Love Letters

By Larrywomack.com

September 15, 1956

Dear Patsy:

This is the first letter I have written anyone since starting college.  Everything is going well.  My teachers are all interesting and I like them all -much more than those at the high school (especially Mrs. Woodard).  I hope she’s gone before you become a senior next year.

It is very lonesome here without you.  Sometimes at night I go for walks around the campus and think about you.  When I look at the girls here (I try not too, ha, ha,), I always see you in the back of my mind.  None of them are as pretty as you.

I hope you think about me a lot.  Please send me a letter to let me know if you do.

I really enjoy my music classes.  My advisor suggested that I follow a course study to become a high school band director like Mr. Webb.  I don’t want to be a band director.  But they say as a professional musician, I might need something one day to fall back on.

The day I left, I stopped by your house to give you the album for the movie Picnic.  Since you weren’t there, I put it behind the screen door.  Did you find it?

I really like the way they mixed the song Moonglow with the theme from the movie.  I think it will be a big hit.  Don’t you?  I hope you like it and every time you listen to it you will think of me.

Stay away from all those wild boys at the school.  They are just looking for trouble, if you know what I mean?

Write to me soon.

XXXX/OOOO, Larry

PS:  Put a lock of your hair in the envelope when you send me a letter.

 

October 21, 1956

Dear Larry:

Sorry it has taken me so long to write.  Besides school, my grandmother has been very sick and I have been helping her.

Thank you for the album.  I really like it and I do think of you when I listen to it; especially the Moonglow/Picnic song.  It is very beautiful and you were very sweet to send it to me.

I am glad you like college but I don’t believe you that there are no girls there prettier than me.  I wear the ID bracelet to school everyday.  Thank you for it as well.

School is about the same, except for you walking me to class.  Let me know when you plan to come home.

Yours truly,

Patsy

 

November 14, 1956

Dear Larry:

I know I have fallen behind in my letter writing but I have been very busy lately.

You must be coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so there is something I need to tell you now.

I have started going steady with someone here at school, so I won’t be seeing you over the holidays.  Please don’t try to contact me.  It will create an awkward situation for us both.

You are a very nice boy.  I will cherish our memories and always think of you when I hear certain music.

Sincerely,

Patsy

 

June 20, 1960

Dear Nancy:

I looked for you at graduation.  Were you hiding from me?  I’m sorry for all the mix up about the prom. What I did was stupid.  I hope you will forgive me.  I don’t know what got into my head.  I don’t even really like that girl I took.  We didn’t have a good time, if that is any consolation.

Marie gave me your address and said that you would be teaching school in Nashville.  I am leaving in a few days for Los Angeles.  Do you remember the famous trumpet player, Don Jacoby, who played the concert with our college Jazz Orchestra?  He said that if I would come to wherever he was when I graduated, he would find me a job singing with a band.  David Hall and I are driving to LA for me to take him up on the offer.  Maybe you’ll see me one day on the Ed Sullivan Show.  I hope so.

Please write to me to let me know if we can get together when I visit Nashville. I really would like to see you.

Love,

Larry

 

June 26, 1960

Dear Larry:

I am pleased at your good fortune.  I am happily dating someone here in town.  I do not want to see you but I no longer harbor any bad feelings towards you.

I must tell you, however, that I think you are the nicest person I have ever known.  Even with the problem about the prom, I think we could have worked things out if you were willing to become a member of the Church of Christ.  I know you are happy in the Episcopal Church, so I’m sure that it would never happen.

I’m also sure you will find someone to love you.  It shouldn’t be a difficult task for you.

My best,

Nancy

 

August 12, 1962

Dear Larry:

I had no idea I would miss you this much.  If I had, I wouldn’t have come with my girl friends to Florida.  The things we do seem so silly now that you are in my life.  Last night we went bar hopping, they called me a party pooper for the first time in my life.

Though we have only known one another for about a month, it seems that we have been together forever.  Maybe that’s because we’ve seen one another almost every day since we met.

I can’t believe I have six more days here.  I will try to call you on the 15th around 2 PM.  Please be at home.  And, sit down and write me a letter right now; go to the post office; and mail it right away.

I love you,

Diane

 

August 15, 1962

Dear Diane:

Your letter came this afternoon while I was at Bill’s house at band practice.  I‘m sorry wasn’t here when you called.  Dad said he told you where I was.  It would have been wonderful to hear your voice.

Try to have a good time while you are there.  We’ll have plenty of time with one another when you return.  I do, however, miss you more than I can express in a letter.

I miss your sweet little smile, your beautiful tanned body (I’ll bet it will look even better when you return); and your sweet squeaky little voice.  I may miss that the most.

I’m have trouble sleeping so I keep playing Ketty Lester’s “Love Letters straight from your heart” over and over again.  I’m sure my dad and my brother must think I’m crazy.

When you return, I want to talk to you about helping me write a novel.  As you know my spelling and punctuation are awful but I have some great ideas that I think would be worth reading.  I could write it out in a notebook and you could type it and fix it for me.

Since meeting you, I don’t want to go back on the road again with my band.  I need to find a way to make a living so I can be close to you all the time.

No more trips to Florida without me.  Promise?

I drove by your house yesterday and your sisters were sunning in the front yard.  I stopped and talked to them for a few minutes.  Your family is very nice.

Try to call me again when you have a chance.  I want to hear your sweet squeaky voice.

I love you,

Larry

PS:  WKDA just hired me to do some “wild tracks” – those little bits that DJs play between songs – using some of my voices and imitations.  I don’t know if there is enough money in that to support a wife.  (Just kidding . . . for now.)

 

June 10, 1989

Dear Molly:

I hope everything is going well for you in LA. I understand why we both got a little testy anticipating your departure.  Diane even noticed it in my demeanor.  The past two years with you as my friend have been more meaningful than I ever expected from a relationship outside my marriage.

I know just how fortunate I am to have a wife like Diane, who tacitly allowed me to get close to you.  We love one another very much.  And though our relationship made her uncomfortable at times, she was never concerned that it would have any long-term effect on it.

I also know just how fortunate I am to have you for a friend.  I will love you always and whenever you need me, I’ll be there.

Remember the same moon you see in LA is the same moon I see here.  Think of me whenever you chance upon it and I will do the same.

Love always,

Larry

 

January 15, 2004

Email to: Molly

I got your email about a month ago but at that time my mind was elsewhere.  We found out last May that Diane had cancer (of unknown origin) that had metastasized to her liver and that she had only months to live.  She died a few days ago.  I have written several vignettes about her that are posted on my website that I want you to read before contacting me.  I don’t know what will happen next.  I’m sure I’ll thrive.  I always do.  Thanks for always being there.  Love, Larry

 

March 1, 2005

Email to: Molly

You have been so sweet and helpful to me this past year.  Please thank your husband for allowing you devote this energy to me.  He must be a special person.  I recently posted a short narrative of our time together sixteen years ago.  Read it and if it makes you uncomfortable I will remove it.  I’m thinking about signing up on eHarmony or Match to find someone interesting to date.  I want you to review my profile.  Love, Larry

 

March 8, 2005

Email to:  Larry Womack

I truly don’t know what to say. Hmmm. Lots of thoughts are flying around. Well, first, the story about me on your website is a beautifully written expression of your thoughts and feelings about us. (But we knew you could write, now didn’t we?)

Second, I’m hoping not everybody in the world reads this piece, since it feels kind of personal. (Do you think this is how Barb Streisand feels when people write books about her?) And I guess, last, it was wonderful to relive some of the moments of our relationship and see them through your eyes. It is a beautiful writing. Funny too. I had forgotten “the secretary part”. You are too much Larry Womack. I’m lucky to have you in my life. Don’t ever leave it, OK?  Thank you for immortalizing me (or is it de-moralizing me?(:) in print.  Love, Molly

 

March 14, 2005

Email To:  Molly

I have removed the story from the site.  It was a delightful experience writing it.  We need to talk again soon.  I’m not having a good time with the women I have been able to attract.  I registered first on Match.com and that has been a hoot.  It is amazing how many Aunt Bees read my profile and see something entirely different than what I wrote.  Some have even chastised me for being too demanding.

Though I, early on, suggested that you and Diane had set very high standards for me, it is becoming painfully true that I have been totally spoiled.  There have been several ladies who possessed attributes that I liked, but even those with the social amenities I prefer don’t seem to measure up.  I’m about to conclude that my quest to find companionship with someone with social skills, a brain, enthusiasm, and a sense of humor is pointless.

It is amazing to me how many people reach a point where they are no longer curious about life or open to living it.

Both you and Diane continued to educate yourselves and to grow. She studied Spanish, so she could better communicate with the people who came by her desk in the courthouse; she learned to rollerblade, took computer courses; studied interior design; and even read books on how better bring me more joy and pleasure.

She, like you, was always interesting and new, and not just to me but also to others who were fortunate enough to experience her presence; just like those who experience you.  I have date five women and not one of them has worn a dress or skirt or high heels.  What’s up with women these days?  Lots of them have been willing to try foods and drink that they’ve never had but it would be nice to just once go out with someone who is already aware of calamari and wasabi!

 

March 20, 2005

Email to: Larry

Dear sweet, adorable, Larry.  Let me start by saying, I love you. You are so cute. I love your mind. (Perhaps that’s not what you had intended, but we won’t go there today, OK?)

You have re-discovered (you always really knew it) one of the great epiphanies of life…….there aren’t very many soul mates out there! But if “they” were everywhere, then they wouldn’t be as treasured and as valuable. Nor would they be worth the effort to seek out. Since you and I have only found one or two in our total lifetimes on this earth, that tells you how few there are.

Having said that, you now see that dating only five women is just the start of the journey. I think your universe is somewhat limited in Nashville…….you, like me, aren’t a Nashville guy; not really. You are worldlier than Nashville, so the women that you have to choose from are of limited sophistication and experience. There is a whole world full of great women out there; you just have to be where they are. Call World Wide Moving today and set an appointment.

I like the comparison with Diane on all levels……thank you, I’m flattered. And real women, love their men, so reading books on how to improve is an important pursuit!! If more women did so, there would be more happy men in the world!!!

You make a good point about always wanting to learn new things and to be interested in things. Interesting people are interested in “stuff”, that’s always been so. I would worry, however, about a woman over 25 who doesn’t know about Calamari!!! And the next time you hear someone say that you are too demanding, that’s your queue to say “thanks for your time” and leave. A definite sign that this isn’t your kind of gal.

Larry, don’t get discouraged by this. You are going through the painful stages of grief, loss, loneliness and searching for a companion. All major tasks, but doing it all simultaneously is overwhelming. You will find the right mate, you are too special not to. It just has to come in its own time. (Something about “planets in alignment” or some such Deepak-Chopra-D.Phils. crap.)

I’ll try to reach you via phone in the next day or so, we can make a plan of action.

 

August 8, 2005

Email to: Molly

You were right.  I found her on eHarmony!  Her name is Linda and I will love her always as I will you and Diane.  She is smart, beautiful, and a joy to be with.  She has all your important qualities (except for the height) and all of Diane’s important qualities, except for the patience.  And as you know as well as anyone, I take a little getting use to.

Here is an excerpt from an email she sent to her sister about us.  Read’em and weep!

Larry and I are doing great.  I have never been loved or loved anyone else like the love we share.  I now know what it is like to have a relationship that is so unique to the two people involved that no one else can ever really understand.  And I don’t feel the need for anyone else to “get it”.  He knows me better in the 6 weeks we have been together than any other man ever knew me.  He sees my vulnerability and loves me anyway.  I was never secure enough in any other relationship to allow my vulnerabilities to be known, so I put up this strong and independent facade. 

Larry has seen right through that to my core.  He has a way of telling me how and who I am that just disarms me and makes me feel very secure with him.  Additionally, we are very passionate with one another.

So, what more can I say?  I have found the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. I know it is quick to come to that conclusion, but we have spent so much time together and shared ourselves and bared our souls to one another that we have compressed the years of our lives into 6 weeks.  Obviously, we don’t know everything about each other, but we know the important things and all the rest will come out over the years and keep our lives interesting

He is a great storyteller.  Have you gone to his website to read some of his writings? Especially those about his deceased wife, Diane. He definitely has the ability to keep me entertained and interested. He is mentally stimulating and I can learn so much from him.  On the other hand, he thinks I am smart and beautiful.  He loves my smile and the way I think.  He said he never thought he would have a trophy wife (meaning a beautiful woman he can show off).  Geez, I never in my life thought someone would think I was trophy wife material!!!!!  Another thing that I find very interesting is that Larry said one of the next road trips he wants to take with me is to go to Indiana and let me show him where I grew up.  He wants to know my roots.  I don’t think I’ve ever had a man who wanted to know my family roots.

 

November 10, 2005

Email to: Jane

I awoke this morning just the same as when I went to sleep – thinking of you.  Though in no way that diminishes my love for Diane, you have overtaken my thoughts during my daily routine.  I think about our first night together – Shaker Village.  You were so beautiful eating that oatmeal cake at midnight. I knew in that moment that I could never live without you.  Life with you is going to be fabulous.  I know we are both committed to making it so.

I’ve bought the tickets to share you with my family in West Palm.

Have a good day at work and I will have dinner waiting after six.  Call me on your way home.  L/L

 

July 1, 2006

Email to: Jane

You are right about one thing.  That last email was not from the Jane I fell in love with.  I fell in love with the Jane who allows herself to be open and vulnerable.  You changed, not I.  Our breakup has nothing to do with Diane.  She is dead.  It has everything to do with you.  You always had the transition relationship thing in the back of your mind as an exit strategy, just in case you felt commitment coming on. The selfish Jane is just a cover for your unwillingness to let yourself be loved because you’re afraid the person will let you down like your husband and father and maybe others.  I almost broke through.

It is much easier to place your love in things.  There is less chance they will let you down.   I will always love you, Jane, and hope that someday you’ll take off the selfish mask once again and know the joy of intimacy, commitment, and mature relationship. Didn’t it feel great?  Things eventually lose their luster. Love lives on.  L/L

To be continued . . .