My first year of high school was an international experience. Not just because it was our last year in Rotterdam, but because I went to the International high school there. My class had about 14 students representing 12 countries. For someone who has a sharp ear for accents, and a tendency to unknowingly adopt them in her own speech, I sounded WEIRD by the time I left that school :o)
One of my classmates was a drop dead gorgeous Croatian girl named Ivana. Ivana and I got along well that year, though we weren't bestest friends. I think had circumstances in class politics been different, we may have been much closer during that time. Since then (and it's been about 15 years) we have kept in somewhat regular contact, and I just recently got a really great email from her. I was glad to write her this week and catch up a bit again. She had asked a bit about our wedding so I sent her a photo and told her about it. Caught her up on my life a bit and asked how things were with her.
It's really awesome to me that I have some friends I am able to keep in touch with even though we haven't seen each other in 15 years. I moved to the US the year after that, and she has since moved back to Croatia. We keep in touch online and facebook stalk each other with some regularity. She's a beautiful girl with a beautiful personality and I hope someday that we are able to see each other again and catch up in person!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Letter #52 - Debra
When I think back on past relationships I've been in, there was always one glaring red flag for me when I would consider if this was gonna be "the one" or not. I never loved their families. In one case I was afraid of the guys family. That always bothered me. I come from a very close knit family (immediate & extended) and it's a big deal to me. I couldn't quite wrap my head around spending the rest of my life with someone whose family made me uncomfortable. Clearly none of them became my in-laws so we're all good there... but I wonder if that didn't help my husband's case even more when I met his family and loved them all. Even his awkward pre-teen cousin who spent the day peeling my sunburn when he thought I wasn't looking (he's grown out of that phase by now). I love my in-laws. Parents, aunts & uncles, siblings, cousins... they're awesome. That's why I decided to write to Aunt Debbie.
I don't know Aunt Debbie nearly as well as I would like to, and so this letter was about reaching out to her to hopefully get to know her better. I love just about everything I do know about her, and she is one of the most pleasant and caring women you could ever hope to meet. She always greets us ALL with a huge smile, a big hug and sparkling eyes. Her laugh is infectious and you can tell how deeply she loves her family, just by looking at her. She's awesome.
As I wrote my letter all I could hear was her laughter in my head, and all I could see was her smiling face. I really hope that this relationship continues to grow because I feel like she has so much to offer me that I haven't been able to reach out and accept yet... I hope that changes really soon.
I don't know Aunt Debbie nearly as well as I would like to, and so this letter was about reaching out to her to hopefully get to know her better. I love just about everything I do know about her, and she is one of the most pleasant and caring women you could ever hope to meet. She always greets us ALL with a huge smile, a big hug and sparkling eyes. Her laugh is infectious and you can tell how deeply she loves her family, just by looking at her. She's awesome.
As I wrote my letter all I could hear was her laughter in my head, and all I could see was her smiling face. I really hope that this relationship continues to grow because I feel like she has so much to offer me that I haven't been able to reach out and accept yet... I hope that changes really soon.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Letter #51 - Kris
When I was young, my parents often "adopted" young couples and became friends with them, and mentors of sorts. They would have them over for dinner, share with them about their own experiences, watch them start their families, and become very influential in their lives. Watching them do this, it never really occurred to me that one day I would be half of a young couple like that, and that maybe I would like someone to take me under their wing in a similar way. Never really occurred to me until my husband and I met Kris and her husband Steve. We met them just a few months into our marriage, and they have certainly taken us under their wing. They've had us to their home for dinner, they've been in ours, and they've attended some of my husbands gigs. It's been very cool to have an older (non family) couple befriend us and make us feel welcomed by their friendship. The last time we spent an evening together, I discovered that Kris was dealing with some family health issues - several all at once. Having been in that position myself before, I decided to send her a little note of encouragement and smiles. I am grateful to have her and her husband fill a role in our lives that I grew up watching my parents fill for other young couples. I hope that someday my husband and I will be in a position to pay both their kindness, and their friendship forward!
Letter #50 - Evan
When my family moved to the Detroit area, I was devastated. I was coming from an incredible experience living in Rotterdam, I missed Canada, and I was furious that my parents would dare uproot our family to come to a country that I didn't love (settle down all, it's grown on me). I sobbed the entire 8 hour plane ride from Amsterdam to Detroit... I think the flight attendants were debating whether or not to call in social services on the chance that maybe I was being abducted... when my dad told them I was 14, they gave him a knowing look and walked away. I was bound and determined to hate Michigan with a fiery passion, and had a plan to make my family pay for making me so miserable. Then I met Evan like a week after the plane landed. Damn him.
Evan quickly became one of my closest friends, and helped stave off some of my loneliness. He would email me, call, we'd hang out sometimes, and saw each other every week at church. He was my rock. I don't think he ever realised this. We stayed close through the next 3 years, including an incredible trip to Tahiti with a church group. I still can't watch anything with Sean Connery in it without missing him desperately. We were each others' prom dates, and then when he graduated high school he left me. We never had a romantic involvement with each other, though sometimes I wonder if we weren't crushing on each other at opposite times. When Evan moved to Arizona to start college I was sure he'd come back when he was finished with school. After all, his family was in Detroit, and so was I, and we were such good friends. He still lives in Arizona. His family moved away, and here I still am. He's been back to visit of course, and I've made it down there a couple of times as well to see him.
I don't think I think about how much I miss him normally. The fact that I'm tearing up a little just writing this speaks to that I guess. I miss laughing with him, I miss our shared sense of humour, our shared love for laser tag, our shared understanding of the joys and challenges of babysitting Brandon & Cameron... or Brett & Kelsy... or Tim. I just miss him. He gives great hugs, thoughtful gifts and even though it's tough to get him to be serious sometimes, I miss his insights on life and people.
Someday when I have an income again, I hope to take another trip to Arizona to spend some time with him. I hope he knows how much I love him, how much I miss him, and how much his friendship has meant to me over the years... even if I suck at telling him that most of the time.
Evan quickly became one of my closest friends, and helped stave off some of my loneliness. He would email me, call, we'd hang out sometimes, and saw each other every week at church. He was my rock. I don't think he ever realised this. We stayed close through the next 3 years, including an incredible trip to Tahiti with a church group. I still can't watch anything with Sean Connery in it without missing him desperately. We were each others' prom dates, and then when he graduated high school he left me. We never had a romantic involvement with each other, though sometimes I wonder if we weren't crushing on each other at opposite times. When Evan moved to Arizona to start college I was sure he'd come back when he was finished with school. After all, his family was in Detroit, and so was I, and we were such good friends. He still lives in Arizona. His family moved away, and here I still am. He's been back to visit of course, and I've made it down there a couple of times as well to see him.
I don't think I think about how much I miss him normally. The fact that I'm tearing up a little just writing this speaks to that I guess. I miss laughing with him, I miss our shared sense of humour, our shared love for laser tag, our shared understanding of the joys and challenges of babysitting Brandon & Cameron... or Brett & Kelsy... or Tim. I just miss him. He gives great hugs, thoughtful gifts and even though it's tough to get him to be serious sometimes, I miss his insights on life and people.
Someday when I have an income again, I hope to take another trip to Arizona to spend some time with him. I hope he knows how much I love him, how much I miss him, and how much his friendship has meant to me over the years... even if I suck at telling him that most of the time.
Letter #49 - Rachel
When I was in Grade One I had one of those weird phenomenons of a class of 15-20 kids with only about 10 names. We had SO many repeats in that class... Trevors, Sara/hs, Justins and Rachels. It was my first time encountering someone who had the same name as me, and at first I didn't take it too well. Needless to say, I got over it, and Rachel is now one of my oldest friends (time-wise, not age-wise). Over the years Rachel and I have drifted in and out of each others' lives, in and out of contact, but we always manage to reconnect here or there and send each other a hello, thinking of you or say hi to your family for me. She is one of those people who will probably get a card from me every Christmas of her life. I can't seem to let her go, no matter how far apart we live, how long it's been since we last spoke, or how infrequently I hear back from her.
Rachel comes from a family of musicians and is a gifted musician herself. I was always jealous of her growing up because while I practiced and practiced (read: fought my parents tooth and nail on being forced to practice even 20 minutes per day) piano, she could sit down and play the entire score from Phantom of the Opera without even having music in front of her.
I remember one time I was at her house for a sleepover (a common occurrence when we were young) and we decided we needed more money. Why, I don't remember, but we needed it. So we spent the whole afternoon making cheap little friendship bracelets, then went around door to door in her neighbourhood selling them for something like a quarter a piece. We always had creative ways to spend our time... making bracelets, playing music, building snow forts, watching her brother build robots, watching movies, "cooking", teaching ourselves the art of makeup (oh Lord I'm sure photos exist!). I loved Rachel's parents, her dog, her house, her brother (even though he despised us, as all older brothers should at that age). She loved my parents, my cats, my house, my brother (though we also despised him, as all older sisters should at that age).
I wrote to Rachel to catch up. I told her about some of the things happening in my life, asked her for news about her own adventures. I sent her a few photos, and reminded her that I was still glad to count her as a friend, even if we haven't seen each other in probably 15 years now. I don't know if I'll hear back from her, she never was all that great at writing letters, even when we were closer, but I felt really good about sending her a hi, a thinking of you, and a say hi to your family for me.
Rachel comes from a family of musicians and is a gifted musician herself. I was always jealous of her growing up because while I practiced and practiced (read: fought my parents tooth and nail on being forced to practice even 20 minutes per day) piano, she could sit down and play the entire score from Phantom of the Opera without even having music in front of her.
I remember one time I was at her house for a sleepover (a common occurrence when we were young) and we decided we needed more money. Why, I don't remember, but we needed it. So we spent the whole afternoon making cheap little friendship bracelets, then went around door to door in her neighbourhood selling them for something like a quarter a piece. We always had creative ways to spend our time... making bracelets, playing music, building snow forts, watching her brother build robots, watching movies, "cooking", teaching ourselves the art of makeup (oh Lord I'm sure photos exist!). I loved Rachel's parents, her dog, her house, her brother (even though he despised us, as all older brothers should at that age). She loved my parents, my cats, my house, my brother (though we also despised him, as all older sisters should at that age).
I wrote to Rachel to catch up. I told her about some of the things happening in my life, asked her for news about her own adventures. I sent her a few photos, and reminded her that I was still glad to count her as a friend, even if we haven't seen each other in probably 15 years now. I don't know if I'll hear back from her, she never was all that great at writing letters, even when we were closer, but I felt really good about sending her a hi, a thinking of you, and a say hi to your family for me.
Letter #48 - Miranda
So either I've screwed up my numbering system, or I mailed a letter and forgot to blog it, because I actually have Miranda on my list as #49 but I can't find #48 listed anywhere. I'm also going to cheat on this one just a little because the letter isn't mailed yet. I have these two photos I want to include in it, and I can't print them yet because of some tech things that have been going on this week. The photos are on a hard drive I can't currently access so I have to wait. That being said, I'm still posting about Miranda and my letter to her.
Have you ever known someone in your life that could be described as your twin? Not necessarily looks-wise, but tastes, personalities, mannerisms, etc? I have had a bunch of friends I proclaimed were just like me, or I was just like them, or we were just like each other, etc... I was dead wrong. Miranda and I are the same person. It's creepy. Creepy to other people, creepy to us, creepy. Miranda and I were cabin-mates at camp one year, and then housemates in college, and we ended up going through a very weird, very creepy and yet kind of cool personality merge at one point. If ever "shining" existed, Miranda and I can do it. We can literally have entire conversation by exchanging about 5 words. It blows my mind. When I got engaged, the first person I thought of to ask to be our photographer was Miranda... she's the closest I could get to taking my own photos :o) She agreed, then got engaged herself. They ended up getting married the weekend after we did and she and I photographed each others' weddings, it was an awesome experience to be able to share our weddings with each other in that way... like a double wedding but without the shared spotlight :o)
Miranda and I don't typically keep in close contact, but she's been on my mind a lot these last few months and I decided she could use a note from me. Or I decided I could use sending her a note, whichever :o) Since we share a passion for photography I wanted to send her a couple shots I had taken on my winter zoo trip last month, and so now I impatiently wait to regain access to the drive where they are stored so I can do just that. As I wrote my letter to Miranda I just kept drifting back to my wedding day, and then to hers... going over all the images in my mind and how incredibly awesome it felt to know that I could completely trust she was capturing my day the way I wanted. I had a lot of bumps in the road the last month before our wedding and it was a blessing to have at least one thing that I knew couldn't possibly go wrong. (the second thing was knowing my husband would be waiting at the end of the aisle for me... no doubts there!)
Miranda has had a huge influence on the person I am (since we are each other, after all). There are personality traits she has that I have always greatly admired and strive to emulate in my own life more. One of the greatest things I treasure about our friendship is that whenever she is around I just feel at peace. I trust her implicitly, and because of that I rarely feel the need to stress when she's around. I can't think of hardly a single other person in my life who does that for me, it's awesome.
Our lives may have followed different paths, both in getting here and from here on out. We may have different outlooks on things, we may have different tastes, yet there is something fundamentally the same about us. I don't know if it's a wavelength, a soul thing, a weird telekinetic power or what, but when I think of Miranda I think of myself, and all the ways in which we hope to influence the world.
Have you ever known someone in your life that could be described as your twin? Not necessarily looks-wise, but tastes, personalities, mannerisms, etc? I have had a bunch of friends I proclaimed were just like me, or I was just like them, or we were just like each other, etc... I was dead wrong. Miranda and I are the same person. It's creepy. Creepy to other people, creepy to us, creepy. Miranda and I were cabin-mates at camp one year, and then housemates in college, and we ended up going through a very weird, very creepy and yet kind of cool personality merge at one point. If ever "shining" existed, Miranda and I can do it. We can literally have entire conversation by exchanging about 5 words. It blows my mind. When I got engaged, the first person I thought of to ask to be our photographer was Miranda... she's the closest I could get to taking my own photos :o) She agreed, then got engaged herself. They ended up getting married the weekend after we did and she and I photographed each others' weddings, it was an awesome experience to be able to share our weddings with each other in that way... like a double wedding but without the shared spotlight :o)
Miranda and I don't typically keep in close contact, but she's been on my mind a lot these last few months and I decided she could use a note from me. Or I decided I could use sending her a note, whichever :o) Since we share a passion for photography I wanted to send her a couple shots I had taken on my winter zoo trip last month, and so now I impatiently wait to regain access to the drive where they are stored so I can do just that. As I wrote my letter to Miranda I just kept drifting back to my wedding day, and then to hers... going over all the images in my mind and how incredibly awesome it felt to know that I could completely trust she was capturing my day the way I wanted. I had a lot of bumps in the road the last month before our wedding and it was a blessing to have at least one thing that I knew couldn't possibly go wrong. (the second thing was knowing my husband would be waiting at the end of the aisle for me... no doubts there!)
Miranda has had a huge influence on the person I am (since we are each other, after all). There are personality traits she has that I have always greatly admired and strive to emulate in my own life more. One of the greatest things I treasure about our friendship is that whenever she is around I just feel at peace. I trust her implicitly, and because of that I rarely feel the need to stress when she's around. I can't think of hardly a single other person in my life who does that for me, it's awesome.
Our lives may have followed different paths, both in getting here and from here on out. We may have different outlooks on things, we may have different tastes, yet there is something fundamentally the same about us. I don't know if it's a wavelength, a soul thing, a weird telekinetic power or what, but when I think of Miranda I think of myself, and all the ways in which we hope to influence the world.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Letter #47 - Murphy
Murphy is a sweet older man who fits into my "grandpa obsession" category of friends. I love Murphy. A lot. It's impossible not to love him.
When Murphy lost his wife, it was a terrible thing for all of us to go through as she was an incredible woman. She suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, and we all did our best to support Murphy through all of that. I had Murphy on my list of letter recipients for this week before I even realised that I was going to get to see him last weekend at the Journey House Valentine's Banquet. I was so thrilled to see him there, and even more thrilled when he quietly took me aside and "confided" in me that he had a new "friend" and was "as happy as a high school boy" It was ADORABLE. He then told me that the banquet was supposed to be their "coming out affair" but that apparently everyone already knew. It was the cutest thing in the world... like an insulin shot right to the heart.
As I wrote my letter to Murphy, I congratulated him on finding such a wonderful woman to make him happy (he's been so sad for so long it did my heart happy to see him smiling so big!). Writing to him also reminded me of some of the friends in my life who are a part of my "Murphy Circle"... names that will surely be appearing on this blog in the near future :o)
When Murphy lost his wife, it was a terrible thing for all of us to go through as she was an incredible woman. She suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, and we all did our best to support Murphy through all of that. I had Murphy on my list of letter recipients for this week before I even realised that I was going to get to see him last weekend at the Journey House Valentine's Banquet. I was so thrilled to see him there, and even more thrilled when he quietly took me aside and "confided" in me that he had a new "friend" and was "as happy as a high school boy" It was ADORABLE. He then told me that the banquet was supposed to be their "coming out affair" but that apparently everyone already knew. It was the cutest thing in the world... like an insulin shot right to the heart.
As I wrote my letter to Murphy, I congratulated him on finding such a wonderful woman to make him happy (he's been so sad for so long it did my heart happy to see him smiling so big!). Writing to him also reminded me of some of the friends in my life who are a part of my "Murphy Circle"... names that will surely be appearing on this blog in the near future :o)
Letter #46 - Allison
Life is a funny thing. Sometimes people are huge huge parts of your life, then circumstances drift you apart from each other. When life gets really cool, is when circumstances drift you back together with those people after years of not even really knowing where each other was. Allison is one of those people. When I was very young, Allison and her husband attended the same church as us. My parents became good friends with them, and they looked after us a few times when my folks had to go out of town. They started their family while we knew them, and we knew their two oldest daughters as babies and toddlers. Then life got in the way. We all moved, we lost touch, you all know the story. Then life took over. Last year I got married. About 5 months before the wedding, I received a note on Facebook (God bless Facebook!) from Allison. She had finally succeeded in tracking our family down and several long phone calls ensued. She was so thrilled about my upcoming wedding, and she and her husband graciously offered us the use of their vacation home as a honeymoon destination. We accepted and had a most incredible trip - for next to nothing.
Allison is a fiercely loyal and independent woman. She works hard to keep the most important things in her life strong, including her passion for her work, her family, and her friends. Even when I was so young, I looked up to her immensely and hoped to become a woman even a little like her. (I wanted her red hair too lol) In the time leading up to our wedding, Allison and John also paid forward to us a kindness that had been paid to them when they were our age, and that made me want to be like her even more. To be able to see in us something they related to, and wanted to nurture was an overwhelming kindness for me. We have not seen each other in person in over15 years (something I desperately hope to change in 2011!) but Allison's influence on my life has been huge, and it continues to grow.
As I wrote my letter to Allison I felt as if I was writing an old friend (which I am, we just lost touch for 10+ years) and the words came so easily. I could remember times spent with her and her family when I was young, and I wished so hard we lived closer together so we could spend time together again now. She is an incredible woman, and I think with a little effort, I can be a lot like her... I sure am trying!
Allison is a fiercely loyal and independent woman. She works hard to keep the most important things in her life strong, including her passion for her work, her family, and her friends. Even when I was so young, I looked up to her immensely and hoped to become a woman even a little like her. (I wanted her red hair too lol) In the time leading up to our wedding, Allison and John also paid forward to us a kindness that had been paid to them when they were our age, and that made me want to be like her even more. To be able to see in us something they related to, and wanted to nurture was an overwhelming kindness for me. We have not seen each other in person in over15 years (something I desperately hope to change in 2011!) but Allison's influence on my life has been huge, and it continues to grow.
As I wrote my letter to Allison I felt as if I was writing an old friend (which I am, we just lost touch for 10+ years) and the words came so easily. I could remember times spent with her and her family when I was young, and I wished so hard we lived closer together so we could spend time together again now. She is an incredible woman, and I think with a little effort, I can be a lot like her... I sure am trying!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Letter #45 - Jerry
When I was pursuing my undergrad, I spent 2.5 glorious years living in a beautiful house off campus that was owned and operated by my church. Now known as the Journey House, I LOVED that place. I lived with 11 other residents and we grew to become such a close knit family... I miss them all so much now. I find myself getting homesick for them, so tonight I reached out to Jerry, one of my housemates during that time.
I grew up going to camps with Jerry's sister, and with Jerry, though at camp we hung with different circles. When I found out Jerry was considering moving into the house I was ecstatic because I knew what an awesome guy he was. Turns out he was even cooler than I thought at the time. Jerry always had a hug for me when I needed it, always knew how to make me laugh and smile, always brightened up the room when he walked in. If I was having a sucky day, all I had to do was wander into his room and it was instantly better.
Jerry now lives in Las Vegas which means I see him next to never and that sucks a lot. I think about him tons and always wonder how he's doing out there (he works in hospitality-business and the last time I saw him out there he was in his glory!) My husband and I are considering a trip to Vegas this year if finances allow, to visit my aunt and uncle who are more like grandparents to my brother and I. They were unable to attend our wedding at the last minute because of health issues and I was absolutely devastated. I promised Jerry in my letter that if a trip pans out, we would make time to hang out with him while we're there.
I can already see Jerry's face when he sees my name on the return address. He has the most infectiously warm smile, I wish I were there to see it in person... and to collect that hug I know he'll have waiting for me...!
I grew up going to camps with Jerry's sister, and with Jerry, though at camp we hung with different circles. When I found out Jerry was considering moving into the house I was ecstatic because I knew what an awesome guy he was. Turns out he was even cooler than I thought at the time. Jerry always had a hug for me when I needed it, always knew how to make me laugh and smile, always brightened up the room when he walked in. If I was having a sucky day, all I had to do was wander into his room and it was instantly better.
Jerry now lives in Las Vegas which means I see him next to never and that sucks a lot. I think about him tons and always wonder how he's doing out there (he works in hospitality-business and the last time I saw him out there he was in his glory!) My husband and I are considering a trip to Vegas this year if finances allow, to visit my aunt and uncle who are more like grandparents to my brother and I. They were unable to attend our wedding at the last minute because of health issues and I was absolutely devastated. I promised Jerry in my letter that if a trip pans out, we would make time to hang out with him while we're there.
I can already see Jerry's face when he sees my name on the return address. He has the most infectiously warm smile, I wish I were there to see it in person... and to collect that hug I know he'll have waiting for me...!
Letter #44 - Mike
I have had a career that allowed me to meet literally thousands of people. It was awesome. Some of those people I could run into on the street tomorrow and not realise it, but many I was able to develop great relationships with. As I've been out of work this past year, many of those relationships have suffered, and that is a great loss to me. So today I decided there was no reason I couldn't still work on those relationships, even if I'm not currently in the working corporate world with a corporate schedule and blackberry and crazy travel stories to swap with my colleagues. I can continue to develop some of those relationships outside of the rat race.
This brings me to Mike. Mike is someone I met as a result of a series of video interviews my former boss did as a part of our leadership program curriculum. Mike is a CEO and had some really awesome insights on the concept of work-life balance. I was not able to tag along with my boss on the trip where he interviewed Mike, but I had been the contact person who set it all up, and followed up with Mike several times afterward. When my boss returned to the office from that interview, he said "wait til you see it, you're gonna love this guy!" He was right. I did get to meet Mike finally a little over a year ago (my last project before the layoff) and it was corporate love at first sight :o) We share a lot of views on work-life balance and on food. And music. Basically, he's awesome and I wish I had more reasons to hang out with him.
Writing to Mike was a very cool experience for me, because it allowed me to draw on professional experiences while focusing entirely on the personal relationship. I reflected on the things I don't know about this guy, and shared some updates with him on my own life. He is the kind of person whose opinion I value highly. I hope I'll get to hear back from him at some point. I doubt he's much of a letter writer, but I'm sure I'll at least get a note on facebook or something. If his company weren't based in Montana I bet I could get a good shot at getting a job there, they have a really cool setup... but I'm not sure a move to Montana is in the cards for my family at this time. Who moves to Montana in February anyway ;o)
This brings me to Mike. Mike is someone I met as a result of a series of video interviews my former boss did as a part of our leadership program curriculum. Mike is a CEO and had some really awesome insights on the concept of work-life balance. I was not able to tag along with my boss on the trip where he interviewed Mike, but I had been the contact person who set it all up, and followed up with Mike several times afterward. When my boss returned to the office from that interview, he said "wait til you see it, you're gonna love this guy!" He was right. I did get to meet Mike finally a little over a year ago (my last project before the layoff) and it was corporate love at first sight :o) We share a lot of views on work-life balance and on food. And music. Basically, he's awesome and I wish I had more reasons to hang out with him.
Writing to Mike was a very cool experience for me, because it allowed me to draw on professional experiences while focusing entirely on the personal relationship. I reflected on the things I don't know about this guy, and shared some updates with him on my own life. He is the kind of person whose opinion I value highly. I hope I'll get to hear back from him at some point. I doubt he's much of a letter writer, but I'm sure I'll at least get a note on facebook or something. If his company weren't based in Montana I bet I could get a good shot at getting a job there, they have a really cool setup... but I'm not sure a move to Montana is in the cards for my family at this time. Who moves to Montana in February anyway ;o)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Letter #43 - Rita
My very first "boyfriend" that I can remember was named Bryan. I met him because of his mom, Rita, who was my Kindermusik teacher when I was four. I'm sure Bry and I eventually broke each others' hearts and went our separate ways, but we're still in touch every so often and I keep in touch with his other family members as well. Rita is the member of the family I see the least often and hear from even less frequently. Over the holidays I was in touch with both of her sons a bit (God bless Facebook) and got to see a bunch of their family Christmas photos, which made me miss Rita.
I have only a few blurry memories from Kindermusik, but I remember just loving it. It also laid the foundation for my 8 years of piano lessons and my dabbling in guitar. While I never became an accomplished musician, I love music, and I'm grateful to Rita for sharing her passion with me. I still have my Kindermusik bag, with my books and my glockenspiel... I can't part with it, and I hope my future children will use it someday. Since they're daddy will be a musician, I'm sure they'll get looooots of exposure :o)
As I wrote Rita's letter I remembered spending hours in her basement playing music games, hoping Bryan would be able to play after class, watching The Brave Little Toaster... I wonder if I'll hear back from Rita. It's been years since I think I've had direct contact with her, and I can't say I have any idea what's been going on her life. I'm hopeful she'll send news back.
I have only a few blurry memories from Kindermusik, but I remember just loving it. It also laid the foundation for my 8 years of piano lessons and my dabbling in guitar. While I never became an accomplished musician, I love music, and I'm grateful to Rita for sharing her passion with me. I still have my Kindermusik bag, with my books and my glockenspiel... I can't part with it, and I hope my future children will use it someday. Since they're daddy will be a musician, I'm sure they'll get looooots of exposure :o)
As I wrote Rita's letter I remembered spending hours in her basement playing music games, hoping Bryan would be able to play after class, watching The Brave Little Toaster... I wonder if I'll hear back from Rita. It's been years since I think I've had direct contact with her, and I can't say I have any idea what's been going on her life. I'm hopeful she'll send news back.
Letter #42 - Danielle
Sometimes we meet people under odd circumstances. Becoming roommates is one of those odd circumstances to me. "Hey meet this person you will now share very close living quarters with for the next year, hope you like them!" When I was a freshman in college, I met Danielle. We were roommates. We had spoken once or twice on the phone before we moved into the dorms, and she has this hilarious story about how she was convinced I was blonde.
Danielle and I ended up being an excellent match. We turned into really good friends, and ended up living together for 3 years. Danielle recently moved to the Detroit area, which has allowed us to hang out a lot more. She is one of the few friends I have around here who would much rather do non-standard things (aka not grab dinner and a movie, instead, go to the zoo in the middle of winter). I love it because it allows me to do stuff I wouldn't ordinarily get the chance to do (like go to the zoo in the middle of winter). She's also my "culture" friend, she loves to go to plays, musicals, etc, which a lot of my friends in the area don't really get into, so when I want to do stuff like that, she's my first call :o)
Today I sent Danielle a note because she has been having a rough week. I wanted to send her some encouragement. Writing to Danielle let's me remember some of the awesome times we've had together, and makes me feel good because I really love spending time with her. Her conversations almost always make me feel better about life, even if it happens to be sucking at the time. Everyone should have a Danielle in their life. For real.
Danielle and I ended up being an excellent match. We turned into really good friends, and ended up living together for 3 years. Danielle recently moved to the Detroit area, which has allowed us to hang out a lot more. She is one of the few friends I have around here who would much rather do non-standard things (aka not grab dinner and a movie, instead, go to the zoo in the middle of winter). I love it because it allows me to do stuff I wouldn't ordinarily get the chance to do (like go to the zoo in the middle of winter). She's also my "culture" friend, she loves to go to plays, musicals, etc, which a lot of my friends in the area don't really get into, so when I want to do stuff like that, she's my first call :o)
Today I sent Danielle a note because she has been having a rough week. I wanted to send her some encouragement. Writing to Danielle let's me remember some of the awesome times we've had together, and makes me feel good because I really love spending time with her. Her conversations almost always make me feel better about life, even if it happens to be sucking at the time. Everyone should have a Danielle in their life. For real.
Letter #41 - Jason
Social Media is a fascinating thing. It allows us to connect with people from all over the world at the simple click of a mouse. I have to smile sometimes at the concerns expressed by "older" people in my life over communicating with complete strangers. Not that there aren't valid safety issues, but in many respects, friends on facebook are a lot like the pen pals of past generations. Communicating with someone you may have never met face to face, sharing whatever part of you and your life you feel comfortable sharing with them, engaging in a relationship without having ever seen the way they dress or hearing their voice.
The creation of this blog was meant mostly to give me something to track this project. I didn't particularly care if anyone else ever read it or got anything out of it... if they did that was a bonus. One of my cyber-friends, Jason, apparently does read this blog, and it does appear to mean something to him. When I posted an earlier blog post on my Facebook page and invited friends wishing to receive a letter at some point to be sure I had their addresses, he sent me his. I thought that was awesome. Not only was my project impacting someone, but they wanted to be a part of it now too!
Last night I finally finished off a research paper I've been neck-deep in for over a week. I celebrated by powering down and working on some letters and reading for fun for a change. Jason will be the recipient one of the letters I wrote. Having only ever corresponded with Jason on Facebook, it was kind of cool to be addressing him in a completely new way. It was surprising to me that a change in medium could make such a difference in the way I approached the communication. I also realised through adding him to my list, that Jason lives really close to my husband and I... small world!
I hope he enjoys the letter, I sure enjoyed writing it :o)
The creation of this blog was meant mostly to give me something to track this project. I didn't particularly care if anyone else ever read it or got anything out of it... if they did that was a bonus. One of my cyber-friends, Jason, apparently does read this blog, and it does appear to mean something to him. When I posted an earlier blog post on my Facebook page and invited friends wishing to receive a letter at some point to be sure I had their addresses, he sent me his. I thought that was awesome. Not only was my project impacting someone, but they wanted to be a part of it now too!
Last night I finally finished off a research paper I've been neck-deep in for over a week. I celebrated by powering down and working on some letters and reading for fun for a change. Jason will be the recipient one of the letters I wrote. Having only ever corresponded with Jason on Facebook, it was kind of cool to be addressing him in a completely new way. It was surprising to me that a change in medium could make such a difference in the way I approached the communication. I also realised through adding him to my list, that Jason lives really close to my husband and I... small world!
I hope he enjoys the letter, I sure enjoyed writing it :o)
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Letter #40 - Connie Sue
Sometimes it's difficult to remember that the kids who were kids when I last saw them in person are now teenagers and young adults. That presents a challenge when I write to them because I have to be very conscious of my tone and language. Instead of asking them how school is, I have to ask what they're studying, or if they've decided on what they want to do when they graduate. Instead of using phrases like "I hope you are having fun" it's "what kinds of stuff are you doing these days?" It puts me in a reflective mode as I remember letters I used to get from older friends as I was growing up.
Letter #40 went to a girl I know named Connie Sue. I met Connie Sue at a church camp in Alaska the same year I met my husband. I got talked into helping out with the Junior High class and ended up having a really fun time getting to know the 10 kids in the class and spending time with them. We taught each other crazy campfire songs, made s'mores, wandered around nature preserves, etc. It was overall just a really neat week. Connie Sue, her brother and her cousin were all in that class, and we spent a lot of time watching the family dynamics unroll. It was cool to see that even though they picked on each other a lot, they also still liked each other quite a bit, similar to my brother and I at those ages.
I sent Connie Sue a wedding photo and invited her to look me up if she was on facebook (I haven't been able to find her there yet). We have exchanged a handful of letters over the years, but I'm hoping this one will maybe invite a more regular exchange. She was a really neat kid and I'd love to get to know the young woman she's grown into since I last saw her!
Letter #40 went to a girl I know named Connie Sue. I met Connie Sue at a church camp in Alaska the same year I met my husband. I got talked into helping out with the Junior High class and ended up having a really fun time getting to know the 10 kids in the class and spending time with them. We taught each other crazy campfire songs, made s'mores, wandered around nature preserves, etc. It was overall just a really neat week. Connie Sue, her brother and her cousin were all in that class, and we spent a lot of time watching the family dynamics unroll. It was cool to see that even though they picked on each other a lot, they also still liked each other quite a bit, similar to my brother and I at those ages.
I sent Connie Sue a wedding photo and invited her to look me up if she was on facebook (I haven't been able to find her there yet). We have exchanged a handful of letters over the years, but I'm hoping this one will maybe invite a more regular exchange. She was a really neat kid and I'd love to get to know the young woman she's grown into since I last saw her!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Letter #39 - Bob
I have had many blessings in my life. One of these blessings has included nearly endless opportunities to meet new people. This can include celebrities, CEOs for Fortune 50 companies, and normal every day people like Bob. When I met Bob he was working at the Royal Park Hotel, where my boss at the time and I basically lived for 2 years while we completed a leadership seminar we were conducting.
I used to love it when Bob was on staff for our dinners, and would spend time chatting with him while the rest of the group mingled or talked business. Bob would also let me sneak as many maraschino cherries as I wanted from his stash behind the bar, and always gave me extras in my drinks.
Awhile ago, I received news from one of Bob's colleagues that he had retired, and that he was battling cancer. She sent me a link to the blog his family was using to keep loved ones posted on his condition, and I have diligently followed his highs and lows as he and his family struggle through this incredibly difficult time. At the end of last year, I succeeded in getting a snail mail address for Bob, so this week I'm finally getting around to sending him a letter. I tried to balance my message between just catching up and still acknowledging the struggle he's going through. I continue to hold him in my heart in the hopes that his health will improve, his spirits (from all of the postings) appear to be strong most days, so I hope his body can keep up with that spirit.
I used to love it when Bob was on staff for our dinners, and would spend time chatting with him while the rest of the group mingled or talked business. Bob would also let me sneak as many maraschino cherries as I wanted from his stash behind the bar, and always gave me extras in my drinks.
Awhile ago, I received news from one of Bob's colleagues that he had retired, and that he was battling cancer. She sent me a link to the blog his family was using to keep loved ones posted on his condition, and I have diligently followed his highs and lows as he and his family struggle through this incredibly difficult time. At the end of last year, I succeeded in getting a snail mail address for Bob, so this week I'm finally getting around to sending him a letter. I tried to balance my message between just catching up and still acknowledging the struggle he's going through. I continue to hold him in my heart in the hopes that his health will improve, his spirits (from all of the postings) appear to be strong most days, so I hope his body can keep up with that spirit.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Letter #38 - Brad
The advent of Facebook has made birthdays AWESOME to me. Gone are the days of people maybe not remembering, or not even knowing that it's your birthday. Now you can get birthday greetings from people you've never even met, or maybe know distantly, or haven't seen in 30 years but keep in touch with once a week by commenting on each others' status or photos.
This project is intended to focus on good old fashioned mail, so for letter #39 I'm using some of the knowledge Facebook has provided me with in order to bring some good old fashioned birthday greetings to a friend of mine. Brad is turning 18 this week. It seems crazy to me because it seems only yesterday he was one of those awkward little kids running around church camp bossing his little brother around (as an older sibling I can relate). I had the great pleasure of taking Brad's senior portraits last summer. He's turned into such a great kid, and has the whole world opening up to him as he finishes up his high school career and begins to contemplate the new chapter of his life.
I wish him so much success and have enjoyed watching him grow up. I hope his birthday is amazing and that he enjoys receiving something as ancient as a birthday card.
This project is intended to focus on good old fashioned mail, so for letter #39 I'm using some of the knowledge Facebook has provided me with in order to bring some good old fashioned birthday greetings to a friend of mine. Brad is turning 18 this week. It seems crazy to me because it seems only yesterday he was one of those awkward little kids running around church camp bossing his little brother around (as an older sibling I can relate). I had the great pleasure of taking Brad's senior portraits last summer. He's turned into such a great kid, and has the whole world opening up to him as he finishes up his high school career and begins to contemplate the new chapter of his life.
I wish him so much success and have enjoyed watching him grow up. I hope his birthday is amazing and that he enjoys receiving something as ancient as a birthday card.
Letter #37 - Diane
I've mentioned before that it's inevitable certain letters will automatically lead me to my next letter recipient. Dave was an example of this. Thinking of Dave led me to think about Diane. Diane was my boss and minister when I was an undergrad. She spent 2 years ministering to me and trying to get me to move into the Journey House, then to become the Resident Assistant. She succeeded on all fronts, and I'm so glad for it. I spent many, MANY hours in Diane's office working on projects, chatting about life, escaping my housemates to get homework done, etc. She is a wonderful woman and a natural cheerleader. She could always tell when something was wrong, and even if she couldn't help me fix the problem, she knew how to help make me feel a bit better.
Writing to Diane brought me back to the house... sitting at my desk and hearing her call a greeting around the corner as she came up the stairs to say hello or check in. Watching her face light up when someone would say something funny or share some good news. Listening to her lead a harmony line during hymn sings, watching her lead us in a capella verses, hearing the vacuum turn on and knowing she'd arrived for the day... there are days in my life now, sitting at home by myself, where I would just kill for her to show up at the door and invite me out to a coffee shop.
Writing to Diane brought me back to the house... sitting at my desk and hearing her call a greeting around the corner as she came up the stairs to say hello or check in. Watching her face light up when someone would say something funny or share some good news. Listening to her lead a harmony line during hymn sings, watching her lead us in a capella verses, hearing the vacuum turn on and knowing she'd arrived for the day... there are days in my life now, sitting at home by myself, where I would just kill for her to show up at the door and invite me out to a coffee shop.
Letter #36 - Dave
I never really got to know my grandfathers. As a result, I tend to swoon over grandfatherly men (in the awwww sweet kind of way, not the grossly inappropriate age difference kind of way). When I was doing my undergrad, my pastor was one of these types (a young grandfather though). His wife was this incredibly sweet lady and he was this cranky man with a super soft side that he preferred most people didn't notice. I fell into the category of people who were allowed to shamelessly exploit that soft side and make him hug me a lot. Whenever I get to see him now that I've moved away from East Lansing, I get big hugs and enthusiastic requests for details on my life since he's last seen me. The last time I saw him, I was thrilled to hear that things in his life had done an almost 180 (he'd had a rough few years there!) and that he was practically floating he was so happy. It was awesome to see.
Dave is another person who is on my Christmas card list and doesn't ever hear from me outside of that unless we see each other in person somewhere. As I contemplated how to start my letter off to him, I was overcome with memories from times spent with that congregation, with Dave and his wife, with Dave's mother before she passed away. As grumpy as he could get when I lived there, he still had a beautiful heart that almost always shone through. He is a compassionate man, and I am so blessed to know him. He has brought amazing ministry to my life, and I doubt he has any idea this is the case.
Dave is another person who is on my Christmas card list and doesn't ever hear from me outside of that unless we see each other in person somewhere. As I contemplated how to start my letter off to him, I was overcome with memories from times spent with that congregation, with Dave and his wife, with Dave's mother before she passed away. As grumpy as he could get when I lived there, he still had a beautiful heart that almost always shone through. He is a compassionate man, and I am so blessed to know him. He has brought amazing ministry to my life, and I doubt he has any idea this is the case.
Letter #35 - Bob
One of my many hats is photographer. I discovered my love for photography sometime in high school, and, wanting to encourage my love, my dad made me a deal. If I could keep my room clean for an entire month (by his standards), I could have his canon rebel to call my very own. It is the only month in the history of my life that my room was spotless.
As I continued to develop my skill, I was fortunate enough to meet Bob. Bob became one of my photo-mentors. I was introduced to him through his brother-in-law (another one of my photo-mentors) at one of our church's World Conferences. Bob and Jim were both staff photographers, and allowed me to tag along with them the whole week, learning, shooting, stealing their gear (with their permission...) and feeding my addiction... :o)
Several years ago, my work took me on a short trip to Denver (where Bob lives). I had planned to stay an extra day to hang out with two of my colleagues who were going to be there from Mexico. When I arrived, I discovered that my colleagues had neglected to inform me they were no longer able to extend their trips, and so I was stuck in Denver for a day all by myself. It turned out to be a really really cool experience. I hadn't had many opportunities to ever really travel solo before... for a change, I got to plan my whole day doing everything that *I* wanted to do, without having to worry about everyone else's interests. It was really neat. Somewhere in my planning process, it dawned on me that Bob lived in the city with his wife. I got a hold of him, and he offered to meet up with me when he got off work, and take me up into the mountains to possibly get some good nature shots. It ended up being a really lovely evening, but I missed out on some photos as my batteries were pretty much dead by the time we connected.
I never write to Bob. He and his wife get our Christmas card each December, but beyond that, I send the occasional email or we connect in person every few years at church events. It was neat to be sitting down to intentionally send him a note. I didn't write a whole lot, but it felt good to be connected to him in my heart in that moment. I look forward to continuing to run into him over the years to come, and continuing to compare our photography and admire each others' work.
As I continued to develop my skill, I was fortunate enough to meet Bob. Bob became one of my photo-mentors. I was introduced to him through his brother-in-law (another one of my photo-mentors) at one of our church's World Conferences. Bob and Jim were both staff photographers, and allowed me to tag along with them the whole week, learning, shooting, stealing their gear (with their permission...) and feeding my addiction... :o)
Several years ago, my work took me on a short trip to Denver (where Bob lives). I had planned to stay an extra day to hang out with two of my colleagues who were going to be there from Mexico. When I arrived, I discovered that my colleagues had neglected to inform me they were no longer able to extend their trips, and so I was stuck in Denver for a day all by myself. It turned out to be a really really cool experience. I hadn't had many opportunities to ever really travel solo before... for a change, I got to plan my whole day doing everything that *I* wanted to do, without having to worry about everyone else's interests. It was really neat. Somewhere in my planning process, it dawned on me that Bob lived in the city with his wife. I got a hold of him, and he offered to meet up with me when he got off work, and take me up into the mountains to possibly get some good nature shots. It ended up being a really lovely evening, but I missed out on some photos as my batteries were pretty much dead by the time we connected.
I never write to Bob. He and his wife get our Christmas card each December, but beyond that, I send the occasional email or we connect in person every few years at church events. It was neat to be sitting down to intentionally send him a note. I didn't write a whole lot, but it felt good to be connected to him in my heart in that moment. I look forward to continuing to run into him over the years to come, and continuing to compare our photography and admire each others' work.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Letter #34 - Meredith
I've had a rough few years. I've been dealing with some personal demons, and processing some tragedies that occurred in the life of my family. As I've continued to work through some of these things I have recently found myself at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to religion. I used to be very active and involved in my church, and part of me misses that very much, especially when it comes to the times I was able to interact with the kids and help be a positive influence in their lives. Because of some of my own things I'm not currently not emotionally in a place to continue to be involved at that level, but I do very much still want those connections. This project has allowed me an inbetween place that I hadn't had before. It allows me to connect with those kids, without risking my own issues being challenged before I'm ready to face them at that level.
Meredith is one of those kids. She's a camper I've always tried to keep an eye on. She's struggled with a lot of the same issues most girls her age experience, and I've tried to be a positive influence, if from a more distanced setting. Meredith and I recently connected on facebook, which has given me an entirely new way to communicate with her. I decided this week to send her a letter as an attempt on my part to establish a more concrete relationship with her. The experience dredged up some of the reflections above, and made me consider the reasons I felt led to reach out to her. It was a really interesting and useful experience for me, and I was able to finally pinpoint a way in which I can still share of myself, without doing so in a capacity that would quickly make me feel cynical or inauthentic. I was glad to find that outlet.
Meredith is one of those kids. She's a camper I've always tried to keep an eye on. She's struggled with a lot of the same issues most girls her age experience, and I've tried to be a positive influence, if from a more distanced setting. Meredith and I recently connected on facebook, which has given me an entirely new way to communicate with her. I decided this week to send her a letter as an attempt on my part to establish a more concrete relationship with her. The experience dredged up some of the reflections above, and made me consider the reasons I felt led to reach out to her. It was a really interesting and useful experience for me, and I was able to finally pinpoint a way in which I can still share of myself, without doing so in a capacity that would quickly make me feel cynical or inauthentic. I was glad to find that outlet.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Letter #33 - Jeremy
I've mentioned in previous posts that I have a handful of pre-teen/early teen kids that I try to keep in touch with, or kind of mentor. One of these kids is Jeremy. Jeremy has been one of my campers for years, he's this wisp of a kid with an absolutely super brain. His parents are both super smart, and as a result he's an adorable super nerd. One of his hobbies is that he has a stamp collection. Back when I was traveling a bunch for work, Jeremy's dad told me about his collection and asked if I would be willing to send him a few postcards or something on my travels so he could add to the collection. Since then, I have tried to go above and beyond that request... the letter I wrote Jeremy today is evidence of that :o) A friend of mine recently went on a trip to Israel. I asked if he would be willing to send me a postcard. Not only so I could hear from him, but so I can also now pass the Israeli stamp on to Jeremy!
This post will now also double as a request to all of my readers who may travel. If you are willing to send me postcards with cool stamps that I can continue to send to Jeremy, that would be so cool. I'd get the mail, and he'd get the stamps! :o) If you are willing to do this, and need my address, just send me a note or leave a comment and I'll get it to you!
Thank you readers!
This post will now also double as a request to all of my readers who may travel. If you are willing to send me postcards with cool stamps that I can continue to send to Jeremy, that would be so cool. I'd get the mail, and he'd get the stamps! :o) If you are willing to do this, and need my address, just send me a note or leave a comment and I'll get it to you!
Thank you readers!
Letter #32- John
As the current crisis in Egypt continues to unfold, I have found myself often thinking of my old friend John. John is a former US Ambassador, and someone I had the privilege of meeting because of my father. When I was a sophomore in high school, I had aspirations of getting into politics. I had the opportunity to participate in one of my school's "enrichment weeks" which was in partnership with Close Up Washington DC. During my trip I was given permission to skip an afternoon of activities and spend some time with John, who had prepared an incredible tour of the city for me, including meetings with several of his contacts in various organisations across the city, serving various functions. The tour concluded with a private tour of the white house, including stops in the press room, oval office, and situation room (I got to sit in the President's chair!!) It was an awesome experience.
During my undergrad I gradually shied away from politics and decided to pursue teaching. Now I find myself drifting back toward the political realm as I pursue my Masters in Social Justice... but John has always stayed with me in the impact he has had on my worldview. Having been able to hear stories of some of his experiences, having been given the great gift of meeting some of the people he introduced me to, and having kept his insights in my mind as I've matured, I have been blessed by his influence in my life.
I decided to share some of these insights with John in a letter I wrote him this week. I have not kept in close touch with John in recent years, in fact I had to send him an email to request his current mailing address. I am hoping that he will be able to take some pride in his impact on my life, and that he will be honoured by the fact that I can, in part, credit him for my current course of study. As I wrote my letter, my mind was flooded with memories from that DC trip, as well as thoughts and reflections that have floated through my mind over the years. The simple act of writing his letter made me really consider the path that has brought me to this moment in my academic and professional career and what has helped shape the goals I now have for myself. That in and of itself was an experience I don't often get to enjoy, it was very cool.
During my undergrad I gradually shied away from politics and decided to pursue teaching. Now I find myself drifting back toward the political realm as I pursue my Masters in Social Justice... but John has always stayed with me in the impact he has had on my worldview. Having been able to hear stories of some of his experiences, having been given the great gift of meeting some of the people he introduced me to, and having kept his insights in my mind as I've matured, I have been blessed by his influence in my life.
I decided to share some of these insights with John in a letter I wrote him this week. I have not kept in close touch with John in recent years, in fact I had to send him an email to request his current mailing address. I am hoping that he will be able to take some pride in his impact on my life, and that he will be honoured by the fact that I can, in part, credit him for my current course of study. As I wrote my letter, my mind was flooded with memories from that DC trip, as well as thoughts and reflections that have floated through my mind over the years. The simple act of writing his letter made me really consider the path that has brought me to this moment in my academic and professional career and what has helped shape the goals I now have for myself. That in and of itself was an experience I don't often get to enjoy, it was very cool.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Letter #31 - Renatta
Renatta is my third classmate who was absent from class this past weekend. She is one of my classmates that I haven't had much opportunity to get to know very well yet. She tends to flip flop between being very vocal in class and just sitting back and absorbing the discussion. Last class she was struggling with deciding whether she was going to continue in the program or not, so my letter was one of encouragement, hoping she will decide to rejoin us in February... if she decides this is the path for her!
I am hoping if Renatta does come back next month, that my letter will have opened a door for us to start getting to know each other better.
I am hoping if Renatta does come back next month, that my letter will have opened a door for us to start getting to know each other better.
Letter #30 - Aunt Pat
I have a very large adopted family. Aunt Pat has been a part of that adopted family for as long as I can remember. She has another half, Uncle Jim, who passed away last year. It still feels weird to say her name without his. When I was doing my undergrad, I spent a lot of my summers with them in their home in Toronto. They were a huge part in helping me to understand what healthy relationships should look like. Since Uncle Jim's death, I have quadrupled my efforts to keep in touch with Aunt Pat. We are eagerly anticipating the results of her recent eye surgery in the hopes that she will be able to come and visit us soon and get a much needed break from her current every day life.
Writing to Aunt Pat always fills me with very intense emotions, and I usually need a few moments to sit and reflect after I've finished writing her a letter. I hope my card brings a smile to her face and a hug to her heart. I have a deep love and appreciation for Aunt Pat and just keep holding her in my heart through this time of transition for all of us.
Writing to Aunt Pat always fills me with very intense emotions, and I usually need a few moments to sit and reflect after I've finished writing her a letter. I hope my card brings a smile to her face and a hug to her heart. I have a deep love and appreciation for Aunt Pat and just keep holding her in my heart through this time of transition for all of us.
Letter #29 - Judy
As I mentioned, last week was a class weekend for me. This time around, 3 of my classmates were missing for various reasons. I decided to send letters to all of them - both to let them know they were missed, and to just connect and let them know a bit of what they missed since they'll have to make up the course at a later date.
Judy is a very strong woman. She is dedicated to Social Justice and is always very friendly. She makes an awesome cheerleader for our Tribe and her presence was sorely missed this weekend. Writing to Judy also gave me an opportunity to debrief a little bit as well. Class had been an intense experience for me this time around, so I was glad to have the chance to reflect a little as I wrote her.
Judy is a very strong woman. She is dedicated to Social Justice and is always very friendly. She makes an awesome cheerleader for our Tribe and her presence was sorely missed this weekend. Writing to Judy also gave me an opportunity to debrief a little bit as well. Class had been an intense experience for me this time around, so I was glad to have the chance to reflect a little as I wrote her.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)