Year: 1977

Summary: A reprint of her description of the labor and birth of her daughter Tamar in 1928. The memoir describes waiting to begin labor and commenting on the women around her at Bellevue Hospital clinic. Assisted by her cousin Carol, she returns to Bellevue several days later when her labor pains begin. Vivid description of the pain she endured, her thoughts, and of the people she encounters during those hours. Tender description of breast-feeding and her first few days with her daughter. (The Catholic Worker, December 1977, 8, 7. DDLW #583).

Summary: Discusses several books she is reading including Sigrid Undset’s Kristin Lavransdatter and Chekhov’s The Island. Recalls Undset’s escape from Nazi-occupied Norway to the United States. Comments on recent events regarding prisoners at home and in Central America. Concludes with a description of the Little Brothers and Charles de Foucauld of whom Peter Maurin said “This is the spirituality for our day.” (The Catholic Worker, October -November 1977, 2. DDLW #582).

Summary: Recounts a visit by her daughter Tamar and granddaughter Katy. Other friends visit as well including Nina Polcyn and Dorothy Gauchat. Day remembers Nina’s involvement in a protest in 1934 against the landing of the German liner, Bremen. She also remembers fondly Dorothy Gauchat’s husband Bill, of whom Peter Maurin thought highly as well. (The Catholic Worker, September 1977, 2, 7. DDLW #580).

Summary: Resting for health reasons, she comments on the activity around her. Reflects on “ebbing of life,” waiting, and the phrase “now and at the hour of our death” from the Hail Mary. (The Catholic Worker, June 1977, 2. DDLW #578).

Summary: While housebound at Tamar’s place in Vermont she reflects on the effect Solzehenitsyn’s writing on her faith and reminisces about a Russian friend from her youth who recently died. (The Catholic Worker, March-April 1977, 2, 8. DDLW #577).

Summary: Reflects on the dignity of work, manual labor, and her childhood chores. Talks of reading the novels of Chaim Potok and decries continuing anti-Semitism. (The Catholic Worker, February 1977, 2,8. DDLW #194).

Summary: Reminisces about her involvement with the non-violent revolution of Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers–boycotts, pickets, jailings, life with the workers, and worship. (The Catholic Worker, January 1977, 1, 6. DDLW #576).