on it three weeks ago.
I think I finally understand what Jervie and that editor were trying to tell me.
You have to write about things you know.
Otherwise the story doesn't feel authentic.
So guess where my novel is set?
The John Grier Home!
It's about the little things that happen every day in an orphanage.
It's really very good.
I'm going to finish this book and get it published.
If you want something and try hard enough, you'll eventually get it.
I really believe that.
I've been trying for four years to get a letter from you.
And I haven't given up hope yet!
Affectionately,
Judy