Nobody was expecting a photo from an obituary on Christmas, but that's why you read the blog, you like surprises. This is Jane Callahan. I thought her red sweater was Christmas-y.
Jane lived to be 106 - in a small town just beyond the Des Moines suburbs. I do not know how old she was in this photo, but I realized that if I live to 106, I have another 33 years to fill the blog. That's another 12,045 envelopes. If my exchangers keep showing up, I only have 6,023 to do.
Obviously I was very drawn to Jane's sign and am curious if Jane made it herself. If I cut my hair, Jane and I could pass for sisters. Even her non-smile reminds me of me. My jowls aren't that jowly, but they will be unless Mr.Wilson gave me a face lift for Christmas.
Maybe it's time to work on a photo of me for my own obituary. Having seen this - I know I need to be holding up a sign. But, I don't know what to put on the sign. Jane's sentiment is pretty good. We welcome suggestions in the comment section. Return to Sender is a favorite phase of mine for a tombstone. Maybe my sign should be:
RETURNED TO SENDER
Jane's obituary mentions a happy 67-year marriage, but no children. This reminds me of so.many.calligraphers - the ones with the illustrious careers - who lived to be very, very old - and had no children. I can't picture myself lasting for another 33 years - but, I'll give it a go. At the very least, I can get those 6,023 envelopes done and my co-pilot says she'll run the exchanges if I am unable to.
Our co-pilot will be revealed on Feb 17th, during the big 15 year anniversary of the blog. Or sooner, since I tend to forget what I write. Or later, if I forget. My co-pilot has been tasked with remembering and reminding.
Merry Christmas! And thanks for another fascinating story and photo. What an inscrutable expression
ReplyDeleteInteresting. And she does remind me a little of an older version of your blog pic. My grandpa, who lives with us, celebrated his 105th birthday in November. He is still very keen and has the best sense of humor. He is a remarkable story teller and has some fascinating history.
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