JEAN B. BAKER
I commend you for this undertaking and I am happy to contribute.
Jean B. Baker
I met Nancy at the Bread Loaf School of English sometime in the 60ties. It was an instant love affair for me--and I don't mean as a gay woman. I found this little inch of a southern belle to be one of the most deliciously charming and brilliant young women I had ever met. We found each other and the others in Larch (our dorm). We had drinks by the well and meals together when we played games such as hink pink. (Nancy can tell you what a cowardly bird is.) She supported my appearances in every play, fell "in love" with a gay guy, who was to become one of my best friends, and who left this earth to go on stage for the Almighty recently.
I hope this is not to much information...jbb
Huretta's viewing- I was there, too. Spoke briefly with Nancy as there were so many friends of theirs there. Bob G took me in hand and I was able to speak briefly with Nancy and to say my last Hello to Huretta. I don't know if you know this or not but the two of them came to Maryville and I took them to a Lady Vols Basketball game. I swear it was one of the highlights of Huretta's life. She loved athletics. She said to me that she loved sports but her husband was the intellect and that Nancy took after him. She was putting herself down in a way. I didn't love that, of course. I have always suspected that the father was an intellect. I never met him, of course. I have only my meetings and phone calls with Huretta and my time with Nancy to assure me that Nancy's charm, concern for others, her pluck and her damned Tennessean spirit she got from Huretta.
Jean B Baker
mia culpa
(Latin for "my bad")
Many plans have been set for remembering Nancy. You guys have to know right now, if you have not known before, that I cannot make any of the services. I cannot be in Tennessee and I cannot be in DC and I cannot be in Mass for a special remembrance. But I will be there in my soul. I will be hearing you. I will sing!
Nancy said in her address to the Bread Loaf lovers assembled that I was not there due to failing health. It is true that my health is failing but it is not true that I am in failing health. Does that make any sense to you who love our language?
It is true, however, that I am not enjoying the best of health. I take a dozen or more pills each day, but as my doctor says, "I am doing a pretty good job of keeping you going."
I know that Nancy understood this place where I am because she sat in my chair.
We joked about it as I have written before, and we both knew that we understood how serious each of us (was) suffering. We just tried to assure each other that we loved each other and that we loved our country.
As usual, I have written beyond the scene More verbal diarrhea ..... I am trying to tell each of you why I cannot be there physically but I will be there spiritually-- I want you all to know that I want to be there at every function so that I can quietly shout my love for this little inch of a woman whom I call my dear, dear friend...jbb
