By Paul Kelly Roberts &
Paul Arthur Taylor
Here at Grow Me a Story we love to ask people “To what degree do you think we are born creative, with certain gifts? To what degree are we a product of our surroundings, such as family, culture, education?”
Recently, my mother sent me a hand-written copy of a letter that - perhaps - gives some evidence in that nature vs. nurture debate. It’s the first letter I ever received from my name-sake, Grandpa Paul Taylor. You would think I would have remembered such important correspondence, but the arrival of the letter seems to have escaped my memory. Coming as soon as it did after my birthday on Nov. 18, 1959, I suppose that can be overlooked. I’m so glad Mom kept it all these years, and I’m quite pleased to have proof that incredibly clever, witty, tongue-in-cheek, wonderfully silly writing runs in the family. You can enjoy the cleaned up copy below.
Thanks for everything, Grandpa.
***********************
Mr. Paul Kelly Nov. 24 - 59
Dear Sir Tuesday nite
Your application for member-ship into the Roberts-Taylor clan is being duly considered by the family lawyers. Due to the great distance from the C.D.A. Valley to the Boise plains it will necessitate quite a lapse of time and effort before we can acknowledge the validity of your being a boy as it had been plainly stated in the pre-birthday plans to engage a girl. As you must realize already parents have a habit of taking what they can get for fear they may be left out. It is our desire to see you personally and to talk over the serious facts pertinent to the case in point. In most instances close relatives have a habit of putting in such claims as “he has his fathers eyes” or “his mothers mouth.” Constant vigilance must be kept upon your behavior the first 21 years of applicants before they can be termed senior members of said company.
You must answer several questions regarding your intentions of dwelling in this the 20th century.
First: you must be very short with Mr. and Mrs. Burton Roberts as to such comforts as dry light weight under-things.
Second: Special liquid or juice cocktails every 4 hours spiced with cod liver oil (hair-restorer).
Third: Burping privileges next to silk dresses or suit coats.
Fourth: Cuddling by Grandmothers and Aunts only every 10 minutes.
Fifth: Sleep habits that differ with any one else in the house so you can check on the light footed father of the night time.
Just because you have a cute nose, large brown? blue? and black hair with ringlets don’t expect special favors from people you come in contact with. Some one may ask you to name your favorite pass time or hobby, under no circumstances are you to divulge your intentions with future company or incorporation phases of affiliation. It’s better they guess than profess that you are a child prodigy.
All kidding aside, this old grandpa is mighty proud to have a name-sake. I only hope that your life with Mom and Dad is a blessing that makes happy families happy.
Kiss Kent and Kevin for us and make sure the folks answer for you a few times until you become accustomed to this way of life.
Grandpa Taylor
Grandma Taylor
& Aunts and Uncle
**************************
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