1 Wednesday Sept 27. 1916 A. Áine Acroide— Yours of 20th received to-day and it
was indeed a welcome visitor. I'm sure it must
be very tiring in that shop all day, of course
I know it is. Do be very careful throughout
the winter and I'm very glad the Doctor has
put the bar on the theatres & picture houses
in your case. The atmosphere of those places
is very bad, when a few thousand people get
packed in close together think of the effect
on the air. I'm sorry I'm not at home that
I could help to make the time pass for us
all together, but patience will do all that.
D.G. I am delighted to hear of your success
with Mr Rowe. It must have surprised you
very much. Annie, girl, spare as much as you
can, don't be too anxious to throw it around
it will undoubtedly come in useful later
I'm very very glad to hear it, indeed,
Re Siobán; I at first thought she was too young to
send away, but I quite agree that she is much
better off there during the winter and the
discipline of the place will be just the thing
for her. She is so full of spirit that I'm afraid 2 2 Lizzie could never keep her under control, with
all the other cares she now has to contend
with. Yes, you are quite right and Im now
very glad she has been sent to the nuns
I've written to the Superioress (whom I met once)
about Siobán and have asked her to teach her
all the IRISH possible. Tomas Og must be a
bit on the heavy side when he hasnt yet succeeded
in guiding his own helm: BLizzie always pays
special attention to the bodily comfort and I
daresay our hope has not been neglected, and
therefore finds it had to carry his own weight
I've always thought that Lizzie was very practical in
that respect, really the most practical of you all. She
always paid special attention to sound wholesome
food, and I always admired that ideas as practical
commonsense. I dont know whether I've ever praised
her for it, but indeed I should have, but you
know its always the way with men (and women
too) they never say really the things the ought say
and at the right time; although as far as
Lizzie is concerned I think I did say
a few things at the right time — ask her —
But, your pardon, good patient Annie for
bothering you with my domestic affairs, I'm
sure it doesn't interest you, but I'm 3 3 inclined to allow myself ramble off into
side issues and I am sure you wont be too
angry toward me. You are still the patient
wise looking little Colleen I first got to really
know at Midleton Feis when you won the
medal, always serious looking, indeed you
didn't seem much elated by your success on
that occasion — anyway not at a distance.
You were quite cool — but I could see when
I met you coming out the gate that your
heart was jumping with excitement and
you were quite aglow with the pleasure
of winning. Undoubtedly we started a friendship
on that day a Cáilin which will hold through life
and be a help to both in our difficulties along
the narrow way. Again through you, I met
Lizzie, and tis then only life for me began,
whether sorrow or joy, even heavy sorrow
loses its bitterness in perspective and when
that sorrow is shared by a loyal and true
partner, you a person looks back upon it
more as a victory over adversity, and it
becomes tinged with a feeling of having borne up
well under trying difficulties and standing the
test — of being tried and not found wanting—
I only know how, after Lizzie (who certainly is splendid when 4 4 trouble knocks at the door. ) much your help and
Hannas and Mary's (God rest her Soul) and Susies
Ma's in fact you all, have been to me in
some pretty serious difficulties which I have
been up against for the past eight years,
and greater than all the material assistance
was the powerful use you always made of
prayer on our behalf and I will always
bless you for that. Forgive me again for
rambling so much into my own affairs, but
the mood happens to be on me and I
like to say to you what really is in my
mind. Jerry and I will not forget the Novena
on Oct 1st and afterwards and we wont
forget the Little Flower. Many thanks for the
pictures, they are very appropriate — I mean
the lines. I enclose an Irish Hymn which
I am sure you will like. It came here from
Kerry and now goes back to Cork to you.
I'm very glad the school is doing so well
Rosies sketch is splendid and has gone
the rounds. I wonder how she likes the new name
I have given her — I am expecting a
word from L. any day . — Remind her— I'm writing Hanna to know how I have offended
her, she hasn't sent me a line. — Goodbye
A cara mo croide Ó Tomas