Dearest child,
I received your letter and hope you'll write often.
I hope you're behaving and that you've found work by now.
I think you're happy in New York,
so we're happy too, even though we do miss you.
When will you be back?
Everything's the same here,
but Sylviane's home with the flu, and I'm not very well.
My blood pressure's low. I'm on medication for it.
Today's my birthday, and I feel sad.
It's a quiet, boring Saturday at the shop.
For my birthday we're just having dinner with friends.
Your birthday's coming up. You know I wish you all the best.
Write soon. I'm anxious to hear about your work, New York, everything.
A big hug from the three of us. We think of you always.
Your loving mother.
Dearest child,
I was delighted to hear back from you so soon.
Keep writing. Your letters do me such good.
I'm glad you're better. You know I worry.
Father enjoys hearing your letters. He hopes you'll become famous.
We're not angry that you left without a word,
but do keep us informed. You're always in our hearts.
I dream about you and hope you're happy.
Your letters cheer me up, so keep writing.
Your father and I are working hard.
The winter season is over. Summer is starting.
The weather's mild for now. I hope it stays that way.
My health isn't very good. I have hot flashes that leave me weak.
I thought it was menopause, but it seems it's exhaustion,
so I'm taking the same tonics once again.
Sylviane had the flu. Today was her first day back at school.
Father has to lose ten pounds. He's taking medicine and isn't hungry.
Other than that, everything's fine.
Sweetheart, stay well.
We hope everything works out just the way you want.
Lots of love from Daddy, Sylviane, and the whole family.
Your loving mother.
Dear Chantal,
I sent you some summer clothes, because it must be hot there.
I hope I have the right address.
I was surprised not to get a letter this week.
Last week three letters and this week none.
Please do keep writing…
I hope you received my letters.
But sometimes the envelope says New York 10025, other times 10027.
Which is right?
This summer we'll spend some weekends by the sea
instead of going abroad. It's just not the time…
…and feels like a recession.
I hope it's only temporary, because we need to work.
Meanwhile, we've started the winter collection.
…and the address of their son who's studying medicine.
He says to go see his parents in the Bronx.
They know someone in movies. You never know.
Darling, I'm counting on you to write.
Don't work too hard.
I'm sending you lots of love.
Kisses from Daddy, Sylviane, and the rest. Your loving mother.
Sweetheart,
I just sent some summer clothes to the last address you sent.
Why did you move?
I hope you get the package soon. It takes a week.
I paid the postage. I hope you won't owe anything.
It's complicated to send packages,
so if you need anything, I'll include some dollars in my letters.
I hope it's not too hot.
I know sunny weather depresses you,
and you don't even have any sandals.
I'm sure there must be good ones you can buy there.
I hope you get through the summer all right.
Sweetheart, at first you wrote so often.
Now I'm only getting one letter a week.
Make the effort to write.
You can't imagine how much your letters cheer me up.
We're proud that you're getting along.
Just be careful going out alone at night. New York is dangerous.
We're going to Knokke for a few days' rest,
because I'm feeling very tired again.
Hopefully massages will help once more.
Sylviane is taking her exams. I hope she does well.
Dearest, your father and I send lots of kisses…
Please write soon. Your loving mother.
And please write to Aunt Tonia sometime.
Sweetheart, I just got your letter.
I was worried, with no letter or phone call in two weeks.
Please let me know right away if the summer clothes arrived.
I haven't heard from Colette either,
but I'll send you some dollars when I can. Tell me when you get them.
What do you do in that restaurant? I hope it's not too hard.
I'm glad you're learning English. It will come in handy.
Even so, I miss you and hope to see you soon.
Sylviane misses you terribly too. She sometimes dreams you're back.
Tonight we're going to visit some friends. Everyone's tired.
Julie's son Danny said to say hi. We ran into him at a dance.
We had a good time. It's too bad you…
I feel bad for Lydie.
Jean-Pierre found someone else and wants a divorce, but not right away.
Now she's just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Honey, please write often and tell me if you got the package.
Lots of love, and hope to see you soon. From Daddy, Sylviane, and Mother…
and the rest of the family, who often ask about you.
Write soon. Your loving mother.
Dearest child, I'm surprised I haven't heard from you.
Your last letter was ten days ago.
What happened? I wrote back immediately
and included $20. I hope you got it.
Write soon. I anxiously await news.
You know I live for your letters.
Tonia asks about you too. Please drop her a line.
I don't have much news.
Summer's been oddly cool, but they're predicting a heat wave.
Business is still slow,
and Father's worried because he took out a loan.
I get bored in the shop.
Luckily Sylviane finished her exams and keeps me company now.
It's the same for everyone. We're all just waiting.
We won't do much tonight because Therese is ill,
so we'll watch TV, as usual.
Honey, we think of you a lot and hope you're doing well.
Just don't forget about us. Write.
Kisses from Daddy, Sylviane, and your loving mother.
Sweetheart, I just got your letter
after writing in a panic because I hadn't heard from you.
I'm glad everything's going well, but do write more often.
I know you're busy, but try and write. It's all I have left.
You say you won't be coming back soon. I so long to see you.
We celebrated Judith's birthday Sunday.
Everyone was there but you. I'll send you some pictures.
She talks a lot, and she's starting to read. She's a real beauty.
She jumped in Daddy's arms and stuck to him like glue.
Why did Lilly want to have a baby so soon?
It's hard for her husband, especially in Brussels.
On July 18 we celebrated Sylviane's birthday, once again without you.
Sorry if I ramble. What matters is that you're happy.
Lots of love from me and Daddy, who hopes to see you soon.
Your loving mother who thinks about you often.
Dearest child, I just received your letter.
I'm glad you don't have that job anymore and that you're liking New York.
People here are surprised. They say New York is terrible, inhuman.
Perhaps they don't really know it and are too quick to judge.
I hope your new apartment is affordable and isn't in a dangerous area.
How are you getting by?
Yesterday we went to Sonia's. They were so charming.
We had a good time. We met some new people there
whom we invited to our place this Thursday for a change.
Father's been very tired lately.
He's been sleeping poorly and wakes up often.
He has lots of worries, so the distraction is good for him.
I'm doing better, but if it's not me, it's him.
Sylviane's growing up to be a beautiful girl.
It's too bad she can be a bit apathetic,
but maybe that will change.
Otherwise she'll turn out like my sister.
We're having a heat wave. I hope it won't last.
Enclosed is a picture from Judith's birthday.
Never mind the way I look.
Why don't you send us a picture of you now?
Lots of love from all of us.
Big kisses, and hoping to see you soon. Your loving mother.
Dear child, how I wish I could hold you in my arms.
Judith wrote to you and is hoping you'll write back.
For the umpteenth time: Did you get the $20 I sent a month ago?
Keep me up to date. It's getting annoying.
You never answer my questions, and it's bothering me.
Please answer this time.
How are you doing? Where and with whom are you living?
How much are you paying?
Do me a favor and go see your uncle once in a while.
Eric and Chris had a little girl.
They're overjoyed. They've wanted a child for so long.
Now they have to find a bigger house.
Chris says they'd like more kids.
Not much news here. You'll miss Sylviane's birthday party,
but I'd rather you stay than come back and regret it.
I don't expect
to see you back anytime soon.
Should you need anything, just let me know.
I'll call Marilyn and she'll bring it to you.
She called last week, saying she no longer likes her job and…
It's silly. She's risking her position, but it's up to her.
Just let me know what you want me to send with her.
Please write as often as you can. That's all that matters…
Father's always thrilled when we get a letter from you,
and all my friends keep asking about you.
Darling, lots of love from me, Daddy, Sylviane, and the rest of the family
A big kiss from your mother.
My darling daughter,
forgive me for not writing back the same day I got your letter.
I received your screenplay. It's well-written,
but you know my taste: I find it sad and gloomy.
Those people sure have a hard life. It's an important social issue.
I hope it will turn out well.
The public must be made aware of all this suffering
that you young people see so clearly.
I'm enclosing $20 I don't dare send more.
I'll send some with Marilyn…
Father dreamed about you last night.
He was terribly shaken, because you came back and then you were gone.
He was depressed all day. I didn't know how to cheer him up.
Write soon.
When he knows you're doing well, his fears vanish.
Sweetheart, if you only knew how proud your father is of you.
If I had the money,
I'd come see you, but I'd have to win the lottery ﬁrst.
We're working, but it's hard. Father's too honest and always gets taken.
A client went bankrupt, so we're out 300,000 francs.
That's business for you, but as long as we have our health…
We have a nice collection. I hope business picks up.
And Father took out insurance in case a client defaults.
That kind of thing is happening more and more.
Anyway, I won't trouble you with more about that.
We just won't give up hope.
Father's looking for land to build a house on. It's his big dream.
We'll have to sell the apartment and take out an extra mortgage.
I'd love a house with a little garden. We'll see.
Sweetheart, write soon. We want to know how you're doing.
It's wonderful that you're doing so well.
A big hug from the three of us.
We hope you'll write soon…
My darling daughter,
I received your letter and am happy you got the $20.
I also sent a check for $100
to your new address, and I hope you got that too.
I'll be sending more, because Marilyn isn't leaving yet
for reasons having to do with Michel's work.
If necessary, I'll send you some more money.
I'm glad you're doing well. Your letter reassured me.
I just hope your money's holding out.
I'll send some more money, though I'm always afraid my letters will get lost.
If Colette comes through Brussels, I can send some with her.
We're closing the store in Tournai.
It was hard work and didn't bring in much.
I hope the sale will bring in a little extra.
I haven't been feeling well. I always feel worn out in the summer.
Perhaps I'll get away for a few days' rest.
Lilia thanks you for your letter. Did you write to Sonia and Ida?
Lots of love from Daddy, Sylviane, and the rest of the family.
Write soon, sweetheart. Your loving mother.
My darling daughter, I enjoyed your letter very much.
I'm glad you received the money. I wasn't sure of your new address.
Father's been home sick with an abscess of the throat and a high fever.
I took care of him myself. Luckily the abscess burst yesterday.
He suffered so much, but thankfully he feels better now.
He'll be back at work tomorrow. It's chaos without him.
I'm very tired now and look awful, but otherwise I'm fine.
Eline's getting married on August 25, but we're not going. I'll send a telegram.
How are you doing? I'm worried about you all alone there.
I wish you could just be home with us…
Take care, sweetheart.
I'm enclosing another $20. I hope you're well.
Daddy's still too weak to write, but he sends you lots of love.
He's worried about you there all alone.
Big kisses from all of us. Your loving mother.
My darling daughter,
after such a long wait, your letter was too brief.
I know you're busy, but do try and write often.
Let us know especially how you're doing and if you're in good health.
Not much news here. Father's throat is getting better.
I had no time to rest. I had to get back to the shop.
Lydie will help out mornings, and I'll take over at noon.
Danny passed his exams. He's going to study photography in Paris.
His parents are resigned to it,
though they'd have preferred something else.
I haven't seen them since their vacation in Spain,
but we spoke on the phone.
It was hot and crowded, and they're never going back.
Everyone asks about you.
Honey, look after yourself.
Lots of love from Daddy, Sylviane, and the whole family.
Your loving mother.
My darling daughter, forgive me for not writing back immediately.
Marilyn called to say she can't visit you yet.
I thought she sounded sad, but she said everything was fine.
You mentioned a different job. I hope it's interesting and not too tiring.
I hope you have enough money. I can't send anything this month.
You haven't mentioned your uncle.
Go see him. He'd enjoy it so, and he's family, after all.
You'll never guess who Irene's daughter is getting engaged to.
Gilbert. He's not good-looking, but he's very nice.
Irene is happy. Alice's madly in love.
Gilbert's parents have money and already bought them an apartment.
We're going to the engagement party next month.
Sweetheart, we haven't seen you in ages. We're always talking about you.
Daddy misses you a lot and hopes you're taking good care of yourself.
If you need to stay longer, do as you think best
and we'll be patient, but it's already been so long.
I don't have much other news. Aunt Nadia isn't feeling too well.
She thinks it's a woman's problem.
They'll do some tests this week. Hopefully it's nothing serious.
Sweetheart, lots of love from us. Daddy hopes to see you soon.
Your loving mother who's thinking of you.
My darling daughter,
I was thrilled to receive such good news.
Your quick reply made me feel so much better.
But you still haven't said how long you'll stay there.
I miss you so much, but do as you think best.
I won't be sad, even if you won't be home soon.
I want you to be happy and don't want to be a selfish mother.
You still haven't sent pictures. Please do.
Lily and Alain are fighting.
In public they act like they don't even know each other.
She says it's really over this time, that Alain isn't right for her.
She'll write you soon and sends her love.
My teeth are hurting, as usual.
I'm having two pulled on the 22nd. It's the only solution.
Other than that, I'm feeling better, and the shop's doing better.
Our customers are quite happy.
Daddy's right: Work does a person good.
Etty was here on Sunday with Daphna. What a nice, smart girl she is.
The pants you sent her look good on her.
Darling, write soon and send some pictures.
Kisses from Daddy, Sylviane, and the whole family.
Your loving mother.
My darling daughter, your reply was long in coming.
Please don't let so much time pass. Your letters are so important to me.
I felt especially alone this week.
Daddy went to Italy, and Sylviane went out to the country.
How are you doing? You mentioned a job. Is it the same one?
I'm glad you have lots of new friends so you're not alone.
Everything's fine here. Daddy's trip was hectic, but it went well.
Sunday we visited with the aunts.
Lots of people, and all your favorite dishes.
Aunt Nadia isn't ill anymore. We had a nice time.
It did me good, and Father too. You were the only one missing.
Father found land for the house and is meeting with the architect.
He wants to include a little apartment for you
where you can live comfortably when you come back.
I'm happy but also a bit scared about the mortgage.
But Father's happy, so I try not to worry.
I hope it'll all work out. Sweetheart, write soon.
Lots of love from Daddy, Sylviane, and the whole family.
Your loving mother.
My darling daughter, I'm writing you back right away.
I'm glad you're managing.
Eric called me when he got back from New York.
I felt so much better.
He told me about where you live, that you looked good,
but he said nothing about your return, and I won't insist.
Are you still working?
I'm so glad you speak English now. It must help to fit in.
Father took me to the seaside during the strike. I felt much better.
A lot of our friends were there. Other than that, no big news…
I saw Corinne and Daniel.
She's expecting, but she isn't showing yet.
She's so happy she'll have to stop working, but it's what she wants.
Sweetheart, lots of love from Daddy, Sylviane, and the rest.
Write soon, darling. Your loving mother.
My darling daughter,
I was starting to get worried
when I got the letter Claire's friend brought from New York.
I'll give her something to take back to you.
It won't be much. I'm too busy in the shop.
Sometimes I feel like I'm suffocating, but other days I enjoy it.
Don't be sad if I ask when you're coming back. I can't help it.
If I hear from you regularly, I don't get so worried,
so please write more often.
You never write about how you're really doing.
How is your job? Do you have friends there?
Father worries about you being alone, but I have faith in you.
We went to the engagement party and danced till 3:00 a.m.
It was very nice, and it really cheered up your father.
Freddy's in the hospital with a blood clot.
We're very sad. He can't even talk.
I think he'll make it, but it'll be a long road,
and he has no one to take care of him.
Lily and Alain have definitely broken up.
As usual, I hope you'll write again soon.
Sweetheart, lots of love from all of us…
Sweetheart,
I was so worried after two weeks with no letter.
Finally I got your letter and the lovely pictures.
You look great in them. Father thought so too.
You look pretty with long hair. Makes me even more anxious to see you.
I hope you're well. It's terribly quiet over here.
Father's vacation has started
and he comes with me to the shop now…
That's always better than sitting at home.
I'm still tired, despite a number of shots…
But I'm not complaining.
Next week we'll be spending a few days by the sea.
School will be starting again soon. Sylviane is ready to go.
Well, that's all, darling.
Please write about your work and your life there…
My darling daughter,
we were pleasantly surprised to find your letter waiting yesterday evening.
I read it to your father right away. It made our day.
It's raining nonstop here, and I'm feeling very listless again.
I feel dead tired every morning. I'm better in the evenings.
Father wants me to change doctors, and Sylviane's been very helpful…
We had a nice visit Sunday with Judith and Simon…
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