I think that what I hate about “spring,” what passes for spring in Vermont, is the cold, dreary weather! When we are blessed with a sunny day, I can hardly contain myself. It is during those lovely days that I envy those who actually have a spring at this time of year. You know what I mean – those who can look out their window and see beautiful little flower heads poking through the green grass and as the flowers grow, the birds accompany their growing with wonderful songs and chirps! Yes, that is my idea of spring.
When I was a little girl and lived in New Jersey, my grandmother always took me to buy new “party” shoes for Easter. I can remember that magical day as clear as day. I loved my new “Mary Jane’s” and when I got them, I knew that Easter and spring were on the way. I didn’t get a new dress for Easter very often, but I made do with a new hat. So when I wore my new shoes and new hat to church, I felt like a real spring fashion plate!
With all the bad news from around the world and the constant reminder about how bad everything is, I was thrilled to get a wonderful letter the other day. This letter was hand-written to me by Elizabeth, who is 96 years old and lives in Montpelier. First, I was thrilled to get a letter from someone that was actually hand-written. With the computer these days, I was pleased to see that someone actually took the time to write to me by her own hand. And not only that, it was written in cursive! Now that cursive is no longer taught in our schools, this letter is about to be a relic!
But her hand-written letter and kind and lovely words weren’t the only things that cheered up my day. Oh, no, there was much, much more. Instead of sharing with me all the problems of growing old and living in Montpelier, she told me that in 2006 she had been encouraged to move to Vermont by her son. It seems that she has a a large and attentive family who live close by. She has three children of her own who take good care of her (!) and she also is fortunate enough to have six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren! I like to think that it is because of her wonderful attitude on life, she loves Vermont. And instead of complaining about where she lives or what she can or cannot do, she went out of her way to share with me how kind and wonderful her terrific neighbors are!
I have to tell you that after reading her lovely letter, I re-read it again! And after I read it I realized how very happy this letter made me. Here was a woman who went out of her way to talk to me and to share with me her thoughts. And I was so fortunate to receive such a gift! Nothing is nicer than a happy, cheerful letter that comes from the heart. I believe that I am extraordinarily fortunate. I, too, am a lucky woman to be able to count my blessings! And you should count yours, too.