My Dearest Lad,

Strange as it may seem, it is almost impossible for me to write this letter. Not that I am heartbroken about your decision altho like every Catholic mother to have one's son a good priest would be the supreme blessing; but one must have a true vocation to be a good priest.

To me it has always seemed that that was your vocation but in all great moments in life we stand alone, no one, not even your mother, father or anyone can live these moments for us and no one can make important decisions such as this except ourselves.

You have surely tried your very best to find out what your state in life should be. God grant you have found out and that you may attain that for which you were created. As far as I am concerned, I, in all humility, feel that I am not worthy to be the mother of a priest.

But with the help of Jesus, Mary and Joseph I will be the mother of an honest straightforward clean-living Catholic man.

Truly George was not so much surprised, only I thought of a different reason, that you flunked in your studies. Well your father thinks you have used good judgment given yourself a fair trial and as a matter of fact seem to be glad you will be here to stay.

I did not do as you suggested about waiting till the 15th to tell Elinor Edna Margaret & Brady. Louise & Virginia need not know till later, but it happened that Edna was the one to get the mail the day The letter came as George's letter are always family property she opened it, but of course, did not read it when she found it marked (Personal) but you can imagine how curious she and Margaret were, so I told them and the others except the two younger ones. Elinor said she's glad and they all are of the same mind.

This sounds as if it we're not glad to have you home but you know that is not so, only I can understand what agony of mind you had to go thru to reach your decision.

Well let's get down to the practical side of it. Will it be necessary for anyone to go out to get your things or will you need a truck or how do you plan to get everything together? Tell us first what to do when you write. You will need more money won't you? We will make plans for the future when you get home won't we?

It had been decided to keep the Xmas Tree up till you came home but it was getting too droopy so we took it down today.

Joe and Agnes Brady were here Sat night and of course asked about you, how long you would be home etc. I told them the boys were usually home about 10 days so I didn't fib.

Well George I know there is one of the family going to feel abused and that is Louise. She never got a chance to go out to see you.

I guess I will stop for now we will have a nice long talk some of these days about everything until then I will say Goodnight son. Pray for your mother as I will most surely pray for you.

Mom