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Fatherly pride
12 Lowell Road
Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts
Mr. Michael O'Farrell
227 Elm Street
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
November 30, 1940
Dear Son,
I suppose I am a bit old-fashioned, but I confess that I enjoy getting cards and letters from you even more than I enjoy your telephone calls. The telephone has its place; nothing beats it for quick communication. There is, however, something very satisfying about opening a letter and reading it, setting it aside and returning to it again. That just isn't possible with a telephone call, is it?
I am glad to hear you are enjoying your autumn in Stockbridge. The pace is quite different from the hustle and bustle in Boston, as you mentioned. I doubt there is a better place on earth for a man to get his thoughts together than Stockbridge. I know that the task of caring for your Grandma occupies a lot of your time and requires a lot of energy. I hope you realize how much I appreciate what you are doing, Son. I wish there were more I could do, but as I am sure you know, my job requires me to remain in Boston throughout the fall.
So you have discovered how much of a "workout" your muscles get from an afternoon of chopping wood, have you? I smiled when I read that, remembering the many, many days I spent doing exactly those kinds of things during my off-seasons. One of these days I will take a holiday from work, ride out to Stockbridge on the train, and join you on a hike through the hills. It will do my "old" legs a world of good!
I am also glad to hear that you and Eleanor are getting along so well. She is a sweetheart of a girl, and I think you would be a fool to let her slip away. I am looking forward to having her join us for Christmas, too.
Son, you must know how much I have worried about you; about the decisions you made and the paths you seemed intent on following. I want you to know how proud I am of you for turning away from the things that used to lead you astray. You have grown into an admirable man, and I know there is a connection between these changes you have made and your recent improvement as a pitcher. As a father--and as the general manager of your baseball club--I could not be happier with you.
I suppose I need to close this letter so I can get to the post office with it before it closes. The rain that has been falling all day has turned to sleet--I suppose it might be snowing in Stockbridge--so I will have to take my time. Give my love to Grandma and Grandpa, and I will see you in three weeks.
Love,
your Dad
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