Christmas Cards

"Dear Dorene," Lee wrote with her perfect penmanship on a 6 x 9 sheet ripped from a pad.

"Your letter was like a thank you from everyone for what I had tried to do for my little family - the 3 of us." I didn't know who the three were. I knew she had a son, Skippy, who I never knew. He was killed in a motorcycle accident just after a terrible argument with his father. Harsh words were exchanged, words that haunted my great Uncle Glee the rest of his life.

"There were years of coping with so many medical problems, sadness & years of fulfillment. Glee was a good husband & miss him deeply. He was my tower of strength - always here for me." I had shared the same sentiments in my letter to her, written weeks earlier. Only they were about Glee's older sister, my grandmother.

"I was always sorry that Glee was a different person with others then he was with me. But I want to thank you for all the compliments you bestowed upon me. Now maybe I'll pull my shoulders back & try to forge ahead. I am blessed with nieces & nephews who are in the background - bring food (still can't eat) run errands. Don't drive with all this snow." I think of all those who have spread themselves to be my safety net. I never asked them, and am always startled to discover the gracious offer, the kind act that appears out of no where, the knowing smile. Lee is right, it makes a difference.

"I thank you again Dorene for all the good thoughts about us. This is my first card out & probably the only one." I only have two memories of Glee & Lee. The first is when I visited their home with my father, allergies had caught up with me and I spend the entire time sleeping on their couch. The second time is when I brought my grandmother. They had a falling out years before and this was their first and last visit in this lifetime. It was very stressful for them both. Gram ended up with Lee in the kitchen, cherishing a beautiful visit with her sister-in-law. Glee took me upstairs and told me of his adventures driving jeep for Patton during the war.

It struck a cord with me, a quiet resignating one.

"I hope things are going well for you & your pretty daughter. I hung a little medallion on my tree in memory of your grandmother and Glee.

I love you all dearly,
Now don't shed a tear,
I'm spending my Christmas
With Jesus this year.

Brings tears, so I'll hang up here & wish you all a blessed Christmas season. Love, Lee."

It is the only letter I have ever gotten from her. Just a few lines on unrolled paper in black ink pen. Priceless gift.