An Inspiring Note from an Inspiring Woman
Ray’s father Wes was a World War II veteran. For as long as Wes lived, he kept in contact with one of his fellow US soldiers. When Wes’ friend died, his widow Mary continued to send Christmas cards. Since Wes died, Ray and I have exchanged Christmas cards with Mary each year. Though we have never met her, she and we enjoy each other’s cards and news.
This year Ray read all our Christmas cards aloud to me while I busied myself with kitchen chores and Christmas tasks. When he read Mary’s letter, I knew I wanted to share it with you.
Mary’s pretty handwritten note, written in green ink on Christmas stationery, accompanied a photo card with a “Very Merry” greeting. In her photo, she is smiling broadly in front of a “Happy 98th” birthday cake. This is what she wrote. I am leaving out a few details to protect her privacy and leaving in her punctuation.
Dear Ray and Charlene,
I arrived in [a popular retirement state] on Dec. 4th. My eldest daughter ______ accompanied me and got me all settled in. Some clothes, left there from last year, shrunk in the closet, so she became my personal shopper and replaced them.
This will probably be my last winter out here as my old 98-yr.-old body is not what it used to be. I use walking poles to stay erect–people ask “Are you going skiing?”–I respond, “No, I’m a mountain climber!” I have been blessed with a wonderful life–I take one day at a time and am thankful for each day.
Mary’s joy and positive outlook inspired me. I hope it will inspire you, too.
So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
So that’s what happened to my clothes over the late fall! ????
Women like Mary are indeed an inspiration! Thank you for sharing her joy and humor with us.:-) She reminds me of your other friend, who when asked how she is coming along, says, “Still climbing, but they’ve greased the pole!”:-)