Ruby and Gordon's Letters

Located in Gordon's bedroom in The Real Unreal, this is a collection of letters amassed by Gordon over the years. It spans over a decade of correspondence between Gordon and his wife Ruby. Below are scans of all 42 of the letters as of opening week. (Some of them may have been stolen/damaged since then.) Images without a date written at the top are the backside of the previous letter in the gallery. They have been ordered chronologically for your convenience. Transcriptions are written as they were originally, including spelling and punctuation errors. 
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== Transcriptions ==
=== October 9, 1971 ===
Dear Ruby,
Offweedershane or whatever the hell it's called I can't spell German. Can't spell anything. They have so much sausage and beer here and it's not even noon.
Been thinking about you won't lie. I think about you a lot. Hope you thinking about me too. Chow! (look at me trying to be all languaggey)
- Gordon
=== January 6, 1972 ===
Bom dia! That's how they say hello here in Rio. They speak portogeese. I also got to eat at a [illegible crossed out text] brazilian BBQ! They bring you meat on these long poles and you eat what you want! So much samba and bossa nova. Sully likes it. 
After this we'll be back in the States at the Dutch Inn Hotel. Gonna write me back? Tchau! (see? Im learning to spell it right.) -Gordon
=== February 14, 1972 ===
Hello from Rhode Island. Woman trying to sweettalk me during the gig. Last night All I kept thinking about was how you smiled at me the first time I met you. eyes shining in the dark. I'd rather read your letter and hold it close to my heart than talk to any ole drunk gal. Will write you a real letter next time. -Gordon
=== May 31, 1972 ===
Dear Ruby,
Hello from the Big Apple! You should have seen us playing overseas. Crazy so many europeans love jazz. Sully got us some good gigs. Felt like we were tracing the footsteps of Coltrane, The Duke, all them big giants.
In France we got in real, real late. The cabbie dont speak english so we did't realize we were heading in the wrong direction. Sully then says something and pisses the cabbie off. Next thing you know he dump all of us on the side of the road. So here we are, middle of nowhere. no one know how to speak french, and we have to hoof it to the nearest town which was at least two hours on foot. It's now morning and lord, here we are five black joes strollin in with our luggage and instruments and everyone's staring. We trying to stay cool then some kid points at Biscuit and yells "Jackie! Jackie Robinson!" Well, what we gonna do? Biscuit actually had a baseball on him so he tosses it to the kid and gets a game going. Sully sweettalks some french gal to use the phone and we finally get another cab to take us to the gig. 
We're staying at the Brooklyn hotel until 6/22. Write to me and let me know if you still want me to send you letters.
Thankful, Gordon 
=== June 5, 1972 ===
Thank you very kindly for your letter. You'll be happy to know I do indeed keep all of your correspondence. I found your postcards from different countries absolutely delightful. All those places. What was your favorite place?
Traveling as a jazz musician must be very interesting. It's certainly better than cleaning houses. And I'm so glad you were safe in France. Things are calming down here in the States, but it's still a little crazy here and there.
Do please continue to write to me. I'll respond the best I can. Where is your tour taking you? Anywhere in the Midwest?
Sincerely, Ruby
=== June 25, 1972 ===
Dear Ruby
Got your letter! Glad to hear you keeping my postcards. Heading to the Midwest right now heading to Grand Rapids. Aint as pretty as the french countryside (and certainly not as pretty as you.) Was gonna say don't smell as nice either but Paris smelled like piss no matter where you went. Hope you dont mind me saying piss. You strike me as a very sofisticated lady who deserves lots of class. Well, I definitely got the last part of that word down. I just need to work on the C and the L.
To answer your question. I want to say my favorite was Rio thought we didn't get to see Copocobana Copoc the beach. There were black folk there who came to our gigs. I like their music too. Bossa Nova. Pops in the mouth when you say it Bossa. Nova. Been adding bits of it during our jams. Sully rolls his eyes but then Biscuit and Pete gets into it and then Vic does his own spins and riffs. And then we all jamming. It's all cool.
We're staying at the Tupleo in Grand Rapids until July 7, then heading to Indy. Don't suppose you can meet us there?
Hoping, Gordon
=== July 1, 1972 ===
Dear Gordon,
It's currently raining here in Chicago. I had to run outside with bowls because my house plants like rainwater, not tapwater. By the way, what kind of fruit do you like? Strawberry? Gooseberry?
Grand Rapids! I've never traveled that far east, and sadly I don't think I'll be going there anytime soon. The only place I travel to is down to Arkansas to stay with my grandmother on her farm. But let me know if you head towards Chicago. You can find me at the jazz lounges. There's a couple my girlfriends and I go to, but my favorite is the Alley Cat Club on 47th and Grand Boulevard. I like going to the jazz lounges because there you can have actual conversation and not strain your voice. Of course, the jazz needs to measure my standards- not too loud, enough to tickle the ears, smooth as satin.
Funny that your band met none of my criteria, yet I still enjoyed it. Hmm... I wonder why?
Sincerely, Ruby
=== July 10, 1972 ===
Dear Ruby,
I has always been most parshal to blue berries. There was a hill near me growing up that had the sweetest berries My brothers would snatch them up before I got to them. Barely any leftover for me.
Sully's got family here, so we been crashing at their house. His sister Opal made us bacon and eggs and grits and we played spades on their porch until it was time for the gig.
Let me tell you a secret, Ruby. Our band is magic. Don't believe me? You need to see Sully and Vic when they get into a jam. Trading riffs on their horns like those ping-pong players you see on TV. Then Biscuit moseys in with his bass, bouncing off them like drunk bees. I chime in with my own 2 cents and Pete with his drums keeps us all in line. When we get going, we can jam all night. I don't even get tired. It's a good thing. Ruby A good thing. You gotta be there to see it.
We are indeed coming back to Chicago. Plan is to be at the Peach tree on 52nd & Wabash on the 16th. If you can make it there sit at the 4th table left of the stage. 
Really hoping, Gordon
=== July 27, 1972 ===
Dearest Ruby,
Already miss your wanna smile and dancing eyes.
The band sends their regards. Won't stop talking about your blueberry pie. Now you know the best way to get on our good side is to make us pie! All the berries in the world aint as sweet as you.
Vic and Pete want me to ask you if you can darn their socks for them. Don't listen to them. My mama said if you don't know how to darn your socks. Then you might as well not do anything. Now, me. I can darn my own socks and cook a mean steak. You should ask me what else I can do. 
Not even gonna tell you bout this place It's a dump.
In a funk, Gordon
(P.S. I have your handkerchief. What do you want me to do with it?)
=== August 2, 1972 ===
Ruby my Dear, (you like that?)
Here we are in Las Vegas. They got slots everywhere Everyone spending money even before they go out to the strip.
You don't need to worry about me. Sully's real hard on us. He wants us to be respekatble which means to wild parties or had liquors or drugs. Wanna know my secret? I don't like that stuff. Only so many parties you go to where you sit in dark rooms and smoke and talk shit about whats happening in Nam.
Vic and I are the homebodys. We fool around on the instruments after the gig's done, jamming to three or four in the morning. Vic's got so much music in his head he needs more time to get it all out. When I can't keep up with him I let him play while I read a paperback and have a glass of whiskey. So you can tell your daddy we straight. Only thing he can hold against me is that I never finished high school. Ran away to New York when I was sixteen. But I love me some reading though.
You should listen to your mama and take those college courses Tell you what. If you do that, then I work on getting my GED. That way we can be in school together.
So do this mean I get to ask you to the school dance?
Pining, Gordon
(P.S. did I tell you we're gonna be making a record?)
=== August 5, 1972 ===
Well, well, well, Mr. Delaney,
You certainly are slick. I'm still humming that rendition of "Ruby, my Dear". I loved it so much I went out and bought the Monk and Coltrane album. I know it's the original but when I play it, I always see you at the piano with your sly look and shy smile. Very slick indeed. I'm going to have to keep my eye on you.
You tell Vic and Pete that my offer to darn their socks stands, and don't you start fussing. I'm glad your mama taught you how to darn our own socks and cook your own food, but my mama taught me if you have something to share, then find a way to share it. I made the offer and I intend to stand by it.
As for the handkerchief, no need to send it back.
You said your next stop is Las Vegas. Don't get corrupted there. It's bad enough that I need to convince my daddy that you're not corrupting me on account of you being a jazz musician. (This is on top of my mama telling me I should enroll in college. After all the protests, I don't know if it's worth it.) 
- Sincerely, Ruby
=== September 1, 1972 ===
Dear Gordon,
Congratulations on making a record. I want to hear all about it.
Fine, fine. Both you and my mama convinced me. I decided to take some accounting courses at Kennedy-King college. Mama always said I had a good head for figures. She wants me to get a job working on that red building downtown. I'm not so sure I like the idea of riding the L everyday and work in an office building with so many people. I need to do something, though. I don't want to be cleaning houses for the rest of my life.
You don't strike me as someone who didn't finish high school. I'm curious as to what type of books you like to read. I'm more of a music person.
Speaking of music, you can ask me to dance, then you better be ready to show me your best moves. I'm very picky about my dance partners.
Sincerely,
Ruby
=== September 18, 1972 ===
Ruby my Dear,
Made it to New Orleans! Been eating shrimp and gumbo and toofay [étouffée] and not sure what else Sully got us playing creole and swing standards and he got a couple of extra horn players. I like walking around the city. Went to visit the cemeteries. You would really like it.
You asked what books I like. Mostly paperbacks. You can get them real cheap at drugstores I read fast. Been that way since I was a kid. I like all kinds of paperbacks Classics, westerns, science fiction, you name it. I don't know if I have a favorite author. But my favorite thing to read nowadays are your letters. 
Anyway, we'll be in New York working on the album. It'll be several months, so we'll be staying put. We done 45s before, but this is our first LP.
Reading,
Gordon
=== November 16, 1972 ===
Dear Gordon, 
Don't you dare complain. You're getting paid for this right?
If I could have anything in the world... that's a big question. I should be studying for this exam, but your question is making me dream.
If I had anything I wanted, I'd love to have a garden of my own. I plant vegetables in posts here, but it's not the same. I want a garden where I can feel the soil and grow whatever I want. I'll grow it all: beans, carrots, beets, rutabagas, turnips, broccoli, you name it. I also want a house with a big porch. A place where I can have all my friends over for drinks. Music would be playing out the windows. Kids would be running all over the lawn. Maybe a cat or two wandering around.
Well, I better get back to studying. Oh, and be sure you look under the socks before you give them to Pete and Biscuit. I left a little surprise for you. Think of it as an early Christmas present.
Sincerely,
Ruby
=== December 27, 1972 ===
Hey Sweet pea, 
Pete and Biscuit want to thank you for the socks. They say you my paramore [paramour] and you should adopt us since you treat us so well. You're spoiling them. But then again, you're spoiling me too. Thanks for the issue of Fantasy and Science Fiction magazine. That was a nice surprise. I'll start reading it tonight. I also like reading about the house you want and your garden. I can see you in a pretty dress sitting on the porch rocking and laughing with a glass of lemonade in your hands and the sunset turning your skin a gleaming brown. Would it be too forward if you can see me there too, sitting on the steps, laughing along with you?
I'll be thinking about your pretty smile.
Winking,
Gordon
=== January 17, 1973 ===
Dear Ruby my dearest,
Sully and Vic are having an argument. Most of what we been playing so far been standards: Ellington, Porter, Coltrane. Vic wants to play something he wrote It switches me and Vic up, with me on clarinet and him on keys. Vic's got this way of tickling the keys that's so smooth like ice skating at the Rockefeller. Sully says it doesn't fit. I think it does.
Our sound has always been our spin on the classics. I dig. It's how we stay afloat. Me and Pete and Biscuit, we all fine with it. Vic grumbles but he and Sully's been joined at the hip. We all know that in the end. Sully always gets his way. I just wish Vic can get off his leash every once in a while.
Hustling,
Gordon
=== January 31, 1973 ===
Hello Ruby,
This GED course is kicking my butt. You think with the course and the recording I'd have no time to read but the magazine you sent last month got me hungry for more science fiction stories. One of the studio guys left a magazine that had "Tune Considered as a Helix of Semi-Precious Stones" by this cat Samuel Delaney. Blew. My. Mind. Lots of mind bending twisty stuff. Need to need more of his stuff. Who knows, maybe we're related!
Sully and Vic are cool again. We're halfway through recording. Been thinking of you as I play. Just the memory of your smile makes my fingertips tingle.
Reading.
Gordon,
=== February 14, 1973 ===
Dear Gordon,
Very slick Mr. Delaney. Very, very slick. I wasn't expecting the long distance dedication of Ruby, my Dear to show up on AM1450. On Valentine's Day of all days. My friends Bonnie and Rhonda swear they heard me shrieking all the way up to 87th Street. Daddy said you were just showing off, but I think you've gone on and impressed him. That was so very sweet of you. I have to find a way to pay you back in kind I've enclosed a gift for you. You'll want to read it to the very end.
I am curious - in your last letter, you wrote that you think of me a lot when you play music. What do I sound like? Is it just a picture of me in your head or is there more like feelings, or sensations? Just wondering...
Sincerely,
Ruby
=== March 7, 1973 ===
Ruby, my Dear.
What do you you sound like as music? Been trying to put that in words. Ice in a glass. Cool breeze on a hot day. That moment before you take the first bite of a hot blueberry pie with ice cream dripping down on it. Glissando. I know, corny as hell. but that's what you sound like in my head.
I finished reading Baldwin's Another Country and I saw the phone number you wrote on the back page. This your way of paying me back for the long-distance dedication on Valentine's Day? How about I say thank you in a phone call? I think I can afford the long distance rates. I can give you a call on the 24th. That will be 6pm Central Time.
Cant wait to hear your voice again.
Wishing, 
Gordon
=== January 22, 1973 ===
Dear Gordon,
A belated Merry Christmas and a Happy Belated New Year. I'm finally writing you after the holidays and midterm exams. Thank you so much for the porcelain thimbles. They're quite adorable.
Hm... That was a mighty detailed picture of me you have in your mind. If I didn't know any better, Mr. Delaney, I'd think you'd have a crush on me. I'm quite flattered. I'll confess you've been on my mind too. I've met a lot of smooth talking men, but none of them has been genuinely interested in me. If you sweet talk me more like that, maybe I can make room for you in my dream house.
If Sully and Vic continue to argue, tell them to stop on the next time I darn their pants. I'll do it with tie die fabric. Furthermore, I will make sure they have to wear those pants on your next photoshoot. That should get them to behave.
Ruby
=== March 12, 1973 ===
Dear Gordon,
So you finally found my phone number in the book I sent you. Good. Yes, I'd love a call from you, but call me around 3pm Chicago time on Thursdays, you should be able to avoid the evening charges.
Thank you so much for the LP. I've been playing it non stop and I love it. It's not the same as you being here, but I am sinking into every note you play like warm bathwater.
I know what you're thinking now. Be good!
I hope this letter reaches you before you head overseas. I will admit I'm jealous. You get to see far off places and sights that I can only read about. I wish I could travel with you. Please continue sending me letters. It will be the closest I can be with you.
Sincerely, Ruby
=== April 13, 1973 ===
My sweet Ruby dear,
Konnichiwa! We made it to Tokyo okay. Cant believe we're being paid to play jazz here. We'll be in Tokyo for a few days. Then Kyoto then Hokkaido. Right now I'm with a cat named Raymond whose in the navy. He's introducing me to some liquor called sake (pronounced SAH-KAY). Tastes like water but whoo! It goes to your head real quick.
The new album's selling well. I miss your voice. You'd love it here. Ruby. The glowing lights. The Japanese women dressed up in kimonos (I made sure I spelled that right). They look so pretty and elegant. You'd probably smack me and say, "oh. they prettier than me. huh?" and I would say "no ma'am" and I'll spin you around right there in the street and you would giggle and hit me on the arm but your eyes will sparkle and won't tell me stop because you love it.
Ah. Ruby, my sweet pea, my sweet tea, I miss you so much.
Aching,
Gordon
=== April 23, 1973 ===
Dear Gordon,
I've never sent an overseas package before, so I hope this gets to you in time. I got the undershirts for Sully, the cufflinks for Vic, a couple of ties for Pete and extra socks for Biscuit. No, they don't need to repay me. I'm the band mother now, so I'm making sure they are being taken care of.
They have your album in the record shops now. Nobody believes that your rendition of "Ruby my dear" is dedicated to me until I pull out the sleeve and show my name in the credits. People now saying you're my hotshot boyfriend. I just smile.
It's a good thing you asked me to be your girlfriend before you went on tour. It feels like a secret to me, like a butterscotch candy I can suck on and enjoy the sweetness on my own. I do miss you though. Be careful over there. Come back home to me.
Sincerely,
Ruby
=== May 26, 1973 ===
Ruby my dear, 
Happy almost anniversary! You have brought me so much joy. So much that I want to celebrate it in a special way. 
Enclosed is a train ticket to New York. Don't worry I already talked to your folks. We already got things set for you on our end. I'll meet you at Grand Central.
By the way, bring your best dress. Aint gonna tell you why. You just need to find out when you get here.
Grinning, 
Gordon
=== July 26, 1975 ===
Ruby my Dear,
How's my pretty wife? Still throwing up everywhere? Didn't think it was gonna be so hard to leave you alone in that big ole house. Sully got us to play at the Fillmore East. Suppose to be a big afterparty later on and Sully wants us all there. Can't even give you a call. Lucky this tour is only a few weeks so just need to hold on for a bit. We'll be touring hard for this third album. I'll give you a call once we get a break.
Love you. Miss you. Tell Bump Jr. he needs to stay put until I get back.
Yours, 
Gordon
=== October 5, 1975 ===
Hey my beautiful Ruby dear, 
Enclosed are some postcards of Italy. Sorry you're not here with me. I aint right that we're spending our anniversary in different countries. It's pretty here though. Reminds me of our honeymoon. Remember when we ate at that tiny restaurant and went on the gondola? The restaurant's closed up now and sides, it's not fun since you ain't here.
This tour being hard on all of us now that Pete's no longer with us. He and his new wife are doing well. Can't say I blame him. Ever since we found out the new record ain't selling so good. Sully's yelling at us over the littlest things. He and Vic fight all the time now. Me and Biscuit just keep our heads low and mouths shut.
One day Vic's gonna get sick of it. He told me the other day he feels like we became some cover band. Sully says people listen to us because they want to hear our own spin on the classics. But Vic don't wanna be no discount Charlie Parker. And I get it. I really do. But what we play is what people pay us for. Vic ain't happy though.
I don't know. Sweet pea. I just don't know.
Tired, 
Gordon
=== October 17, 1975 ===
My dear Gordon,
Don't worry about us spending our anniversary apart. Not like we'll be able to do much even if you were here. Carmen keeps me on my toes all the time. That girl somehow finds a way to get into everything and she's not even walking yet.
Everytime I look there's another Black family moving into the neighborhood. I've gotten acquainted with a few of them, and some are asking where the best place to get their hair done. Gordon, these ladies are driving all the way to Chicago to get their hair braided. I told them if they give me their gas money, I'll do it instead. And now I got a hair braiding business. I'm making good money too. Carmen crawls over their feet and we are all having a good old time.
I'm not surprised about Sully. I noticed he's been acting up for a while. You be careful when you talk to him. Don't let him walk all over you. And especially keep an eye on Vic. Tell him to keep pressing on. Sometimes being creative means taking risks.
Sincerly,
Ruby
=== March 3, 1979 ===
For Carmen:
Bonjour baby girl! Guess where daddy is? I'm in France! It's very busy here and they eat lots of bread. I took a picture in front of the Eiffel Tower. Do you know Daddy took Mommy here before you were born and we kissed at the very top? Daddy misses you very much and will be home soon. Love you!
For Ruby, 
Well, it happened. Vic quit.
The night before he left, me and Vic had the best jam session we ever had. Like he had planned it to be his last gig with me. What was funny was that I was thinking about you and Carmen and being back home and watching Carmen play in the front yard and you sitting on the porch, and all these feeling came through me.
So I started playing them and Vic picked up on it. It was really somethin. Wish we recorded it.
After that, Vic told me he's leaving. Someone sent him a tape of this Japanese cat named Yuuri playing a Cole Porter song like it was Vic himself. Vic's gonna go start a new band with him, just gonna show up out of the blue. I aint seen him this happy since... well, since the band started. I guess.
Of course Sully blew up. Wouldn't come out of his hotel room all day, so Biscuit and I wound up playing the last gig with Vic alone. Wasn't as great as the jam he and did last night, but still, it was nice.
Guess we're a trio now.
Sad,
Gordon
=== March 11, 1979 ===
Dear Gordon, 
Here are the ties and copy of your health documents you asked for, as well as the extra boxers.
Well, we both knew that was coming. I guess, my question is, what are you going to do? I've been reading over the postcards and letters you sent me before we were married and something's changed. You don't talk about the passion and the love you had for your music anymore.
What's changed, Gordon? Maybe you and Biscuit need to sit Sully down and ask him that question.
By the way, Carmen has a new friend. Her name is LaVerne and they met at the playground. The teacher said it was the cutest thing. Some little boy pushed LaVerne from the swing and Carmen yelled at him. She then picked LaVerne up and took her over to the seesaw, chattering all the while. They've been inseparable since.
Now Carmen's bugging me about letting LaVerne come over to play. Turns out LaVerne lives a couple blocks away, so I guess. I better get in touch with her mother.
Sincerly,
Ruby
=== November 12, 1982 ===
Ruby my dear,
Here are the shot glasses I told you about over the phone I also put in some hold tokens for Carmen. Tell her its gold I fought some pirates and that's some of their treasure. Good to hear she has a new friend.
Didn't tell you this because I didn't want to say it in front of Carmen but the drummer Sully hired to Pete's place OD. So now Biscuit's playing drums while I do bass and Sully does piano. Can't say Sully's happy about it but we making do. But then I try to hype up the bass beats to get Sully to play off me, like what Vic and I used to do. Sully gives me this look, like he's about to slap the black off me. We finished the set and head to the green room And Ruby. Sully yelled at me. I mean he yelled. Said we needed to stick with what he planned not go fuck things up. I had to walk out on him. Spent most the time walking up and down the Strip. I was so hot. I was ready to quit but Biscuit followed me and talked me down. Said just needed to stick it out a few more weeks.
Vic and Pete were the heart and soul of this band. Now we're just body parts that still play but ain't got life in them no more. We lost our sound. Jazz used to be fun. Now I just wanna come home.
Homesick,
Gordon
=== November 16, 1982 ===
Dear Gordon,
Oh, Gordon, Sweetie.
Here's a question for you: Have you thought about taking a break from the band for a while? Maybe you can do something new. At the very least, you need to let Sully know you're miserable.
You might be able to get your love of music back if you're here at the house. There's something about this house that inspires good ideas. The other day I was working on the finances and came up short. You know me. I panicked a bit, then realized that wouldn't help, so I went to water the plants. That was when the idea came to me to talk to Carmen's teacher. She had complained to me that she didn't have time to organize her classroom. When I went to pick up Carmen (and LaVerne of course) I told her teacher if the school was willing, I can come in once a week and do it for her.
Voila! We got the money we needed.
It may sound silly, but all the ideas I always get to make money, I always get them from home. Whether I'm working in the garden or sitting on the porch or in the front room. Especially if I'm playing with Carmen and LaVerne. I can't even explain it. But I do know it has something to do with the house.
Besides, you promised we'd work on a second kid.
I'm holding you to that.
Sincerely, Ruby
=== April 4, 1983 ===
Ruby my dear,
Seems fitting to be playing at the Rickenbacker club. It was the very first club we played at. Now it's our last.
Biscuit's joining a new band out in Philly. He'll jump on a red eye once we're done. Sully's at the bar drinking Should join him but I don't know what to say to him.
Staff here say I should look into studio gigs. They gave me some names here. It would mean traveling some, but I can do it on my own time. Also been thinking a lot about your idea teaching neighborhood kids. I can see it. Sitting in the front room, surrounded by all those plants. Something about that room makes me think maybe I can find that magic flow again.
Jazz band before us is finishing up. Time for me to go. Give Carmen a hug for me. Give LaVerne one too. She's a good kid
Ready for something new,
Gordon
=== July 27, 1984 ===
Hey there, Ruby my dear,
You know you my sweet pea, right? You're the sweetest pea I know.
What would you think about joining me in South Dakota? Might be good for you to get out of the house. I know it's been a while since you traveled, but a change of scene could do you good. See if LaVerne's folks are willing to take Carmen for a week. We can do what we did when we first got married. Go on long walks. South Dakota aint got no real city life. But we can order room service at the hotel and go swimming at their pool and go for a drive. Just like old times. Before we had Carmen Gonna start taking studio gigs closer to home so you can join me.
Aww Ruby I wish I was with you now. I wish I could wipe away your tears. You sounded so sad on the phone tonight I just had to sit down and write you afterwards. I wish I can call your Mama and have her come down to be with you. Maybe we can pray your mama and daddy up in heaven can keep an eye on you. Maybe that imaginary cat of yours too? I don't know what to do.
Hang in there baby. I love you. Gordon
=== September 14, 1983 ===
Dear Gordon,
The girls wanted to cheer you up after your phone call, so I'm sending the pictures they made for you. Okay, yes I made one too. The one of the two tailed cat named Mr. Two-Step.
Don't you make fun of me. 
I am learning more and more to appreciate the girl's imagination. Their play is so intricate and so real I can't help but play along. I once caught them playing in the garden with of all things my small potted cactus. Carmen, in her usual know-it-all way, told me it was a cactus bus. And the more she told me about it, the more I could see it. So now here I am making cookies to feed the cactus bus. It's the same thing with Mr. Two-Step. At first, it was just a game, but as of late, I find myself talking to Mr. Two-Step sometimes. He curls on the kitchen counter, or sleeps in our bed, or stretches out on the ground when I'm gardening, and I tell him all my troubles and worries. It calms me down.
The neighbors all look at me funny when they see me talking to him in the garden. Not my fault they can't see him. Just because you don't see Mr. Two-Step don't mean he's not real.
I must be the only adult to have an imaginary friend. Guess that's one more thing I'll chalk up to the house.
Anyway, give me a call when you get this.
Sincerely, Ruby
=== August 3, 1984 ===
Dear Gordon, 
I'm fine now. I find it would be easier to write this out than get on the phone with you and blubber all other the place. Besides, reminds me of when we used to write each other all the time.
The bleeding has stopped. Doctor Ross says that's a good thing. The bad news is that they found a lot of fibroids. They want me to get a hysterectomy but I don't know if I'm ready for that.
Oh, now I'm crying again.
Yes, I can come to South Dakota, but only for a weekend. LaVerne's parents' balked at keeping Carmen for a full week. They got so many kids in that house already what's one more? It does make me understand why LaVerne spends all her free time here than at home. LaVerne's mother is a trip. When I was there, LaVerne sat in a corner hunched over a book and wouldn't even look at me, very quiet like she was trying to hide. I know she's shy, but when she's with Carmen, she opens up and is just as chatty and silly.
Would be good to keep an eye on her.
Sincerely, Ruby
=== August 6, 1984 ===
Dear Gordon,
I know I just sent you a letter a few days ago, but I just had to send this. I started putting away the baby clothes because, well, we don't need them no more. At some point I hear the girls upstairs. Carmen must have gone to the bathroom because LaVerne came wandering in and saw me sitting there, crying.
Do you know what she did, Gordon? She came over, put her head in my lap, and said, and I quote, "I'm sorry, Ms. Delaney. If it helps, you can be my other mama."
She said that! Oh this sweet little girl! Of course I hugged her and cried some more. She's a sweet thing. I hope she and Carmen will be good friends for a long, long time.
Also, Mr. Two-Step says hello. He's been coming around a lot more and more and I know it's silly and he's all imaginary, but just his presence makes me feel better
Sincerely, 
Ruby
Category:The Real Unreal
Category:Documents (TRU)
Category:Lore