My diary - May 30- June 1, 1972
- Susan Fisch Good
- Aug 9, 2024
- 3 min read
May 30, 1972 Tues
Dear Diary:
It’s mother day here in Nicaragua. Duffields are coming to dinner. We changed the dining set to the living room. Mrs. Coverstone came for a cup of coffee she missed Missy. We went to the Baltimore for lunch. Missy came to celebrate Becky’s graduation. We listen to the American Nic. School sing with my radio there. I had tennis lessons. I had Oscar & Ricardo sign my book. I watched T.V. Talked to Missy & Simmon. Duffields are here.
BYE!
Note: The Duffields were good friends of my parents. Mrs. Duffield was an artist. I have one of her charcoal drawings that she gave my mom. I would love to gift it to her family if anyone knows of their whereabouts.
We finally got to celebrate Becky’s 6th grade graduation at the Baltimore restaurant.
May 31, 1972 Wed.
Dear Diary:
Memorial day! Last year I was in the states already. Well this morning I walked 9 holes. Hows that for lazy me. I read newspapers. At 2:30 we went to the dentist. No cavities. None of us had any!! When we came home, Wait a second mom deserves an award! She drove downtown this afternoon to the the dentist. I went to Simmons house. Missy leaves tomorrow. I have to get up at 4:30! Yawn! I watched T.V. Wrote Missy 2 letters to read on plane.
BYE!!!
Note: Mom was not comfortable driving in Managua. She drove us to school which was a short distance from our house. The dentist’s office was downtown in the heart of the city.
June 1, 1972 Thurs.
Dear Diary:
Got up at 4:30 with a stomack ache. Dad made me drink a glass of milk which he shouldnt have. Mrs Grafft went to see Missy off too. Missy I think was the only one that cried. Many Americans left in her plane. Currin kids, Koones, Martha Ferrey etc. We went to Mrs. Coverstone afterwards. I threw up 2. Once on poor mom. I’m better cause of the milk. Went to Mrs. Hoars house to take her to beauty shop to have her hair tinted. She gave me a pair of sandals (white, bought for her mom but never gave them to her. Sleeped most of afternoon. Watched T.V.
BYE!!!
Note: A very sad day for both Missy and me. We had been best friends since I moved to Managua at age 9. (Well maybe not at first but soon after). Her life was changing drastically as she had never lived in the U.S. and had to adjust to a new school where she was the “foreigner.” We kept in touch - by letters, short phone calls when I was in the U.S. and in-person visits.
Missy flew out by herself and her dog Alfred. Alfred had a special wood carrying box made by her Dad. My Dad upgraded her to First Class for the long flight to Miami. He told her she could only let Alfred out once they were in flight. He howled and bellowed. Once in the air, she let him out and he proceeded to pee all over her. The flight attendants gave her wet warm towels to clean herself.
Poor Mama. I hate that I threw up on her. I was emotionally upset and drinking milk on an empty stomach was not a good combination. I have since experienced this with my own boys. Payback?
We only ever had 1 car in L.A. and dad drove it to work. Mom was afraid to drive, and there was really no need....large taxis were everywhere and cheap. She would take the maid to the market with her to interpret (in 10 years abroad, she learned one phrase: "Ana, café por favor!"
Transporting pets by air was a hoot. Back then they didn't have pet carriers (or were too expensive to acquire) so dad built a plywood box for our medium-sized poodle, with a bunch of 1" holes in the side for ventilation. Rabies was a HUGE deal back then so, the health department having verified all was in order, had 4 huge signs printed out (in Spanish),…
You had anxiety for sure over Missy leaving, I'm sure it hurt for awhile. That was nice that Alfred could travel with Missy and not be put in cargo. It's so nice you were able to keep connections with a few people from your time in Nicaragua. I often wonder about the lives of people I met while I was an exchange student in Guatemala. I mostly would like to restart communication with my exchange sisters. God has given us time in other places so we are more empathetic and led us to our careers in teaching Spanish and ELL - isn't that amazing? 💗
Think I met Missy and Alfred in Miami and she came to stay with me for a while in Sunshine Louisiana. Alfred had to get along with our Great Dane, Greta....
So thoughful of your Dad to upgrade her and Alfred to First Class! You too, were and are the most thoughtful friend - you wrote Missy two letters to read on the plane - wonderful. Thoughfulness runs in your family. Tootsie
Oh, what bittersweet memories, but how wonderful you and Missy are still friends and in touch. Funny about poor Alfred. He was just as addled I’m sure! Your sweet empathetic spirit shines thru in these entries. Love, Amanda S.