For Me, a Complete Stranger
Above everything else, they discussed their mother’s absence. Marilyn told their older sibling that the last time she had seen Gladys was 10 years ago, at the mental hospital. She expressed regret for going and that the visit was unpleasant. The future Hollywood star said to Berniece, “Your mother is really a stranger to me.” Almost as unfamiliar to you as she is. Having conflicting feelings about spending time with her, I find myself wanting to be with her and also being slightly terrified of her. Despite this, the two young women cared deeply about Gladys. After some time had passed, they would be brought back together as a family again.
Following Up
The trip to Detroit went well, and it was just the beginning. Infrequently, one sibling would travel to visit the other. When this happened, it would reveal previously unknown information. Even Marilyn said she was envious of her sister’s upbringing by their father. Berniece quickly set the record straight, telling Marilyn that her relationship with her father was strained at best. To Marilyn’s astonishment, she was hearing some shocking information. She learned a lot from her sister and realised a lot about herself through spending time with her, including that she wanted to be a model.