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Butch Furse
A few weeks ago after a considerable debate the Betterhhalf wrote our annual Christmas letter on the promise I would take over the letter duty in 2021. Since then I have paid little more attention to the Christmas letters and cards sent to us this season. One letter caught my attention and drew a few chuckles as well as some serious thoughts.
The letter began:
“2019 was a wonderful year filled with gatherings and parties with friends, neighbors and family. In fact it was one of the best ever. We traveled extensively and enjoyed the company of friends from around the U.S. and the world. We had a great year!!!
2020 – Not so much!! See details of our year below:
(THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)”
The writer had then left the rest of the page entirely blank except on the back of that page were a few short notes of 2020 family reports and how the virus had cancelled most activities.
In conclusion the letter wrapped up saying:
“May God bless each of you and your families and keep you safe during this blessed Christmas season and into a MUCH better 2021.”
That blank hole in the letter got us thinking. The Betterhalf had mentioned earlier that this year’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day might be with “just the two of us.” It appears the concerns of keeping families safe from the virus have put a damper on traveling, not only for us, but for the families of our sons and grandsons as well. Bah, humbug!!!
I reminded her that at least she won’t have to spend the remaining holiday season in the kitchen prepping for dinners and treats. “It might be just a nice quiet time emphasizing how blessed we really are,” we both concluded.
Then we again got to thinking. We are still blessed. We HAVE children and grandchildren. We HAVE been able to enjoy a good life with lots of love from them as well as the memories of past family Christmas celebrations where our parents and grandparents were in attendance. We HAVE enjoyed good health and all our needs HAVE been fulfilled. And each year we begin to realize more and more the real meaning of Christmas.
The Betterhalf and I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
RL Furse is publisher emeritus of the News-Register
