MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS

HAWTHORN, FLORIDA

Cross Creek

April 13, 1943

Dear Rosemary:

A day does not pass without my thinking of
you. I wish I might believe that the affectionate thoughts
of so many of us made something of a protective mantle for
you, but I know better. Your own courage is the only
bulwark that is of any use at all, and thank God you have
that to an immense degree. For all your lovely gentleness,
you have a core of **toughness** that will see you through.
And you are so much a person in your own right, entirely
aside from having contributed to Steve's greatness, that
you have an important life of your own to live, as a
mother and as a writer. It is both distressing and
comforting, that for all our loving entanglements with and
dependence on a few others in our lives, we all stand alone.

MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS

HAWTHORN, FLORIDA

I have been spending my period of convalescence
at my grove. The Florida spring was late this year, but
very lovely when it came. We had a bad freeze while I was
in the hospital, but flowers and vegetables and orange
trees are making a noble recovery, and things are green
again. The impulse to life is stronger than death or
damage. I know that that impulse will again make living
good and valuable for you, who deserve so much that is
good.

Very selfishly, I am happy that I had that
delightful day at the Atchley's with you and Steve. After
our brief meeting in St. Augustine, I had wished that I
might know you both better.

If you ever feel a desire to come to this
particular little world out of your own, I should love to
have you spend some time with me either here at the Creek
or at my cottage on the ocean. I can only offer an

MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS

HAWTHORN, FLORIDA

external peace and quiet, but sometimes that is most
acceptable.

This not only does not require an answer, but I
beg of you not to answer, for I know how immersed you
must be in obligations of acknowledgement to hundreds who
have cared for both you and Steve. Well-meaning kindness
often is only a burden to the recipient. Just know that
from my great admiration for you and for Steve, I should
like to share with you anything that I might have to
offer. Next year, or the year after, or now, just drop
me a note and say that you would like to come down.

Affectionately,