Letter #25 3/31/21
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 41 years old and a single mom of a 10-year-old boy named Easton. His father passed away from cancer three years ago. I enjoy writing, I love history, and I like DIY home projects. I miss my grandma, and I know that if she were alive, she’d be so happy to receive a letter. It wouldn’t matter if the writing was profound or merely about what I ate for dinner, it would make her smile. So, my friend, I’d like to write some letters to you. It will help me feel useful and less lonely, and I hope the letters help you and that they spark you to reminisce about your own life, love, and good times.
March 31st, 2021
Dear Friend,
Happy Easter this weekend, my friend! We have made it through just over a year of pandemic-induced restrictions and cancellations. I can’t believe it! In some ways this has been a very long, arduous year. In other ways, I don’t know how a whole year flew by and it is already Easter again. Either way, we are tough to have survived the challenging year. I’m proud of you! Did the year feel fast or slow to you?
Before the pandemic, attending an Easter Mass or any church service was simple. All one had to do was show up. Is there a church you liked to go to? I always felt a different vibe in the church on Easter. Did you ever notice that? More people were in attendance than usual, everyone was a little more dressed up, and the joy of spring would be palpable in the air. After long, Wisconsin winters, Easter was finally a weekend of warmer temperatures, fresh air, and family pictures outside. Spring! Rebirth! Beautiful reminders that we made it through the darkness for this. Hopefully, my friend, we have made it through the darkness of this pandemic and can embrace a renewed joy of life.
Beginning last March, churches across the country closed, and we could no longer just show up. Masses were video recorded or broadcast over the internet. After many months some churches began to open up with limited capacity. Folks needed to call ahead and reserve a seat. Last Easter watching mass on TV was our only option. We couldn’t be part of the joyous crowd like we wanted to, but my son and I could go watch mass on TV with my mom. I knew she was very disappointed and hurt by missing out on traditions, so to lift her mood and make some fun out of the day, I got really dressed up. Well, my friend, not exactly as you’re imagining. I dug out my Grandma’s old housecoat that I kept for posterity and I wore that. Grandma called them her “muumuus” and she loved them. Wearing it last Easter I can see why. It was comfortable and it had pockets! Grandma knew what she was doing with choosing her muumuus! Anyway, my mom laughed, and I’m glad we made the most of the day. Of course, we still had a very yummy brunch which I always love. My mom does a fabulous job with her brunch recipes.
This year we get to attend mass in person. We did have to sign up for seats ahead of time, though. I wish I could just throw on that muumuu and call it a day, but it will be nice to have a reason to get dressed up and take pictures outside. I hope the Easter Bunny comes! My son set aside 100 eggs for the bunny to hide. I hope the bunny is up for the task! Did the bunny visit your house when you were little? What did the bunny leave you? Ooh, maybe I’ll get a new muumuu in my basket! That would be something, my friend. Blessings to you, and may memories of brunches and bunnies warm your heart.
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:
Did the year feel fast or slow to you? Is there a church you like to go to? Did you ever notice a different feeling in church on Easter? Did the bunny visit your house when you were little? What did the Easter Bunny leave you?