Gosh what an absolutely beautiful reflection and declaration of love toward your Grandmother Mary. I cannot understand but a small piece of how meaningful it must have been to receive those handwritten letters and care packages when you were in Iraq. Thank you for your service.
I grew up on the other side of the world, with a very similar Grandmother. Her name was Gunhild, and she married a farmer in a very small village in Finland. When I moved to the US she would write me letters that were very similar to the ones you received from your Grandmother. And -- my Grandma would send me and my husband knitted wool socks even if we lived in Southern California then! We loved them, and still have many pairs that are in use.
Again, great story about letters. Thank you for sharing.
You're most welcome and thank you for your comment and sharing a bit of your own story.
Where did you live in SoCal? My twilight tour was in Camp Pendleton. I was fortunate enough to live on a sailboat at the base marina, Del Mar Marina, which shares a harbor with Oceanside. I was eager to retire and get back to my wife and girls, but if you have to be a geo-bachelor and eat your suppers alone, then may I submit, doing so on the back of a sailboat in SoCal is a solid way to go about it.
To your Grandmother, Gunhild! She sounds like an awesome lady.
My pleasure! My husband and I lived in Santa Monica for many years. Funny coincidence, I knew someone who lived on a sailboat in Marina del Rey! He and his wife were into everything nautical. I was always impressed with the spartan lifestyle that comes with living on a boat. SoCal definitely was awesome!
I am glad that you enjoyed it. I have a few letters from you as well. The one I enjoyed the most was pretty short. It brought me back home, rushing to get ready for school. You were running late to your TAAS test, but forgot your lunch so mom stopped at a convenience store to get you a lunch. Sounded like every morning. Had one of those with the girls myself this morning. LOL
An absolutely beautiful story. I've never thought about the treasures we truly forgo when rely solely on the instant communication of a text or email. This story is a wonderful reminder that the things that are truly precious in life are those things built and cherished overtime.
Perhaps it's time to improve my penmanship and send a few letters.
Also, I'm no screen writer but this would make for a powerful short-film.
That would be wonderful. My sister, Sam, and I are the only ones left in our immediate family as she and Aunt Lene were for a long time. Even though Gatesville was in the plan, GrandMary stated she would never move as long as Aunt Lene was still living. Never thought for a minute with the sixteen year age difference, that she would go first.
Thank you so much. One of the best parts of working on this article was having an excuse (not that I needed one) to re-read all of letters and selecting one to profile. Took me two days! She talks about Aunt Lene in a number of them. Maybe one day we can get together and share. Enjoy her words. As she said, "There is power in written word... especially in a letter."
Gosh what an absolutely beautiful reflection and declaration of love toward your Grandmother Mary. I cannot understand but a small piece of how meaningful it must have been to receive those handwritten letters and care packages when you were in Iraq. Thank you for your service.
I grew up on the other side of the world, with a very similar Grandmother. Her name was Gunhild, and she married a farmer in a very small village in Finland. When I moved to the US she would write me letters that were very similar to the ones you received from your Grandmother. And -- my Grandma would send me and my husband knitted wool socks even if we lived in Southern California then! We loved them, and still have many pairs that are in use.
Again, great story about letters. Thank you for sharing.
You're most welcome and thank you for your comment and sharing a bit of your own story.
Where did you live in SoCal? My twilight tour was in Camp Pendleton. I was fortunate enough to live on a sailboat at the base marina, Del Mar Marina, which shares a harbor with Oceanside. I was eager to retire and get back to my wife and girls, but if you have to be a geo-bachelor and eat your suppers alone, then may I submit, doing so on the back of a sailboat in SoCal is a solid way to go about it.
To your Grandmother, Gunhild! She sounds like an awesome lady.
Semper Fidelis
My pleasure! My husband and I lived in Santa Monica for many years. Funny coincidence, I knew someone who lived on a sailboat in Marina del Rey! He and his wife were into everything nautical. I was always impressed with the spartan lifestyle that comes with living on a boat. SoCal definitely was awesome!
So beautiful! Thank you for sharing!!
I am glad that you enjoyed it. I have a few letters from you as well. The one I enjoyed the most was pretty short. It brought me back home, rushing to get ready for school. You were running late to your TAAS test, but forgot your lunch so mom stopped at a convenience store to get you a lunch. Sounded like every morning. Had one of those with the girls myself this morning. LOL
Aaron, I love this so much! Had me running for a Kleenex before I was finished reading. Thank you for sharing so eloquently
That means a lot. Thank you! Semper Fidelis.
An absolutely beautiful story. I've never thought about the treasures we truly forgo when rely solely on the instant communication of a text or email. This story is a wonderful reminder that the things that are truly precious in life are those things built and cherished overtime.
Perhaps it's time to improve my penmanship and send a few letters.
Also, I'm no screen writer but this would make for a powerful short-film.
I couldn't agree more and thank you. What a wonderful compliment! I am taking a screen writing class soon. Maybe I'll use this. Thanks for the spark.
That would be wonderful. My sister, Sam, and I are the only ones left in our immediate family as she and Aunt Lene were for a long time. Even though Gatesville was in the plan, GrandMary stated she would never move as long as Aunt Lene was still living. Never thought for a minute with the sixteen year age difference, that she would go first.
This was beautiful and moving. I've always enjoyed letters. Need to write them again!
Thanks, Scoot! I really appreciate the support. Semper Fidelis.
Aaron, what a story! You took me back to that red kitchen table in Rose City where I enjoyed many meals and GrandMary’s wise advice.
Like you, I also saved all her letters. I’m going to read a few right now.
Thank you so much. One of the best parts of working on this article was having an excuse (not that I needed one) to re-read all of letters and selecting one to profile. Took me two days! She talks about Aunt Lene in a number of them. Maybe one day we can get together and share. Enjoy her words. As she said, "There is power in written word... especially in a letter."