Haunting Catherine Blaque 5

Erin LeFey Copyright 2011

Aug 25, 1946

Dear Melinda,

It’s been a wonderful summer! I’m sorry I haven’t had time to write! I was just looking over my last letter and had you been a real person and I’d left you hanging like that, I’m sure you would be really quite upset with me by now. I’ve come to some conclusions, my dear. And I’m sure you will be happy to hear them.

First, I’m not letting anything get me down. I’m back in touch with my friends, I’m feeling fine and really great about going out so I’m going to continue with that. And I’m not going to hole myself up here like some old widow. I’m 37 years old, and that’s no age to be pulling away from the world when I should be out exploring it!

I started seeing that doctor in town right after all the Fourth of July festivities. I went out everyday almost before the Fourth to help with the planning and setup. There was a trip to Myrtle beach, South Carolina that a few of the families were going on, so my doctor suggested that I also take advantage of tagging along on that. He started me on a new medicine in the mean time and I’m quite happy and outgoing again, just like my old self!

The girls came out to help me decorate the house and give it a good brightening up, and we are having the Labor Day celebration here. I am so looking forward to it. Finally, some real joy in this house. Maybe it will change the whole air in here.

The medicine the doctor gave me has really helped me out of my fog. He said it would “lift my spirits and calm my nerves.” It really has. Since then I have gotten more accomplished during the day and am sleeping much more soundly at night. There are still odd happenings in the house but I have made a decision. Depending on my mood, I either ignore it or play along. I have given my company names as I feel there is more than one. I believe that George visits me, although not very often, just on special occasions, and I believe that he is like an angel watching my sleep and dreams.

The old widow is another, so I call her Helena; I mean, after all, it’s only proper. There is another I haven’t figured out yet. I don’t have a name for it but its energy is definitely different from Helena’s. That’s the one I usually ignore. It’s dark and foreboding. I feel it most outside.

Oh! And the best news! I seem to have caught the attention of a retired military man who is visiting this summer and fall. He’s staying with some friends of mine but lives down in Virginia Beach. He’s a very nice man and it’s been nice having a dance partner for a change who isn’t someone else’s husband! My friends say that being widowed for a year and a half is long enough, I can move on with my life. I tell them that it’s my decision and to stay out of it. I just like having the diversion. He’s coming for Labor Day.

Anyway, I need to find the punch bowls and large platters again. I haven’t found them since moving here. We used to entertain all the time. I think I’ll play some music and open up the drapes to let some sun shine in!

Ciao Bella,

Catherine