And I'm still reveling in joy. Every year, her gifts are true treasures. But this year....this year her gift takes the cake, the frosting, and the marzipan silver bells. Oh.....how I love it!!
The gift is a small, square book designed and published by mi madre, representing hours and hours of labor. The book is a collection of family letters written in the 1970-80's to my grandparents by my parents, siblings and me over a 10-15 year span. Some of the letters are handwritten. Some are typed. Some are drawn. But each provides a big picture glass window into our home and family life during our awkward formative years. The letters are sweet and funny. And clearly show a family in dire need of a spellchecker.
Here are a few excerpts:
Aug. 13, 1983
Dear Grandpa and Grandma,
It was so much fun at the Merrill reunion. I wish you were here. We had so much fun but only 30% was fun because 50% was boring cause you weren't there and 20% was boring cause I got hurt real bad. It still hurts. Love, Kristi
Dear Grandma,
We all think you are a great grandma. Remember who you are. Love, Justin
Dear Grandpa and Grandma,
Sorry for not writing sooner, but I couldn't find a pencil. Love, Jeremy
Feb. 1984
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
How are you doing? Our church basketball season is over and we had a perfect record. We never won a game! Love, Justin
Dear Grandma,
Thank you for the money. Keep up the good work. Love, Jeremy
Dear Gma and Gpa,
I just came in from playing softball for the first time. Really I was just tossing the ball back and forth, but I like to tease. Love, Kristi
It is definitely the best. Christmas. present. ever.
4 comments:
Glad you like the book; it was so fun to do. Isn't on-line publishing great??!?!? Thank you for the tip on where to get it done.
And, I might add, thanks for writing all those delightful letters all those years ago.
Jenni I disagree about the spell check on this one. Writing--real writing with paper and writing instrument--notes and letters are such a dying gem. How wonderful that those gems have been captured in authentic glory. I love how each personality is so well illustrated with each note. What a wonderful collection of characters...oh, and the letters are charming as well.
What a treasure! Your mom is really amazing:)
All you Hackworth's have always been so witty. What a fabulous treasure.
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