239 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean L.A.S. “Jean,” Oran, December 15 [1931], to his “Beloved Mother”; 3 pages, in-8 format, on letterhead from the Grand Hôtel d’Oran. Before his attempt to reclaim the world record for distance flown in a closed circuit (on December 29, the aircraft, which was too heavy, would crash). He hasn’t left yet: “We’ve been waiting for the moon, which is already starting to grow significantly, which might allow us to take off by the end of the week. I’m tired of waiting, of holding back. I won’t regret this year, which has done nothing but wear down my nerves without any results .” He thinks they’ll be reunited by Christmas: “A quick check of the engine if we succeed, and then we’ll head for Paris. Of course, we mustn’t let this idea make us do anything foolish and leave too soon”… Life in Oran isn’t cheerful: “I’d much rather be back home… or else in the big city”… He understands and shares his mother’s sorrows: “My dear Mom, above all, don’t doubt—I repeat—that I love you very much with all my heart. I’m still your son. My God, even if my character has changed through sheer willpower—to allow me to take my chances at happiness and success in this life and to build my life on foundations as fragile as human effort and thought—my core has remained the same, and I, too, suffer from so many things! But… I don’t want to suffer. I’m holding you very tightly in my arms.” Source: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down through the family