Well, Happy and Safe

Look, it’s fairly obvious: I’ve neglected this blog terribly for more than a year.

But in spite of that, readers out there have found it. I’m flattered, astonished and humbled by some of the comments that have been posted on this site by people who have seemingly stumbled upon it. In spite of the dust that’s gathered, they have still felt compelled to leave a note behind.

There was this one from Katheen Fairbrother, posted on one of my earlier items, in which she reminisced about the Bullard Company, where Babe had worked just before enlisting.

“Oh, the memories! I worked at the Bullard Co. for little over a year in 1965-6(?) and loved my job, the people and wouldn’t have left except my husband wanted to return to California,” she wrote. “I don’t know why I was thinking of the Bullard Co. today but it was nice to see someone else is interested in it. Thanks for the photo. I’d forgotten how big it was.”

You’re certainly welcome, Ms. Fairbrother.

Arnie Pritchard just wrote an amazingly detailed and careful note on a post I’d done about where Bob Hope had actually performed when Babe thought he was at Camp Wheeler during basic training.

” I’m writing because I may be able to help a little with the question about the puzzling reference to a Bob Hope show which according to your uncle happened on May 25, 1943, – which as you point out does not seem possible,” Mr. Pritchard wrote.

An author named Kirby Larson wandered by more than a year ago also, and commented on one of the preambles I’d written to put this blog in context. She flattered me with this comment: “I am thrilled at having found your blog and full of admiration, respect and appreciation for your efforts,” she wrote. “What you are doing will be of immeasurable help to writers and researchers. I am sorry for your family’s loss but so appreciate your willingness to share this slice of ‘Babe’s’ life.”

Ms. Kirby has six books to her credit; I can’t believe she took the time to comment.

Finally, and perhaps most poignantly, there is this comment from Jane Watkins, who is the daughter of Edith Delaney, a dancer for the USO who lost her husband in combat, but for whom the show went on. Ms. Watkins commented on one of the posts I’m most proud of on this blog, “The Heartbreaking Story of Edith Delaney, USO Tap Dancer.”

“I sat here reading your articles and letters and found myself being flooded with memories of my mother’s own retelling of these same events. I do actually have the newspaper of the Stars and Stripes with the story of her visiting her first husband Jack’s grave,” wrote Ms. Watkins, who noted in an email exchange with me that she was Edith’s daughter by her second marriage. “My mom also saw a clip of herself dancing at a USO Camp show while watching a PBS show not too long before she passed away and we tried to find it to no avail. I would love to see it too. Hearing your father’s letter was indeed heartwarming for me.”

It couldn’t have been any more heartwarming than reading your comments, Ms. Watkins. Thank you and everyone who has bothered to take the time.