Letter #14: 7/16/20
Stories of A Lifetime Presents: “The Letters”
Community correspondence sparked from the isolating 2020 pandemic focused on easing the burden of loneliness.
Hello, my name is Holly. I am 40 years old and a single mom of a 9-year old boy named Easton. His father, Brian, passed away from cancer two years ago. I enjoy writing, I love history, and I like being a helpful, involved community member. I keep thinking about my grandma, and if she were alive today how lonely she would be because of this pandemic. I know receiving a letter would turn her day around. It wouldn’t matter if the writing was profound or merely about what I ate for dinner. Knowing someone cared to communicate would bring instant joy. So, my friend, I’d like to write some letters to you. I know they will help me feel useful and less lonely. I hope these letters are helpful to you and that they spark you to reminisce about your own life, love, and good times.
July 16th, 2020
Dear Friend,
It’s Thursday. Garbage day again already. Haha! Why does it always seem to be Thursday? This has been another hot and humid week. My son was in a couple activities, we both went to the dentist for a regular cleaning, and the week went quickly.
Easton and I went to a cub scout family adventure day where we learned about and were able to practice archery and BB guns. We both enjoyed archery more. I did some archery in my early 20s and was pretty good at it. It’s a good upper body workout. Have you ever tried archery? I think my son and I will have to explore it more as an activity we can learn and practice together.
We are heading to the house of one of my sister’s soon. She is an avid gardener and has a very large lot that is mostly garden space. She calls it her “farm.” There is an abundance of raspberries, cucumbers, squash, beans, and pea pods to pick right now. It’s amazing how much better the vegetables taste fresh from the farm. She does a wonderful job growing and maintaining all of this produce. I can’t wait for the tomatoes to ripen. Fresh garden tomatoes are the best! Do you have a garden? Did you grow up on a farm? Do you have any tips for keeping a garden?
I am working hard on rehabbing my property. The yard needed lots of attention and love. I hope to have the groundwork done this summer so that I’m ready for my own “farm” next year. I miss having my own garden. I think it’s enjoyable to work on and so rewarding. Plus, if it’s done right it can save hundreds on the grocery bill. I have big dreams of being more self-sufficient and growing what I can. If I could just figure out how to grow tacos then I’d be set. Haha!
The puppies have learned to “sit” for their treats. Cooper can “sit” and “shake” my hand and we’re working on “give me ten” where he’ll reach up with both front paws. Fritz can “sit” and then he’s pretty confused after that. Silly puppy. He doesn’t understand to lift one paw to “shake.” I absolutely love how their personalities are developing and how different they both are. It’s remarkable that they are brothers from the same litter. They are a fun, furry handful and we are so happy to have them!
With love,
Holly
If you’d like to write back to me, you are very welcome to.
I will get a PO Box soon and let you know what that is. For now, maybe someone could help you scan and email your letters back to me at Holly@StoriesofALifetimeLLC.com. Otherwise, maybe you’ll find it helpful to just journal your thoughts and write them down without sending them. You do what is helpful to you, friend.
Conversation Starters:
Have you ever tried archery? Do you have a garden? Did you grow up on a farm? Do you have any tips for keeping a garden?
