The LETTERS of CHRIS and YOLANDA - a love story -
These are the letters of Chris and Yolanda, just as they wrote them, except that the names and places have been changed to avoid hurting the innocent. Twenty-five years earlier Chris and Yolanda were very much in love and near becoming engaged when a series of events beyond their control caused them to go their separate ways. Both married and had families. To an outsider their marriages seemed sound. But in both cases they and their spouses were drifting apart. Chris was the one to take the first step. He obtained her address from her sister. We begin.
An office building Large Midwestern University Midwestern City March 8, Year 1
Dear Yolanda, I recently learned that I will have an opportunity to visit your city on April 2 and 3. Actually I will be on my way to (Western City) for a conference and will be stopping in your city to visit some students at the university.
If it would meet with your approval I would like to renew our acquaintance. My schedule will be fairly flexible - perhaps we could have lunch somewhere. I will arrive at the airport at about 8:30 am on the 2nd (Mon.) and am to leave at 7:30 am on Tues.
If you feel getting together would be feasible would you please let me know, and your preferences as to when and where.
As you can see I am still with (business) as a (job title). I am fairly heavily involved with computer uses for farming and that is what the conference is about.
I would guess that your family, like ours, is pretty well grown - of our 5 only one is still home. We are now coast-to-coast: northwest to south east.
I will be looking forward to hearing from you. Yours, Chris
Mar. 15
Dear Chris, Did I get (office name) correct? A person’s surname perhaps? Considered pink perfumed stationary. Would that have raised the eyebrows of co-workers? Maybe a nudge and a wink?
I think we’ve missed each other again. We’ll be on the road somewhere between the coast and home. Our older son and his wife are driving to meet us in (west coast city), ferrying their older car which they are giving our younger son who is at their Alma Mater (lower case? Scarlett and I will think about that tomorrow.) We’ll have a fun weekend together, then (spouse) and I will drive son’s car home. You know how it is - four leaves arranged and reservations made. We rarely go anywhere, so this is a biggie. Finally, will see (area landmarks) or whatever takes our fancy. If I get back in time I’ll certainly try to get out to the airport the 3rd. We don’t like to put on very many miles each day. Have done too much of that in the past.
2 Would you be going through (our city) on your way return trip? Maybe a stopover long enough for a walk or a lunch talk? Lotta years, lotta questions and answers. I work, but I’m off the rest of that week. I’m changing jobs, in fact went to work when #2 son graduated last summer. Temporary job. Decided I’d take an interview for a career conditional position. Just told my boss today - he wants to keep me. Feel emotionally drained. Like very much all my co-workers.
Our phone number is (xxx) xxx-xxxx. Weekday nights are best.
Do you enjoy being this age? I truly do. Its a great life.
Am on a 10 minute break. Only paper handy. Wish I could impress you with beautiful orderly writing - but I think this is the real me anyway. Your handwriting brought back memories - I actually held the stamp up in front of a lamp (sigh). Yolanda
March19,Yr 1 Dear Yolanda, Hey, it’s great to hear from you again. If you feel as good as your writing makes it appear , you must be in fine fettle!
First, the important news, and then some comments. my schedule there is quite flexible - I can come by there just as easily on the way back as the way there. Therefore, if it fits into your plans OK I will revise my plans and plan (all those plans - sounds like a plot.) to arrive there on Thursday afternoon, April 5 and leave sometime Friday, exact time will depend on what connections I can make - I’ll let you know as soon as they are firmed up.
Yes, Mr. (name on our office building) endowed (the firm) with a nice sum for which he got his name on the building - nicknamed “The Hilton” - you should see the lobby!
II
Darn, and I was so looking forward to a perfumed pink envelope - now my secretary won’t have any juicy tales for the others! Well, maybe in my next life.
Sounds like you are in for a nice vacation all-be-it with a little extra driving, with two cars to drive back. We’ve been to (western city) twice now - once about four years ago when we had a partial family gathering there and again two summers ago (was it hot!) on our way to (west coast city) (from Canyon De Chelly, Arches, Zion, etc.). I basically prefer the open spaces.
So you are a working girl again - helps keep us young. Yes I think this is a good age, too. I especially like being a Grandfather (one time so far) but I also feel that I am getting more out of life and doing more my own thing than ever before.
Well, got to go for now. Please let me know if Thurs., April 5 is OK or not. (Yes, my writing has gotten worse! Hazard of being older) See you, Chris
3/23/Yr 1 Dear Chris, April 5th is OK. We should be back from (coast city) no matter how pokey we are.
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