New York, July 25, 1938
My dear Puppiken, don‘t be alarmed because of the formal manner in which I am addressing you, nothing will happen to you, and I am only doing this to give the right frame to this birthday letter. When I write “dear Puppiken” otherwise, it is not meant in a less loving way. I am writing this letter with “steam”-- coming from the delicious cigars you sent to me via Mr. Meyer which I received yesterday and for which I thank you dearly. They are so delicious that they have already been decimated; they are very enjoyable.
But let’s come to the main point, the birthday wishes. There is no need for me to say that my wish is the most heartfelt one that a person can give to another, because you already know it. If I still express how much I wish for you to have only the best in your new life, that you may experience much happiness and continuous good health, I am only doing this to maintain the course of an old custom of saying something joyful to the person you love.
I have always had a feeling of warm sympathy for you, which over time, as we grew closer, changed to what is called love. It is actually too mundane for me to tell you, my young wife, in a letter that I love you, but since we are separated by 8,000 kilometers by circumstances, one could call them cruel circumstances, during our “honeymoon”, I have to tell you in writing something I would much rather tell you in person: that I love you dearly. Don’t be sad that we cannot celebrate your first birthday in our marriage together, our separation has been so long, and then we will catch up on our honeymoon that I hope and wish to be lasting for years. I thought I could send you the affidavit as a birthday present; but I won’t receive it until tomorrow and so I cannot include it because this letter will otherwise not reach the “Europa”. But I’m including a card on which you can see that the affidavit is finished. You could
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otherwise think I was giving you the runaround because I have often told you that it is almost time. You have no idea how much I had to chase these people down. I hope that my tomorrow, when I go over there, nothing has gone wrong so that we don’t have to start all over. I wrote to Schiffs that it is your birthday; I hope they will wish you well. They are so forgetful.
Last time, it was I who was the one who forgot to include Lise’s letter. I am enclosing it here.
I’m surprised that my mail, as you wrote recently takes 14 days despite the fact that I am paying close attention to the ships. I hope the same thing does not happen to this letter. How is the cooking coming? Don’t let it drive you crazy! I’m telling you this for the third time. Take it easy! Don’t work too much, get some rest. Before you leave, I think you should go to Nieheim for a few weeks to get some rest.
Francken still hasn’t written! There’s nothing else to report from here. My job is still alright! I always make 17-19 per week, which makes me very happy. I think you will celebrate your birthday a little,
thinking of your poor husband who cannot attend. I will toast to your health with a glass that evening. You will allow me to have one, won’t you? Be happy! Much love and 1000 birthday kisses from
your Fritz
Many thanks to all family members for sending their love. I am sending them my love in return.
