Tuesday evening.
I have some choice “Theragran” vitamin-mineral mixtures for you in capsules – the first time there is a chance to give them to you. Mostly B complex to go with the C vitamins you already have. I think the Theragran pack heads the list in professional esteem.
My darling Patricia:
As I told you over the phone, your carnation – and mine looks at me from across the table, so I was prompted to toast it and you, as follows:
“To Patricia “Carnation” Carpio – As lovely as any flower that grows;
As bright and fresh, as upstanding;
And as inspiring to me, to one
Who loves beauty, sincerity,
Strength of purpose and loyalty;
And who treasures your trust and friendship.
May they continue to grow, burgeon,
And enrich both our lives
Till one or both of us merge into eternity”
You have made me very happy of late – That most enjoyable & leisurely dinner at El Sol, the delightful dinner that you cooked here; the Chinese dinner at you apartment today – They all brought me your exciting company, your verve and sparkle – even today though you looked wan when I first saw you. Knowing you, sharing with you so much of beauty and activity (even though much of my sharing has been vicarious) has given again to me a sense of purpose that I came near to losing when I lost Neva. And all of this justifies, for me at least, the special place I have reserved for you in my heart and my affections – the place I feel such an honor and a privilege to be permitted to reserve. But when I hear the life & lift in your voice see the intentness in your face & your dancing eyes, the [illegible] that your wearing confers on the beautiful house coat (or robe), and receive from you a kiss on the cheek and an affectionate little hug – I know that your response to me is as real as mine to you. You can’t be other than sincere & genuine – and I care not what others may think in their clouded minds.
You told me while back, when I [page 2] showed gratefulness for the pleasure of you companionship & the sharing of intellectual interests, the community of enthusiasms that both of us contribute – “Well, you see Carl, I need this too.” I was thrilled by this remark of yours for it to declared that you are real, and genuine, and fine, and I felt again pride in our relationship.
Today I was truly happy &pleased to be able to do a few things for you – as I was unhappy over seeing you ill and wan and especially because I had not called you last night – for once again, when you needed me I wasn’t around. Perhaps today in part made up for my disappearance last night. Anyway, via the phone, I think I’ll try to check in on you daily some time hereafter. When you are in, you’ll give me the cue on which to react, and when you are out I’ll feel you are all right because you are able to be out and I trust your control of social situations & company. I was happy that you were able to have such a good time dancing Friday night, but you’ll have tell me who this other Carl (or Karl?) is & what he teaches, where.
Well, you see – you put me in a bubbling mood for the evening though until a few minutes ago, I was laboring on school work – checking on outlines of what I plan to talk about in tomorrow’s classes (In. Philos. of Science – the problems of definition & the different ways in which things are defined – according to their nature and what we know – much or little – about them and in Ent 50 the comparison of the characteristics of the various “classes” of arthropods: insects, arachnids, crustaceans, etc.). I also made up two Greensheet quizzes – one for each class.
And now I’m to the end of my “bubbling space” & must close so I can slip this inside your door before I turn in. By now you should be sleeping soundly & gaining more of the beneficent rest you need to put you in tune for your busy weekend. I’ll watch you with pride during the symposium – pride in the important job you’ll be doing - & I’ll hope for an occasional smile – but that is all. Maybe next week we can talk about it all. – Goodnight & much love
Carl.
Dr. Carl Duncan and Patricia Whiting Collection (SJSU)
