Elle Potter

PoPo’s Letter of Consent

My sister found this letter while snooping through our grandparents’ guest bedroom in Kansas City last week.  It’s from our grandma Janice’s father (Lawrence, AKA PoPo) to grandpa Marvin after he wrote to ask for Gramma’s hand in marriage.  Enjoy.

Bethel, Kansas

April 4 1953

Dear Marvin:

First: The answer is yes.  You have our consent to marry our daughter Janice.

I appreciate you asking us altho I’ve always felt that was up to the individuals being married and I never say no to any of my children.  If they were picking someone whom I was rather sure would not be compatible or circumstances were what I thought too hazardous I probably would try to influence them.

For that matter I guess we have trying to influence them since they were born.  Teaching them right from wrong, to be fair and honest, to judge those whom they come in contact, and avoid those who might have bad influence on them.  And if we have taught them to be fair to themselves and others (which probably covers about everything) I feel we have accomplished our part.

You asked about the good and bad.  Marriage is all good, no bad.  Man should take a mate, the birds do it.  It’s the way of life.  The bad is created by the man or wife or both or their inability to avoid it.

Marriage is always more or less hazardous.  Falling in love is hazardous.  That is why some people avoid it and become bachelors and old maids (no guts).

It’s just a chance a couple in love must take and if they are smart enough they can make go of it under almost any circumstances.

As Frances said – “You have our blessing” and our home will always be Janice’s home and your home as long as you are in good standing with her.

Sincerly,

PoPo Willard

P.S. This PoPo business will not be available to your children until after you are out of service.  Savy…

As an afterthought: May the Gods of Mercy be with you.  Sucker!

1

Needless to say, Em and I have both had some good cries after reading PoPo’s “lewis and clark” handwriting (as my sister described it).

Personally – I needed to hear the bit about love being hazardous.  To be in love is to take a chance, but I hope that one day I have the guts to really dive in.