Anniversary Letter

Two parts of a letter (only pages 6 and 7. Pages 1 thru 5 are unknown whereabouts) written by John to his wife Cynthia while on tour with The Beatles in Los Angeles on August 23, 1965 - their 3rd wedding anniversary. John was expressing how much he missed Julian and not being able to spend the time together. Cynthia was away that month of August visiting her elder brother Charles in Libya. (I already covered that subject; check out the Label ➡ Libya) 

Many years later, after being published for the first time in Ray Coleman's biography Lennon, Cynthia sold this letter in auction. Then, some years after that, the owner decided to return it back in auction. This time Paul McCartney bought it. He had them framed and presented to Julian, much to Cynthia's delight. I wish I knew when Paul bought it from auction... Anyway, Cynthia wrote in her book John that this letter raises mixed emotions in her recent years. John may have felt genuine remorse in his absence, but old habits don't die easily. 

Just a week prior (August 15th), The Beatles performed Shea Stadium, the first music group to ever hold a concert at a stadium.

Letter Commentary: John Misses Julian

5 years ago, I posted a previous Letter Commentary about the Hamburg letter. Now that it's 60 years since this letter was written, I decided to do this again. I'll be "ripping" apart the letter to insert my commentary in between.

Where's pages 1 through 5?

Dot - Jarlett the housekeeper

Lil - Cynthia's mother

Bennie - maybe Dot's husband?

Tommy - I don't know

Jocky - I don't know but maybe John's chauffeur before he hired Les Anthony?

Whoever they all may be, they were constant visitors to the Lennon household and John was annoyed by them always being there preventing private family alone time.

While everyone could take a hike for all John's care, the one person he didn't want to send off was Julian.

I guess this is the point where John realized that Julian, being at the age of 2 years, was becoming a little man, having his own personality, and being more verbal.

I can't help but "Awwww" this part, without fail. This kinda gets to me the most.

The sad part of this part of the letter was that although I am sure John genuinely meant every single word he wrote on paper, unfortunately bad habits are hard to break. He went back to the cycle of being into his own little world, distracted, and wanted his ME time. I'm glad John acknowledged his regret of not being there for Julian - it certainly haunted him until his dying day. 

I love you very much. To Cyn from John ... Sounds like a greeting card or a present note of to & from. 27 kisses.

Charles was Cynthia's brother. At this time, Cynthia was in Libya. 

And John was determined for Cynthia to call him, was he?

Also, I wonder if anybody ever attempted to dial that number? By using California's area code. 

Joyful Mum

 

Sail Away