12.28.2009

Best. Christmas. Present. Ever.

Abigail and John did it. The Guernsey Literary Potato Peel Pie Society did it. And now Library Lover has done it.

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

Thank you dear mother for the gift that won't get eaten or broken or long forgotten. This gift will be enjoyed by generations to come.

It is definitely the best. Christmas. present. ever.

4 comments:

LGH said...

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.

LoriPhdinme said...

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.

Libby said...

What a treasure! Your mom is really amazing:)

Mrs. Olsen said...

All you Hackworth's have always been so witty. What a fabulous treasure.

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