Dear G***,

If you’ve heard me say that I’m getting slower, you’ve probably believed me. Now, you know it. I’ve approximately hit the speed of molasses running uphill in January (January here in USA not January in Brazil).

Speaking of that reminds me of this are you having a glorious spring? Our fall has been lovely, warm sunny days, leaves are not producing the beautiful display as they usually do, but they are pretty nonetheless. It’s the kind of weather that makes you want to go for long walks, watch for the last flower, the first wooly worm (they’re liars anyway!), pull off your jacket, put on your jacket, sweat in the sun, shiver in the breeze, and rejoice when you find a little, nondescript apple out in the wilds. It’s the first time you’ve seen this tree, so you’re honor bound, not wanting to appear ungrateful for what nature has shown you, and you eat it. It’s sour as wheelerkers. (I don’t know how to spell that word, but I tried. I’ll bet you don’t know how to spell it either), and, in short enjoy what you are being exposed to, because winter is coming! One thing I do enjoy watching: the flocking of the birds to come your way and all points west.

The menagerie you described sounds wonderful. It’s too bad they, the animals, liked your food so well they fought their way in through the guests to partake of it, but I’m sure it just made things more interesting. The turtle sounds terrific. Is it a usual thing there?, or did the turtle just take a liking for you and your housemates? And then, twenty-five-years old! He is probably the senior member of your group.

Don’t rob your “young brain” of its vast importance. It’s probably more astute, more accurate than tired old, warped old brains which have been around long enough to be “compromised” in the truths that at one time would have been very evident to them. Let me give you a little anecdote here.

When your grandfather and I lost our sons, one by one, to the mighty Halls of Knowledge (college), we did all right until the last one left. When Darin was gone we did all right for a few hours, and then we became so depressed with the being by ourselves, the younger generation no longer to harass, to harangue, and to bring life on another plane to the forefront, we were miserable! So, the Heavenly Father, being a God of Mercy, brought young guys from all directions to our house. They couldn’t converse (well, argue actually) as well as our three, but they were wonderful substitutes, and we were helped. Know what? We needed the fresh, young outlook that a young person could bring. You are most needed, very appreciated by us oldsters. Never forget that!

I agree with you that life is to be lived, and not avoided. In fact, it is impossible to avoid. We can’t evade it either.

But, remember, Jesus said He came to give us Life and Life more abundant. If we live to our fullest capacity, we will enjoy to the fullest the creation of God, whether it be in the USA, Brazil, France, England, India, Argentina, and anywhere else you have had occasion to wander. We know that there are some things we will not enjoy. We can’t enjoy prejudice, sickness (mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual), injustice, and all the other things we encounter which are Darkness. But if we didn’t see and be aware of Darkness, how could we be thankful for Light? Your Mind (Soul, if you will) is a part of Creation as much as the birds that migrate! It’s beautiful! Feed it!

Thank you for your map of where you live. If I came looking for you, I would know where to find you. You’d be on that delightful hill, the A-frame house, the nearby old church and you on your bike on the uphill road.

I did intend to tell you about life on the farm, but I’ve run-on so much about other things, I’ll do the “farm bit” another time. Things are pretty much the same cows, the mule, dogs, hills, rocks (and I can’t collect then all), trees being blown on the fences continually as Mother Nature prunes her forests. You can see it’s still much the same. enjoy living! Every day is a gift, and I

Thank you for writing, Grant! Your letter was a breath of fresh air! Remember what I said about the “young” input?

Love, Grandma