Between Friends Read online

  Praise for Between Friends by #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Debbie Macomber

  “In this heartwarming, often heartbreaking story, Macomber explores the depths of girlhood friendships that stand the test of time…Macomber captures the magic of the special bond forged among women.”

  —Times Record News, Wichita Falls, TX

  “Macomber’s latest traces the lives and friendship of Jillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski through their letters, diaries and other correspondence…. Both women experience loss, from men to dreams, but through it all they remain the truest of friends for 50 amazing years. Bestselling Macomber…sure has a way of pleasing readers.”

  —Booklist

  “A compelling story… Between Friends is an example of how [Macomber] demonstrates the ability to see beyond the souls of women and perfectly express their emotions, values and concerns.”

  —The Sunday Oklahoman

  “In a story told entirely through letters, newspaper articles, receipts and other forms of the written medium, these women’s lives are laid open, and the history of our country is seen at the same time. Follow these women through love, loss, triumph and tragedy. I guarantee that you will absolutely love the trip.”

  —RT Book Reviews

  “This book reveals the power of perhaps the truest earthly love, that of friendship, to endure and sustain. This is the kind of book you buy for a friend to tell them how much they mean to you.”

  —Romance At Its Best

  “BETWEEN FRIENDS is an insightful look at five decades of America through the eyes of two friends living totally different lifestyles as the country goes about its changing business. These two wonderful female characters empower readers to see Debbie Macomber at her best as the dynamic author provides a powerful look at the American half century….”

  —ReadertoReader.com

  February 2011

  Dear Friends,

  I’m excited to see Between Friends in trade format. In my almost thirty-year history as a writer, this is one book that stands out for me, one story that holds a special place in my heart. If I had to explain why I feel it’s special, I would say that’s because it’s my life story, my dearest friends’ life stories, the story of many women in my generation. Jillian and Lesley are perhaps two of the strongest, truest characters I have ever written. They are what friends are meant to be. They learn from each other, encourage and support each other. They epitomize what it means to have grown up in the ’50s and ’60s.

  That said, take a good look at the photos. In the first one, my best friend from high school, Jane Berghoff McMahon—or as my granddaughters would say, my BFF (best friend forever)—is pictured with me. This was taken the summer between our junior and senior year in high school. Jane was seventeen and I was sixteen. The second one is the two of us a couple of years ago. Jane and Debbie—then and now.

  Although this book is almost ten years old, I believe the story is as poignant now as when I wrote it. You’ll see that I’ve added an epilogue bringing you up-to-date on what’s happened in Jillian and Lesley’s lives in the past decade.

  Please enjoy Between Friends and let me know what you think. My hope is that it bears some similarity to your life or that of your friends—or perhaps your mother’s. As always, I enjoy hearing from readers. You can contact me either through my website at www.DebbieMacomber.com or by writing me directly at P.O. Box 1458, Port Orchard, WA 98366.

  Warmest Regards,

  DEBBIE MACOMBER

  BETWEEN FRIENDS

  For all the wonderful women

  who have graced my life with their wisdom.

  My mother—Connie Adler

  My aunts—Betty Stierwalt, Gerty Urlacher, Paula Malafouris, Betty Zimmerman and Lois Munson

  My mother-in-law—Marie Macomber

  Contents

  1948

  1955

  1959

  1962

  1963

  1965

  1966

  1967

  1968

  1970

  1973

  1974

  1976

  1978

  1980

  1982

  1986

  1989

  1991

  1993

  1997

  2000

  2001

  2002

  Epilogue

  1948

  * * *

  Judge and Mrs. Leonard Lawton

  2330 Country Club Lane

  Pine Ridge, Washington

  Joyfully announce the long-awaited

  Birth of their daughter

  Jillian Lynn Lawton

  On

  January 15, 1948

  6 lbs, 3 oz.

  19 inches

  * * *

  Pine Ridge Herald

  BORN SEPTEMBER 1, 1948

  Adams, Mr. & Mrs. Charles,

  112 Folsom Avenue, boy

  Adamski, Mr. & Mrs. Michael,

  220 Railroad Avenue, girl

  Burns, Mr. & Mrs. Harold,

  456 North 3rd Street, boy

  Franklin, Mr. & Mrs. Oscar,

  33 Main Street, boy

  Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Gary,

  743 Weeping Willow Lane, girl

  Lamb, Mr. & Mrs. Dolphus,

  809 South 8th Avenue, boy

  September 10, 1948

  220 Railroad Avenue

  Pine Ridge, Washington

  Dearest Momma,

  I thought you should know Mike and I had a baby girl on September first. I realize Daddy said I wasn’t to contact either of you ever again, but I felt you’d want to know you had a granddaughter.

  We named her Lesley Louise and she weighed 8 pounds. Lesley because it seems like such a pretty name and Louise after you, Momma. Mike wasn’t home to take me to the hospital, so Gertie Burkhart, who lives next door, drove me. My labor took almost twenty hours. I thought I was going to die, but all that pain was worth it the first time I got to hold my daughter. She’s a beautiful baby, Momma. She has your nose and Mike’s fore head, with soft wisps of blond hair. I think her eyes are going to be blue, but the nurse told me we won’t be able to tell until Lesley is six weeks old.

  I wonder what the future holds for my baby girl. Will she grow up to be smart and pretty? Will she have a chance to finish high school? Dare I dream that one day she’ll go to college the way I always hoped I would? Mike says asking questions like that is a waste of time. Still, I can’t help wondering if those were the same questions you had when I was born, Momma. Did you love me as much as I love my baby? I’m sure you did and I can’t believe you no longer love me now.

  Mike and I are doing all right. We live in Washington State—it seems so far away from Mississippi. We’re renting a two-storey house and Mike’s uncle got him a job at the lumber mill. He’s working lots of hours and I’ve been putting a little bit aside every week for when the mill shuts down, which it seems to do on a regular basis. Unfortunately, Mike was so excited the night Lesley was born that he got drunk and was arrested. I had to use the money I’d saved to bail him out of jail.

  I miss you, Momma. I’m not any of those ugly names Daddy called me.

  If I don’t hear from you, then I’ll accept that you agree with Daddy and want nothing more to do with me. When I look at my baby, I don’t think of the circumstances that led to her birth. What Mike and I did was a sin, but we’re married now.

  Lesley is a beautiful child, created in the image of God. That’s what Father Gilbert said a child is, and I believe him. I hope you’ll love her despite everything.

  Your daughter,

  Dorothy

  Mrs. Leonard Lawton

  2330 Country Club Lane

  Pine Ridge, Washingt
on 98005

  October 12, 1948

  Dearest Aunt Jill,

  I regret taking so long to answer your letter. After waiting fifteen very long years for a child, one would assume I’d be better prepared for the demands of motherhood. I had no idea an infant would take up so much of my time and energy. I’m months behind on my correspondence and can only beg your indulgence.

  Jillian is truly our joy. As you know, Leonard and I had given up hope of ever having a child. We’re both convinced her birth is a miracle and we are so very grateful. I know how pleased you are that we named her after you, but you’ve been a mother to Leonard since his own dear mother’s death. Without you, he wouldn’t have any memories of her.

  Leonard is thrilled with his daughter. Every night he rushes home from court in order to spend time with her. She’s already standing on her own and it looks as if she’ll be walking soon. I’m afraid Leonard must bore everyone at the courthouse with photographs of Jillian. In his eyes she’s the most brilliant precious child ever to appear in this world. She has deep blue eyes and dark brown hair and a cheerful, happy disposition. She loves listening to the radio; her favorite show is Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Leonard claims it’s really my favorite show, and Jillian gives me the perfect excuse to listen. One show she doesn’t like—I think it scares her—is The Lone Ranger. Every time she hears the music she buries her head in my skirt.

  Thank you for recommending Eleanor Roosevelt’s book This I Remember. I’ve ordered it from the library, but my reading has been severely curtailed since Jillian’s arrival. I’ve been making an effort to read during her afternoon nap, but the problem is, I usually fall asleep myself. With her teething, I haven’t slept an entire night in weeks. The poor child is having a difficult time of it, but the pediatrician assured us everything is normal.

  Leonard and I are delighted that you’ve accepted our invitation to spend the Christmas holidays with us. Jillian will surely be walking by then—and sleeping through the nights!

  I’ll write again soon. Give our love to Uncle Frank and everyone.

  Yours truly,

  Leonard, Barbara and Jillian

  1955

  Mrs. Leonard Lawton

  2330 Country Club Lane

  Pine Ridge, Washington

  January 4, 1955

  Dear Sister John,

  Enclosed please find the invitations to Jillian’s seventh birthday party. Would you kindly distribute them to all the children in both first-grade classes? My husband has hired puppeteers to perform at the party and there will be cake and ice cream for everyone. I would consider it a big help if you could let us know how many children we should expect.

  Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter.

  Sincerely,

  Mrs. Leonard Lawton

  * * *

  Pine Ridge Mills

  Pine Ridge, Washington

  Lay Off Notice

  Effective January 7, 1955

  Attn: Mike Adamski

  * * *

  January 10, 1955

  220 Railroad Avenue

  Pine Ridge, Washington

  Dear Judge Lawton, Mrs. Lawton and Jillian,

  Thank you very much for the invitation to Jillian’s birthday party. Unfortunately we already have plans for next Saturday, and Lesley will be unable to attend.

  Lesley so enjoyed the afternoon she spent with Jillian following their tap dancing class. We’ll have Jillian over to visit soon.

  I’ve had to withdraw Lesley from dance class, but we’re hoping she’ll be able to start back soon. Jillian’s been teaching her the new steps at recess so she won’t be too far behind. These two have certainly formed a fast friendship, haven’t they? I’m grateful Lesley has such a good friend.

  I’m sure Jillian will have a wonderful birthday. I’ll get in touch with you about having Jillian visit for an afternoon.

  Sincerely,

  Mrs. Michael Adamski

  KAKE RADIO dedicates “The Ballad of Davey Crockett” to birthday girl Jillian Lawton. Happy seventh birthday, Jillian, from all your friends here at KAKE RADIO.

  Now everyone put on your coonskin cap and sing Happy Birthday for seven-year-old Jillian.

  Pine Ridge Library

  300 Main Street

  Pine Ridge, Washington

  October 1, 1955

  Dear Mrs. Adamski,

  At your request the library is holding Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk and Auntie Mame by Patrick Dennis until the end of the week.

  Sincerely,

  Mrs. Joan McMahon

  Head Librarian

  September 28, 1955

  Dear Grandma and Grandpa O’Leary,

  Thank you for the Betsy McCall doll. I named her Jilly after my best friend in school. I can read now.

  Love,

  Lesley

  November 14, 1955

  220 Railroad Avenue

  Pine Ridge, Washington

  Dearest Momma and Daddy,

  Lesley loves her birthday gift! She’s wanted a Betsy McCall doll for months. She wrote the thank-you note herself, but then you could probably tell that. She’s a smart little girl and can already sound out words. I take her to the library often and she loves books as much as I do. Even when she was two and three years old, she insisted I read her a story before she’d settle down for her nap. Now she’s almost reading on her own!

  Susan is eager to read, too. She starts kindergarten next year and follows her big sister everywhere. Mikey and Joe are growing big and strong like their daddy.

  Mike was laid off for three months, but he’s back working at the mill again. We managed all right. I didn’t tell him about the money you sent, Momma, so please don’t mention it. I bought groceries and a few chickens to raise for the eggs. I bake all our bread myself, just the way you always did, Momma, but my baking powder biscuits just aren’t as fluffy as yours. Luckily Mike never tasted your chicken and dumplings because mine just don’t compare. I wish I’d paid more attention when you were cooking.

  Momma, I should have told you sooner, but I was afraid you’d be upset with our news. I’m pregnant again and due to deliver anytime now. I thought Mike and I had a complete family. Four children in six years have worn me out, but God had other plans.

  If we have a baby girl, we’re going to call her Lily. I don’t have a boy’s name picked out yet. Mike said he didn’t care what I named the baby. Since Mike, Jr. was born, he told me I could call the babies anything I wish. I know Daddy was pleased when I named our Joe after him.

  You asked about Mike’s drinking. He does like his beer, but he doesn’t get drunk as often since he returned to work. Don’t worry, Momma, we’re all fine.

  Your daughter,

  Dorothy

  1959

  Pine Ridge Herald

  May 2, 1959

  Lesley Adamski

  Wins Fifth Grade

  Spelling Bee

  Lesley Adamski took top prize at the tenth Annual Spelling Bee sponsored by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. She successfully spelled the word serum, besting runner-up Jillian Lawton, daughter of Judge and Mrs. Leonard Lawton.

  As the first-place winner, Lesley Adamski was awarded a Fifty Dollar U.S. Savings Bond. Jillian Lawton received a Twenty-Five Dollar U.S. Savings Bond.

  The money raised by the Annual Spelling Bee has been donated to the March of Dimes for polio research.

  Six fifth-grade classes competed in the Annual Spelling Bee from schools all across the county.

  Lesley’s Diary

  May 3, 1959

  I won! Jillian and I practiced and practiced, and I was sure she’d win, but I did. Jillian was happy for me. I would’ve been happy if she won, too. My mom took the $50.00 savings bond and put it in a safe place. Mom and Susan, Mikey, Joe and baby Lily were at the spelling bee to see me win. Dad was with his friends, but that’s all right. Afterward, Mom said she was proud of me and took us all to the Dairy Queen for hot fudge sundaes.
She invited the Lawtons, and Judge Lawton insisted on paying for all the ice cream we could eat. I’m so excited I can’t sleep.

  Mrs. Leonard Lawton

  2330 Country Club Lane

  Pine Ridge, Washington 98005

  June 23, 1959

  Dearest Aunt Jillian and Uncle Frank,

  Leonard and I are overwhelmed by your generosity to Jillian. We received the paperwork regarding the $25,000 trust fund you’ve set up for her college education, and it took our breath away. We don’t know what to say other than to thank you both from the bottom of our hearts.

  I’m so sorry to hear you won’t be able to join us in Hawaii this August. Uncle Frank, take good care of yourself!

  We love you both, and although Jillian is too young to fully comprehend the significance of this trust fund, Leonard and I certainly do.

  All our love,

  Leonard, Barbara and Jillian

  Jillian Lawton/English J. M. J.

  September 7, 1959

  HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION

  School let out on Memorial Day and Lesley Adamski and I spent three whole days together while her mother was in the hospital having her baby brother, Bruce. We got to go to the Country Club with my dad and he let us carry his golf clubs for him. After that we went swimming and got a sunburn. The best day of the summer was when Lesley and I were at the pool at the Country Club.

  Then in August my parents and I flew to Hawaii. This is the third time I’ve been to Hawaii. I didn’t get airsick on the plane. The stewardess let me hand out gum to the passengers before we took off and said I did a good job.