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True love calls for honor, self-sacrifice, and self-denial. Mature love is able to conquer this for the sake of the relationship. Immature love grasps for everything and thus—arms overfull—loses all in the end.

In your letter you say “I know that you and _____ have a great relationship and I don’t want this situation to blemish it or deny me of having a relationship with you …” If you truly mean what you say, then you will have no trouble doing what I ask of you: STOP. Because if you continue, you will just keep hurting my relationship with _____ more and more—it’s already been painfully blemished by your actions. And if you truly want to have a relationship with me (and I hope you do!) then again, the way to accomplish this is in one word: STOP. Do not continue the action you have taken—GO BACK! Stop and go back. That’s all I ask. If you are able to do this, then I will know that you really do care for _____. If you choose to ignore me, then I will know not to trust you. The decision is yours. I am so hoping to meet and talk with you more about this. I know that probably sounds scary to you! But how else can we understand each other if we don’t speak openly and honestly to each other?

I hope you don’t mistake my firmness for dislike. I want to like you to understand you. But you must remember one key thing: no one loves _____ more than I do! So I am just very concerned that you will do right by her, that you will honor and care for her.

I wish you well. I wish you peace. I wish you wisdom and God’s deep grace. Like ripples on a pond when you throw a stone—your actions affect all in it’s path. May your actions be brave and true.

With affection & respect—

(return to the letter)

11 June 69

My E,

On the occasion of my being made aware of the birth of our first born, a son, the biggest feeling within me was one of elation. But even more than that is the feeling of thanking God for you. You who make up my whole life, love, and reason to be. Just think, Ellen, we have a son. I love you so much. I’m so lucky to have you for my wife! I love our baby so much. I hope your mother isn’t too disappointed that it wasn’t Sara Beth, maybe next time! You’ll have to forgive me but I’ve been down the O-club for awhile and I’m a bit tipsy but I don’t care because I’m filled with so much for you I could bust. I wish I was with you now. I’m so proud! I passed out cigars and got handshakes and congratulations. Ellen I love you. I’ll write again as soon as I get back on the wagon. Oh how I love you My E. and my son Jack.

(return to the letter)

Peter J. Dougherty,

Chief of Police.

PALMERTON, PA., Dec. 22nd 1911

My dearest Lizzie—

I dont know whether you seen me this morning or not, I saw you by the drug store where you met Miss Weignant. I expect to go to bed this afternoon, So I must write to my Sweetheart first.

I just received three nice presents from the Kuiblers. I appreciate them very much as I did yours. Tomorrow I will give you your ring, I received it yesterday and had the jeweler’s wife take it to Allentown and have it engraved. So I will be there to put it on your finger tomorrow afternoon, I showed it to the folks here and they think it very pretty, Sallie said if I would give it to her she would be my wife. But Pete’s love is all for his dear Lizzie, and hopes to make her happy when he gives it to her.

Well dearest, I told my Mother of our engagement, My Sister had heard it in Palmerton Wednesday when she visited the hospital, She hadnt told my Mother, So I had to break the news. Now they all know it.

When I said I felt different I didn’t mean that I felt badly about it, I feel happier than ever I dont know just how the weather is going to be tomorrow, if it is like this it would be as well for you to take the 342 on the C.R.R. and go right through arriving at Reading 545. Then we could spend the afternoon at Lamareux’s. We can decide that tomorrow, Then I will not see my sweetheart for some time.

But my heart goes with her