Dear Josephine,
Or rather have me call you just Jo. I don’t know where to start, to be honest. I always feel I’m not who I am supposed to be in the terms of how others describe me. That’s why I am able to relate to you. Your never ending love for books, plays and pieces which you wrote, your bashfulness, and unapologetically being yourself.
I admire you for the energy and enthusiasm you possess. The way you take charge of things and the way you are strong and very brave when the times require. You make me feel that nothing is impossible if you set your mind and heart into it fully.
I felt it when you cried your heart out because out of anger Amy burnt your novel which you wrote. I felt the pain of your work turned into ashes, into nothingness and how it left a void in you enough to be aggressive on Amy.
It would have been difficult for you to forgive Amy and you felt that it was your fault when Amy fell into water from the rotten ice which broke but trust me, there was nothing you could have done. So there was this unnecessary blame which you made yourself go through. As your mother said just don’t let your temper get the most of you.
Marmee said that she should be exact the way she wanted you all to be. She should imbibe the virtues that she desired to see in you people. It seemed like a very big burden but you imbibed those virtues very, very well and it was very evident throughout your life journey.
Marmee said ‘one thing, remember my girls, mother is always ready to be your confidant, father to be your friend; and both of us trust and hope that our daughters, whether married or single, will be the price and comfort of our lives’. I could see from where you got your emotionality Jo. Marmee always reminds me of a mother who is very caring and affectionate yet, at the same time a mother who is very much responsible when it comes to help her children realise about how they are and what they are supposed to do.
I don’t know if you knew what Meg actually desired for but had to let them pass just so she can support you all in every small way she could. It was a heartbreak for Meg to let her wishes and desires die. But still she always stood strong as she, just like Marmee wanted you people to be strong.
You know Jo what’s the most painful thing in the world? I feel it’s when your siblings marry off and you don’t get to have the fun with them, the way you used to be around each other. Though I have only one elder brother, unmarried but I have cousins who are married and away taking care of their families. And it hurts sometimes thinking about how they are away and out of reach. But I also get nostalgic thinking of all the wonderful days and moments we shared.
I had my second bob cut when I was around 10 or 11 years old. I remember how I begged my mother not to take me to the barber. I cried all the way to that barber shop saying ‘mom I’ll be a good girl but please let my hair grow, please!’ and my tears non stop dropped from my cheeks. But my mom would not stop cause she knew it was for my own good. I cannot fathom how dare devil you were to sacrifice your hair like that for you father. I also know you didn’t regret it but still being young you adored your hair. I really do appreciate the way you did what you had to.
I knew, the moment you stepped into Laurie’s house you would turn the grandfather-grandson duo into good spirits with each other. No one else could have pulled it off the way you did. Cause both are very egoistic creatures yet very helpful and someone with a great creative and jolly mind, could only turn the events. I’m happy that Laurie’s grandfather learned to trust Laurie and Laurie learned to understand why his grandfather was so in cross with him.
I know, no amount of gratitude would ever be enough as you and your family reminds me how important it is to have relationships and being around people whom you love and who love you. Gone are those days when family used to be so loving and caring and affectionate. Gone are those days when children used to grow up quickly psychological when tragedy befell their families. I don’t complaint as this era has its own perks but it would have been more merry if that era of love was continued. It’s very fascinating to see how you got some luxuries from Laurence and how he found some level of familial ties by getting in touch with you people.
You grew with all your might, all your beauty and all your creativity. There were many storms to shake you and take you away with the wind but just like an old tree with deep roots you stood headfast and strong and also kept others the same way. It wouldn’t be any less if you are to be named as the woman of the year.
PS: How much I would have wanted to be a part of your so well established ‘Busy Bee Society’, I’m sure, I would have been an asset to it.
Yours truly
Admirer Pooja
Simplify things 