Reconnected

James Stewart

Written 6/5/67

James got in touch with me himself. Today he is Brother Aelred Stewart, OCSO, a Trappist monk.

Letter L21 · St. Ann School, Gloucester · 1967

The letter to Russell

Page 1

St. Ann School Gloucester, Mass. 6/5/67 Dear Russel, Are you alright? I hope so. I hear that you are in the hopital in Chelsea. Do you like jokes? Well here is one. There were 10 cats in a boat. One jumped out. How many were left? answer. None they were all copy cats. We are having a play called "Pledge to the Flag. We are having it on Flag Day. When you were a kid did you like sckool? I don't. But when I'm home I whish I was in sckool because when I'm home I'm always board. [possibly: Well] so-long. Sincerely yours, James Stewart

About the photo: Found with this letter, in the spot where the photos were taped. Some photographs became detached over the years, so this isn’t confirmed. If you recognize the face or notice a mismatch, please let me know.

Today

James today

James wrote this letter as a fourth grader. Today he is Brother Aelred Stewart, OCSO, a Trappist monk. He sent a note and a photo for Sister Flatley, his teacher back then.

1967. School photo found with his letter.

Today. Shared by James.

James is on the right, in white. Shared by James.

Video

The copy cats joke, 59 years later

For Sister Flatley

A note from James to Sister Roselle

“The last time we met, I was a Capuchin novice. I visited your class room at Trinity High School in 1980. The photo is my clothing as a Trappist. I think of you often in prayer. You were a wonderful woman and teacher. You were the nun I ever saw eat. You asked me for some popcorn. I handed you the bag and you reached in and took a fist full. I was mesmerized! You taught us Bob Dylan’s “Blowing In the Wind.” Civil Rights and equality were in the air. We need more of that now! Hearing it always brings me back to you. You and the RSM’s made a huge difference in my life. Let’s pray for each other and meet in Christ’s Heart. Keep smiling, Sister! Love, Br Aelred”

For Sister Flatley

A photo of James today, for Sister Flatley

I'm putting together updates for Sister Flatley, the class's teacher (Sister Roselle back then), probably printed. If you're comfortable, add a note or a photo of James today, and I'll include it.

Guest book

Memories and notes

I was a friend back at St Ann’s, he baptized our daughter

Robert Orlando, a friend

Every note comes to me first. I only post the ones I've read, and I only show your first name if you say it's OK. I never show an email or phone number.

Help with this letter