Debbie Macomber - Between Friends

Dear Friends,

Its become tradition for me to write a letter to my readers with each book. Generally I explain where the story idea came from and add a few pertinent details. Im not going to do that with Between Friends.

This story is unlike anything else Ive written.The format is unique. I think the characters are perhaps the strongest and most compelling of my twenty-year writing careerand I hope youll agree. Lesley and Jillian have been best friends their entire lives.They learn from each other, support and encourage each other.Theyre the best friend you had in high school and have never forgotten.Theyre baby boomers, like many of uslike every woman who grew up in the 50s and 60s. If that wasnt when you grew up, perhaps your mother did or an older sister or a friend.Whether Lesley and Jillian reflect your own experience or that of someone close to you, I think their lives and times will have meaning for youas they do for me.

No project has touched me the way Between Friends has. Youll understand why I say that when you meet Lesley and Jillian. And so, my friends, laugh, cry... remember.

Watch for the newest novel from
DEBBIE MACOMBER

SUSANNAHS GARDEN

For all the wonderful women who have graced
my life with their wisdom.

My motherConnie Adler
My auntsBetty Stierwalt, Gerty Urlacher,
Paula Malafouris, Betty Zimmerman
and Lois Munson
My mother-in-lawMarie Macomber

194

a Pine Ridge Herald a

BORN SEPTEMBER 1, 1948

Adams, Mr. & Mrs. Charles, 112 Folsom Avenue, boy

Adamski, Mr. & Mrs. Michael, 220 Railroad Avenue, girl

Burns, Mr. & Mrs. Harold,
456 North 3rd Street, boy
Franklin, Mr. & Mrs. Oscar,
33 Main Street, boy
Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Gary,
743 Weeping Willow Lane, girl
Lamb, Mr. & Mrs. Dolphus,
809 South 8th Avenue, boy

*** September 10, 1948

220 Railroad Avenue Pine Ridge, Washington

Dearest Momma,

I thought you should know Mike and I had a baby girl on September first. I realize Daddy said I wasnt to contact either of you ever again, but I felt youd want to know you had a granddaughter.

We named her Lesley Louise and she weighed 8 pounds. Lesley because it seems like such a pretty name and Louise after you, Momma. Mike wasnt home to take me to the hospital, so Gertie Burkhart, who lives next door, drove me. My labor took almost twenty hours. I thought I was going to die, but all that pain was worth it the first time I got to hold my daughter. Shes a beautiful baby, Momma. She has your nose and Mikes forehead, with soft wisps of blond hair. I think her eyes are going to be blue, but the nurse told me we wont be able to tell until Lesley is six weeks old.

I wonder what the future holds for my baby girl. Will she grow up to be smart and pretty? Will she have a chance to finish high school? Dare I dream that one day shell go to college the way I always hoped I would? Mike says asking questions like that is a waste of time. Still, I cant help wondering if those were the same questions you had when I was born, Momma. Did you love me as much as I love my baby? Im sure you did and I cant believe you no longer love me now.

Mike and I are doing all right. We live in Washington Stateit seems so far away from Mississippi. Were renting a two-storey house and Mikes uncle got him a job at the lumber mill. Hes working lots of hours and Ive been putting a little bit aside every week for when the mill shuts down, which it seems to do on a regular basis. Unfortunately, Mike was so excited the night Lesley was born that he got drunk and was arrested. I had to use the money Id saved to bail him out of jail.

I miss you, Momma. Im not any of those ugly names Daddy called me.

If I dont hear from you, then Ill accept that you agree with Daddy and want nothing more to do with me. When I look at my baby, I dont think of the circumstances that led to her birth. What Mike and I did was a sin, but were married now.

Lesley is a beautiful child, created in the image of God. Thats what Father Gilbert said a child is, and I believe him. I hope youll love her despite everything.

Your daughter,

Dorothy

***

Mrs. Leonard Lawton 2330 Country Club Lane Pine Ridge, Washington

October 12, 1948

Dearest Aunt Jill,

I regret taking so long to answer your letter. After waiting fifteen very long years for a child, one would assume Id be better prepared for the demands of motherhood. I had no idea an infant would take up so much of my time and energy. Im months behind on my correspondence and can only beg your indulgence.

Jillian is truly our joy. As you know, Leonard and I had given up hope of ever having a child. Were both convinced her birth is a miracle and we are so very grateful. I know how pleased you are that we named her after you, but youve been a mother to Leonard since his own dear mothers death. Without you, he wouldnt have any memories of her.

Leonard is thrilled with his daughter. Every night he rushes home from court in order to spend time with her. Shes already standing on her own and it looks as if shell be walking soon. Im afraid Leonard must bore everyone at the courthouse with photographs of Jillian. In his eyes shes the most brilliant, precious child ever to appear in this world. She has deep blue eyes and dark brown hair and a cheerful, happy disposition. She loves listening to the radio; her favorite show is Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Leonard claims its really my favorite show, and Jillian gives me the perfect excuse to listen. One show she doesnt likeI think it scares heris The Lone Ranger. Every time she hears the music she buries her head in my skirt.

Thank you for recommending Eleanor Roosevelts book This I Remember. Ive ordered it from the library, but my reading has been severely curtailed since Jillians arrival. Ive been making an effort to read during her afternoon nap, but the problem is, I usually fall asleep myself. With her teething, I havent slept an entire night in weeks. The poor child is having a difficult time of it, but the pediatrician assured us everything is normal.

Leonard and I are delighted that youve accepted our invitation to spend the Christmas holidays with us. Jillian will surely be walking by thenand sleeping through the nights!

Ill write again soon. Give our love to Uncle Frank and everyone.

Yours truly,

Leonard, Barbara and Jillian

195

Mrs. Leonard Lawton 2330 Country Club Lane Pine Ridge, Washington

January 4, 1955