Christmas 1996
Dear Friends. Among the festivities of the Holiday Season we take time to think of our long-time friends who have been so much a part of our lives in the past. We count you among our blessings and hope to hear from you soon.
This year, with the death of David’s father in August, we begin to reassess our priorities, knowing full well that life continues for those who are left behind in a more poignant yet richer existence. Having experienced first hand Warren’s dying in our home after a fairly short (but seemingly long) illness and learning what it means to care for every need of someone we love, we are richer and closer for the painful experience.
Our lives, busy and full as they have been in the past, now include both of our mothers, who live nearby in the same retirement community. Setting Grammie up in an apartment was an exercise in restraint as we tried to choose which "knick knacks" accumulated during a lifetime to take to her new home. We gave in and took everything. The result is a mishmash of Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida and Virginia that is pleasing to the eye and homey to the heart. Grammie loves her little corner of the universe and we are able to see her often.
David, while travelling three of four weekends doing consulting work, cherishes his time at home and likes nothing better than to put his feet up and rule his domain from his armchair. Unfortunately, this does not happen too often as obligations at the hospital keep him busy.
Brian is coming home for the holidays after graduating from the University of Montana only to head right back to Missoula again in January. His pursuit of a permanent job in sylvan culture (that’s forestry in case you didn’t know) is a never ceasing quest which is bound to bear fruit soon.
Jessica has recently moved to Brooklyn, New York where she is working three jobs in an effort to support herself. So far she is enjoying the change even though the weather is much colder than Virginia.
Kristin maintains three Shopping Centers, two in Charlottesville and one in Lynchburg, Virginia. She has become the family’s "legal eagle" through constant reading and approving contracts and leases at work.
All in all, we have had an interesting year. We are happy to be together after nearly 28 years of marriage and are fulfilling the preordained sequence of watching the kids growing up, the dog dying, and our parents becoming our children!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Kristin and David