30 October 1917 Edith to Stuart - Letter #14

Edith to Stuart
30.10.17
My Belovéd
I have kept you waiting a long time for an answer to the note you gave me on Friday, but I have been thinking a great deal about what you wrote. I wish I could help you in your difficulty; in fact, it would please me more than anything else to know that you were quite happy at home. But I do not see what you can do to make things better. I think that what is wanted now is a little effort on the other side; for no matter how much you try to make yourself sociable, you will not succeed, unless the others are willing to respond, even a little bit. When you are at home you should be yourself, as much as possible. It is often necessary, during the day, when you are out among comparative strangers, to stifle your own feelings, and to act in ways contrary to your nature. But you must let all this drop when you get home, and just be yourself. You might think it would be for the good of the others if you kept up the deception at home, and pretended to be some-one who you are not. But I am sure this is not right, for the continual effort would only lead, in the end, to bad-temper, or ill-health, or something else. Your home is the place where you are to rest, to let yourself go, and nothing will go right unless you do get enough rest. I do not only mean sleep, but rest in other ways as well. Even suppose you succeed in your efforts, and are “sociable” enough to please Gladys and the boys, there will probably come a time when you cannot keep up the deception, either through ill-health, or some other trouble, then, when you want their help and comradeship more than at any time, they will fail you, because they will find out that it is not you they like, but the person you pretended to be. Do as much for Gladys and the boys as you can, show them that you are interested in what they do, and the things they like, in short, be a loving older brother to them, and then – “just leave the rest to Him”.
I am glad that you have suggested “deep talks”, because I feel, as you do, that they would be very helpful. Only, it’s difficult to lead up to them, isn’t it? But I expect you know the way, or, if you do not, they will come naturally very soon. I think of many things I should like to talk about, but when we are together, they all go.
Now, Good-night, Belovéd, I wish this were a better letter, because you deserve better, but, perhaps I’ll learn how to write them some day.
Goodnight, Belovéd, Goodnight.

All’s Well

Is the pathway dark and dreary?
God’s in His heaven!
Are you broken, heart-sick, weary?
God’s in His heaven!
Dreariest roads shall have an ending,
Broken hearts are for Gods, mending
All’s well! All’s well!
All’s ---well!

Is the burden past your bearing?
God’s in His heaven!
Hopeless! – Friendless? – No one caring?
God’s in His heaven!
Burdens shared are light to carry,
Love shall come, though long He tarry.
All’s well! All’s well!
All’s ---well!

(c) DearestBeloved 2009