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
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