Imagine you and your new husband have decided you must leave your country and start a new life in a foreign land, knowing that you will likely never see your family again. Not knowing where you'll end up or what lies ahead, as you ready to depart aboard the ship, you receive a letter from your Mother-In-Law. You have been warned that she already disapproves of the union, based on your religion alone, but due to the rather hasty circumstances of your courtship and departure, you never got to meet her. The letter becomes precious. It is read often over the years as a taste of home:
4 Hillgrove Place
Off Clarence Pt,
Cork
Friday 1st (sometime in 1922 - we believe)
My dear Rose
Just a line in answer to your note enclosed with the cake which I received quite safe. Well, my dear, I am sure you will have my every good wish for your happiness and prosperity. I am sure Joe will make a good husband he has always been a good son and I hope when we meet we shall be great
chums as Joe has been always more like a big brother and we are all the world to each other. We are all so sorry that we were not able to come over for the wedding but never mind girl, we shall soon meet and have a wedding all on our own. If the parcel post will run again from here before we go I shall send your present but I hope to be able to bring you something good when I come. Do send us a photo likea dear and I will get one of mine & send you. I expect you are as
longing to see what I am like as I am to see you. I am not a dreadful person as Joe will tell you. He was the one to get around me. You bet. Well dear you may thank God you and your people are left Limerick as all the place is in ruins and burned almost to the ground. Isn't it dreadful? We are nearly dotty with the explosions. Bombs & Firing day and night here. Now I must ring off as I am in a hurry for post and hoping to hear by return. Best love and may God Bless you both. I remain your fond and loving Mum & Dad, M. Webber. Tons of love from Billie Birdie Beatty also Peggy [ed. - the sisters]
