17-year-old Helena Muffly wrote exactly 100 years ago today:
Tuesday, March 26, 1912: Seems I have more work to do tonight than I usually do. I have most of it done now and am ready to lay it aside. I get kinda afraid sitting here all by myself.
Her middle-aged granddaughter’s comments 100 years later:
What time it was when Grandma wrote this entry? It must have been really late—and the rest of the family had gone to bed hours before.
I wonder what Grandma worried about as she sat there alone. . . things that go bump in the night?. . . her future? . . . her school work? . . . tramps possibly lurking outside? . . .???
The quiet stillness of the night can make us more aware of our anxieties – it’s interesting to know that it’s not just our generation that is prone to feelings of anxiety…
One thing I like about the diary is how has helped me realize that people’s feelings and emotions really haven’t changed much over time.
This is a poignant entry in her diary. Tells so much about her — working to finish her tasks, even tho alone, and afraid. Also tells alot about growing up, me thinks.
I agree!