GON Reader Letter
#1
I can only be grateful because I still have a chance to pull out of it
Dear Maria,
You're a dear, kind person. I love that sign in the coffee shop you mentioned in your December 24 issue! I think I will borrow it for a
Facebook post.
I don't think I've ever written to you before, but I do so appreciate both the content and the sentiment of
your newsletters. Decency seems like such a precious and increasingly rare resource that we should
treasure it as much as possible.
I'm trying to train myself to show appreciation when I see it in others, because I'm not naturally gushy (LOL ...I guess that's a give away...as if
complimenting someone is gushing!)
But your decency is always a balm. And as odd as it seems to write to you as a stranger, you've been
writing to me regularly, so why not?
I spent most of this evening at the police station filing a report about my $3,000 in rent checks that were stolen from the mailbox in front of the post office, and of course cashed by someone...and which I could ill afford. It turns out there's some kind of professional ring of "mail thieves" in certain neighborhoods in
NYC.
I heard people complaining, but I really thought they were nuts and imagining things! How could mail be stolen from mailboxes? Goes to show!
But I couldn't help thinking what horrible things people have had to go into that station to report, and I felt lucky for the moment.
It's been a rough few years and yet I look around at the unthinkable suffering across the world and I can only be grateful because I still have a chance to pull out of it.
I was lamenting to a friend how much precious time I lost this week and what utter havoc I was in, because I've become so extremely disorganized. I always was a bit "random" but it's quite out of control now.
I'm going to pull up your old newsletters and make a plan. Your gentle nudges are about what I can handle to take on this overwhelming job. I'm too embarrassed to have friends even try to help. So wish me luck!"
--
Judy
Response from Maria: Judy, I so appreciate you sharing your note. Some days can definitely be challenging, like being the victim of a mail theft ring.
Goodness! I hope that has been straightened out for you.
Regarding the disorganization that you mentioned, it's OK. You're not alone and obviously, you've just had an
overwhelming experience. Take a deep breath and just do a tiny bit each day. Even 10 minutes daily will make a difference.
And remember...a true friend will not judge you for
needing help, but will rather appreciate the fact that you entrusted your request of help to them. Even having someone over for coffee to talk to you while you declutter may be a huge help to you.
Hugs...and just keep moving forward!
GON Reader Letter #2
It's my birthday and I enjoy it
Hi Maria,
Every year I look forward to my birthday. It's in March. My
family isn't big on asking me way ahead of time what I'd like for my birthday dinner. I have to let them know.
There isn't anyone in my immediate family who is as organized as I am. I also
remember dates and numbers much better than my family. They depend on it.
I try to take the day off from looking for full time employment. My family knows I don't do dishes, make a meal, or
any other home executive chore that is required to make a house run efficiently.
I don't really go any where. We don't have a car and I am blind without a guide dog for many
reasons.
All of this seems rather negative, but it really isn't. It's my birthday and I enjoy it.
In 2023,
I'll be 74 and I'm enjoying each and every day the Lord lets me continue on this planet. This is not my final home. I'm just an ambassador here on planet earth.
Thanks for letting me share.
-- Margaret Buzzard, Laurel, MD
Response from Maria: Margaret, I
enjoyed reading your letter. It didn't sound negative at all; in fact, I think you're a pretty amazing human being. I especially enjoyed your final paragraph...about being an ambassador here on planet earth. Happy early birthday!
GON Reader Letter #3
Displaying my grandmother's collection of hankies
In response to your December 8 issue, I have several
framed pictures of my grandmother where I used some of her collection of hankies (some she embroidered) as the background mat in the frame.
-- Vinita Shaw in El Paso
TX
Response from Maria: Vinita, Fabulous idea! Thank you for sharing!
