Spencer Heath Archive

Item 1162

Notes for a letter to Harold and Louise Short, Shepherdstown, West Virginia

The original is in white envelope for item 127

Dear Harold and Louise Short,

Sometimes we put off again and again some grave or tender obligation because we doubt our own fitness and capacity to perform it well. But neither capacity nor courage comes of hesitation, and so without further delay I am sending you such few words as I can, wishing even more than hoping to soften your grief and that they may at least remind you that not love alone but grief also unites the hearts on which it falls.

My own association with John was much less frequent than it was intimate and delightful. In his last talk with me by ^‘phone he looked forward happily to our being together and was as cordial and kind as he ever was. He gave me no hint of the seriousness of his mother^’s sufferings nor of the shock to come.

I can only assure you that the grief is not all yours — and hope you feel it shared.

Sincerely,