Dear Aunt Nell

Dear Reader, do you remember when we had pen pals? We actually sat with pen and paper to write and learn about someone in the distance. 

I remember how excited I was to learn in second grade that I could write a letter or postcard, send it to someone I loved, and they would send one back. Maybe because of their rarity, I am still thrilled to receive a handwritten message in the mail. How about you?

My first correspondence was with my Aunt Nell. She was an RN at a veteran’s hospital in Florida. I invite you to share mundane and miraculous moments with Aunt Nell and me.  

Dear Aunt Nell, 

​Summer teases us into believing its hot, sweaty days are past for another year. And then we’re blasted with another heatwave. Does it seem odd to you to think of having four distinct seasons? When the fall rains come and winter covers us with ice, how I will long for your perennial Florida sunshine.

Everyday I read the news of how the pandemic continues to ravage our world. God’s been good to us and kept us safe thusfar. I hope you are staying healthy as well. I can’t help but be thankful you are retired from nursing. But I also wonder if you miss it. Do I remember correctly that you began your nursing career during wartime? Sometimes I think we are now in a war zone. Sorry for being so maudlin.

Isn’t this gal lovely? I don’t know what she is. She was part of a planter a sweet friend of mine gave me as a housewarming gift. It took her a little longer to start blooming, probably because it took a little longer for me to figure out how much sunshine she likes.

​Dear Aunt Nell, I think of you often and wonder what you are up to. My days ebb and flow with housewifey tasks that I’m not too keen on, time with the kids and granddaughters (which I adore), and writing. Thanks for letting me be a small part of your world. 

Love,
Alice