For weeks now, I’ve had a hunch that there was at least one more letter from Granda Willie to Grandma Cassidy in the great stacks of letters that still await me in boxes and baskets.

Sure enough, Grandma‘s distinctive penmanship caught my eye. She had tucked several letters into an envelope and then written a “Keep This!” command to the future on the envelope itself.

The envelope contained one letter from her father, one from her mother, and one-and-a-half letters from her pen pal (and cousin-in-Ireland) Willie Kelly.

The letter is dated March of 1970:

My Dear Mrs. Cassidy,

At long last, I have got down to answer your letters. I am really ashamed of myself not answering them long ago. Keep putting it off. And for Bill Regan, just what can he think of me. He is one person I must write to. Remember me to him and his Mrs. Do not forget to let me have his address when you are writing. I see by your letter he has been on this side of the Atlantic since he was here in Ireland.

I must interrupt here and explain that the above paragraph was Page I in Willie Kelly’s letter to Grandma. The confusing part comes next, as there are two pages labeled Page II. Both pages end with his customary sign off, so I’ll guess we’re missing Page I from a second letter. If I find an orphan Page I in the future, I’ll be sure to come back and make it right. But for now, here’s the shorter Page II:

Our friend called to see his grandmother’s home, just a few days before your letter arrived.

He thought this country very cold. I could well understand that, for your country is a much warmer climate. I think he is much like the Kelly’s, at least he walks like them. Too bad about his son. R.I.P. But God’s ways are best.

Well Celia how about you coming to Ireland.

I think it should be your turn next. Yes, with the help of God you and I will shake hands yet.

Good bye for now and God Bless. From Willie Kelly

… and here is the second Page II. It’s longer. And it brought tears to my eyes, so consider yourself warned.

Poor old Ireland has had her share of trouble. And indeed I would be very much surprised if her troubles are over. Well we must hope for the best.

Mr. Kennady is in this country at present. I would not think he will come to the North that is here in the six counties.

Well Celia I am all alone now. My family are all married and on their own. They do call to see me once in a while. But it can get very lonely when one is all by himself. I often wonder just how quickly life passes. My wife R.I.P. is over 17 years dead. Very hard to believe.

Well Celia what about yourself. Will you not try coming to Ireland. I am very shure you would love to come. I would be glad to see you. And remember you will be welcome.

I was very glad to meet Bill and I think I can add he was edified when he arrived at his mother’s homestead. R.I.P.

I will draw to a close, wishing every one of you God’s blessing for the future. From Willie Kelly

Grandma never did make it to Ireland.

Nor did she make it to Indiana, as planned, for our wedding in 1982 (sadly, Grandpa passed away that spring). But she understood the power of the pen (and the typewriter) and corresponded with scores of friends and relatives for decades.

Goodbye for now … and God bless!

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