Dear Ma

Dear Ma,

Happy birthday! If you were still here on earth, you’d be 97. Let me give you a run-down of the past year. Maybe you already know all of this, but I’ll tell you anyway. Lowell & I are as fine as good wine! We love living in our tiny home and traveling about in our Gracee. Our health is good. Your grands, my kids are well. M#1 finally left. She’s at Gar’s and as his health declines he’s blessed to have her there. She and I talk almost every day. She still misses you like crazy. Simon is headstrong and strong-willed; as he’s always been. (Apples don’t fall far, amen?) He has a steady girl and is very attentive to us. M#2 is good. He works faithfully and likes to ride his electric bike, still loves animals, and has 2 cats. He is very kind and caring toward us. Hannah is a beauty, and at times, when she turns her head a certain way, we see YOU! She is a school teacher and loves us well. We love her beau. Our Mattie has found true love, and we are thrilled. She still considers you the smartest woman she’s ever known! M#3 is a great man. He loves life, adventure, music, and has many friends. Remember how we worried about him in school? No worries with this one! He has a soul partner, and we love her. He always shares his world with us. Your one remaining sibling is not real strong but cared for. Your many friends will like this update and remember J in PA? She is 101 yrs old! Amazing!

Our world is a mess. Every time I hear a report or see some travesty I think, “mom would croak over this!” Be glad you’re there and not here. I wanted to call you today but wrote a letter instead. With love, SusaBelle

P.S. My hair is short, and I’m going gray! You’d be pleased!