Helen Keller Writes A Sympathy Letter: “I Am Exceedingly With You In A Loneliness And A Struggle Towards The Light Which I Too Have Experienced”

Book Description

TLS. 1pg. 7 ¼” x 10 ½”. February 2, 1942. Westport, Connecticut. A typed letter signed “Helen Keller” in purple pencil. She wrote to her friend Villa about the recent death of her husband Thurston: “After some days absence from home I find your nephew’s letter on my desk. I cannot tell you how distressed and hurt I am over all that has happened to you. It seems like a dreadful dream, I cannot realize it yet with the vivid, happy mental picture I have always had of you and Thurston together. I can only grieve with you in that accumulates suffering and pray for your renewed strength. My lonely heart understands yours, and I know how you will feel in a home bereft of your beloved’s actual presence. But you have ever met fate with an unconquerable spirit, and as the darkness lifts from your inner sight, faith and memory will bring Thurston back to you, yes, even closer than was possible on earth. According to your brave philosophy he has gone on to encounter more wonderful adventures, to acquire greater knowledge and do higher good unto his fellow-creatures. But why should I write thus when words bring no comfort at such a time? Only to let you know that I am exceedingly with you in a loneliness and a struggle towards the Light which I too have experienced. Perhaps you will sometime glance at the booklet, ‘We Bereaved’ which I am going to send you. If it gives you even one soothing thought, I shall be thankful. Polly [Thomson] was as shocked as I was when Mr. Curren’s letter came, and she joins me in tenderest sympathy.” When Keller is common in letters, she is scarcer in letters with personal content. There is some red staining to the bottom margin, leaving the letter in very good condition.

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