News from Home

Dear child. I received your letter and hope you will write often.

I hope you won't stay away too long and that you've found a job by now.

If you're doing well, we're happy. Even though we do miss you.

When will you be back? Everything is fine here, but Sylviane is home with the flu.

My blood pressure is low. I'm on medication for it.

Today is my birthday. I feel sad. It's quiet at the shop.

Tonight we're going out to dinner with friends. That's all.

Your birthday is coming up. I wish you all the best.

Write to me soon about your work, about New York, about everything.

Lots of love from the three of us. Your loving mother.

My dear girl.

I'm so glad you wrote back so soon.

Your letter made me feel much better.

I'm happy you're doing better.

Father enjoys it when I read your letters to him.

We're not angry that you left so suddenly, but keep us up to speed now.

I dream about you a lot and your letters really cheer me up.

Father and I work hard. The winter season is over.

Summer is coming. The weather is mild, I hope it stays that way.

My health isn't very good. I often feel hot and weak.

I thought it was just my age, but it's not. So I'm back on my medication.

Sylviane had the flu. She has gone back to school now.

Father has to lose four kilos. He's on a diet and takes medicine.

Other than that, everything's fine.

Sweetheart, we hope that everything will work out the way you want it.

Lots of love from daddy, Sylviane and the rest. Your loving mother.

Dear Chantal.

I sent you some summer clothes, because it must be warm there.

I hope I have the right address. I didn't receive a letter this week.

Last week three letters and this week none.

I hope you did receive my letters.

But sometimes it says New York 10025 on your envelope, other times 10027.

Which one is it? This summer, we are going to spend some weekends at sea...

...instead of going abroad.

I hope the shop will pick up a little.

We have already started with the winter collection.

The son of one of my nieces is studying medicine.

Why don't you go see his parents in the Bronx? They know you want to make films.

I hope you write back soon.

Lots of love from daddy, Sylviane and the rest. Your loving mother.

I sent some summer clothes to your last address.

Why did you move? I hope you get the parcel soon.

I already paid for the postage. I hope you won't have to pay anything.

If you need money, I can send you some dollars.

I hope the heat isn't bothering you too much over there.

Just buy a pair of good sandals. I'm sure you can find them there.

I hope you get through the summer alright.

I'm only receiving one letter a week. Please try and write more often.

Your letters cheer me up. We're proud that you're doing well.

Be careful when you go out on the street at night. New York is dangerous.

We're going to Knokke for a few days. I'm feeling very tired again.

I'm going to have another massage. Sylviane is taking her exams.

Dearest, your father and I send you big kisses...

Please write soon. Your loving mother.

And write to aunt Tonia some time.

Dearest. I got your letter. I was worried...

...because I hadn't heard anything for two weeks.

Did you receive the summer clothes? Please let me know soon.

I haven't heard from Colette, but I'll send you some dollars now and then.

What kind of work are you doing at that restaurant?

I'm glad you're learning English. That will come in handy.

Even so, I miss you and hope to see you soon.

Sylviane misses you too. At night she sometimes dreams you're back.

Tonight we're going to visit some friends. Everyone is tired.

Danny said to say hi. We ran into him at a dance.

It's too bad that...

She's feeling down. Jean-Pierre found someone else and wants a divorce.

She's at a loss what to do.

Dearest, please write often and let me know whether you got the parcel.

Lots of love and see you soon. From father, Sylviane and mother...

...and the rest of the family who often asks about you. Your loving mother.

Dearest, I got your last letter ten days ago.

I'm wondering what happened. I sent you twenty dollars.

Let us hear from you soon. You know how important your letters are to me.

Tonia is also curious to know how you're doing. Why don't you write to her?

We don't have much news. The summer wasn't very special.

But the next days will be very hot. The business is quiet.

Father is worried and I get bored a lot in the store.

Sylviane finished her exams and she often keeps me company now.

We don't do much in the evenings.

We watch TV a lot.

Dearest, we think of you a lot and hope you're doing well. Don't forget about us.

Kisses from daddy, Sylviane and your loving mother.

Dearest. I got your letter soon after I had written to you.

I'm glad everything is going well. But do write a little more often.

You're busy, but try and write some more anyway.

I understand you won't be coming back for now. I miss you a lot.

We celebrated Judith's birthday. I'll send you some photos.

Her speech is improving and she's starting to read. She's a real beauty.

Right away she jumped on daddy's lap.

Why did Lilly want to have a baby so soon? It's hard on both of them.

On July 18 we celebrated Sylviane's birthday. Without you.

I'm sorry, the most important thing is for you to be happy.

Lots of love from me and from daddy who misses you too.

Your loving mother who thinks about you often.

Dear child of mine.

I'm glad you don't have that job anymore and that you're liking New York so much.

People around here don't understand it. They think New York is terrible.

But perhaps they were too quick to judge.

I hope your new flat is affordable and isn't in a dangerous area.

What do you do for a living? Yesterday we went to Sonia.

We had a good time. We met new people...

...whom we invited to our house this Thursday.

Father has been very tired lately. He's been sleeping poorly and wakes often.

He has many worries. That's why the distraction is good.

I'm doing better, but there's always something.

Sylviane is really growing up. It's too bad she can be a bit apathetic.

I hope she doesn't turn out like my sister.

We are having a heat wave. I hope it won't last long.

I'm sending you a photo of Judith's birthday. Never mind the way I look.

Why don't you send us a photo?

Lots of love from all of us.

Big kisses and see you soon. Your loving mother.

Dearest girl. I wish I could finally give you a big hug again.

Judith wrote to you. She's hoping you'll write back.

Once again: Did you receive the 20 dollars I sent you a month ago?

Please answer my questions for once. For Heaven's sake.

Please try.

How are you doing? Where and with whom are you living? How much are you paying?

Do me a favour and go and see your uncle once in a while.

Eric and Chris had a little girl. They are overjoyed.

They have to find a bigger house. Chris has gotten a taste for it, she says.

Nothing much is happening here. Too bad you're missing Sylviane's birthday.

But as long as you're happy in New York, that's what's most important.

I don't expect to see you back anytime soon.

Should you need anything, just let me know.

I talked to Marilyn the other day.

She no longer likes her job.

It may be silly, this way she risks being fired, but it's up to her.

Just let me know what you want me to send with her.

Please write again soon. That's the important thing.

Father is always very happy when we get another letter from you.

Everyone is asking about you.

Darling, lots of love from me, daddy, Sylviane and the rest of the family.

Your mommy sends you a kiss.

My darling daughter.

I'm sorry I took a while to write back.

I received your screenplay. I think it's written very well.

Those people sure have a hard life. You really did a good job.

I hope you'll be able to shake up public opinion...

...about these social evils.

I'm enclosing 20 dollars, I don't dare send more. I'll send some with Marilyn.

Father had a dream about you last night. You were back and then you were gone.

He was sad all day. I wasn't sure how to help him.

Write soon. When he knows you're doing well, his fears go away.

Sweetheart, if only you knew how proud your father is of you.

If I had the money, I'd come and see you, but I'd have to win the lottery first.