177 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean L.A.S. “Ton Jean,” [Buenos Aires, late 1928?] to his “Dearest Mom”; 2 pages, in-4, on Aeroposta tissue paper. On his future. He had just been “stranded in Chile for fifteen days because of the snow.” He had just returned, “and tomorrow I’m leaving for Asunción in Paraguay”… He then discusses his “change in life” and the “personal struggles” that will work themselves out over time. “Besides, I’ve set aside two years of freedom for myself. I cannot abandon the path I have charted for myself, at the end of which lies my goal. To complete my flight, to once again blaze a trail—through the reputation I will have established—toward other air routes, for the benefit of the Company; and then, well, I will have done my part, I’ll be approaching thirty, and I’ll accept the all in all enviable position that’s already been offered to me—one that will allow me a comfortable life with the prospect of being able to fly as I please. If I were to follow my impulse and give myself over to the other person, I wouldn’t wait. But accepting the responsibility for a life, for happiness under these conditions, is too heavy a burden—especially before my flight… which will be a success… oh, certainly, but which is, after all… socially speaking, if I may say so… a danger in the eyes of the uninitiated. That’s only natural. Besides, her parents don’t want to make up their minds just yet… they accept that we see each other discreetly, and besides, they fear for their daughter—for her happiness—given my way of life. But she accepts it—oh, certainly not with enthusiasm… but as long as she’d share it with me?! Yes, naturally. But I’m looking further ahead… I know the constant anxiety you live with, my dear Mom, and which she’s beginning to feel as well. Mom, I need the same courage I had when I left you to step into the uncertainty of a life that causes suffering to those who love you and surround you. I need the courage to be patient and to help others be patient”… Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family