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I
suppose all of us need something to show for our
Herculean efforts and these newsletters (OK, thinly
disguised brag sheets) offer a fond look back.
Plus, producing reams of them is
push-button
easy. It must be. I get them
from everyone, from the real estate agent who sold us
our home – 10 years ago – to a high school chum I
haven’t spoken to since, well, high school.
I’ve
never managed one of my own but I do know what they need
to include. It’s a must to list every family trip
with phrases like “the kids were enthralled” and
“well-earned recharging time.” (No one ever fesses up to
the two year- old pooping in the hotel bathtub.)
I’ve
also come to learn that complaints, framed properly, are
acceptable. “The $200,000 renovation is really taxing
us.” Or “If Bobby weren’t such a good hockey
player, teams wouldn’t constantly fight over him.”
Topped off with, “Add in Joe’s big promotion (the bank
would close without him), and you can guess how stressed
we are!” After stuff like this, I’m longing
to read something that will cheer me up, such as “Uncle
Fred has discovered his feminine side and really is
smashing in drag.” So, partway through one
of these missives, I usually stop to compose a letter of
my own.
Dear
Friends:
It
is hard to believe that one year could contain all the
exciting and unbelievable events that have shaped our
evolving lives. Little Linda’s unfortunate pinworm
incident did take 10 years off my life, but,
thankfully,
Jessie
is still a treasure in the classroom. Her teachers
always remark on her cheerfulness. Amazed, we hope
she’ll go far. (A university in another province would
be bliss.) Then there’s Ben. He positively shines
in senior kindergarten, helped by the “look at me!” gene
inherited from his grandfather. We are counting the days
until all three leave for a whole summer at camp.
We should have the new kitchen sink installed by then,
so I’ll enjoy hand washing fewer dishes.
The
kids are enrolled in sports all over town five nights a
week. (Sitting in a frigid arena gives me a chance to
catch up on my mending.) Luckily all three make up in
enthusiasm what they lack in skill. (They do seem to
have their dad’s complete lack of physical prowess.)
Charlie
and I have both managed (touch wood) to avoid the waves
of random layoffs at our workplaces. Thank goodness. Our
erstwhile colleagues are having to make such tough
decisions about financial advisers and severance
packages. And they’re so bored, they spend
mind-numbing hours on the golf course. Last but
not least, Muffin (he really is part of the family) is
recovering nicely from his bladder operation. (The
diapers look so cute on him!)
Hoping
you share with us in this joyful
season,
Kathy
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