This past weekend, browsing through a large collection of postcards at a flea market, I came across the one pictured above. On the back was a one cent stamp and a postmark dated “9pm Sep 15, 1916 Vandalia Mo.” The postcard was addressed to a “Miss Effie” in “Louisiana Mo.” Written in pencil, the missive on the back read as follows:
“Miss Effie… I thought I would wright you a few lines as I would like to have a date with you for sat night and bring a friend with me so answer sat morning. By By from a friend Walter…”
A few months shy of one hundred years ago, I wonder what became of Miss Effie and Walter? Did Miss Effie accept Walter’s invitation for a Saturday night rendezvous? Was it the beginning of a lifelong relationship with children and grandchildren; (and by now, possibly great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren)? Or was it perhaps the end of a relationship? Or was it a first date, or even a blind date, that never went any further? And who was the friend tagging along with Walter? And why was he (or she?) tagging along? Could it have been a business proposition of some sort? Could the friend have been code for something else? Perhaps a jug of homemade moonshine? Or maybe the love of Walter’s friend Jesus? Or maybe a veiled threat alluding to Walter’s friends Smith and Wesson?
There are so many possibilities, and as this week has progressed, I have discovered that I like not knowing. Even though whatever came of this, has already transpired, it is good to see the incalculable possibilities. Walter and Miss Effie lived out a succession of events after this 9pm September 15, 1916 moment in time; some impacted by choices they made, (together or separately), and others most certainly impacted by circumstance and factors beyond their control. In a sense, this unknown past, involving these two individuals, is a reflection of one’s personal unknown future as it is impacted by our choices and reactions in this moment. Walter and Miss Effie have reminded me to like the uncertainty of my moments and days to come. The mystery is kind of cool. And for those of you who have it all figured out, and know exactly where you are going and how you are going to get there; or even worse, if you believe you are already there; I am sorry for your loss.
