I’ve turned out alright… haven’t I?

Oh, yes. I would take many more of you over some of the sad specimens we see in public life.

Somehow you managed to find a good way forward. Maybe it helped that you had to take care of your siblings. Maybe that was your guide. You found those qualities in yourself that helped them to survive.

Even nuns can’t be relied upon to behave themselves.

Fortunately, I didn't go to Catholic school, but I did volunteer at a neighborhood outreach with a nun who had a lot in common with you, I think. Tough as nails, no nonsense, and honest to the bone. She could measure a dollar so it yielded 1.05 value :) Yet, she was one of the kindest people I ever met.

I do look forward to your Sunday blogs in this community.

Edit:
Just read about Larkin (what an intro that poem is). Apparently the release of his letters reveal a complex individual.