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Dear Reader,
It was one of those magical moments in life when I felt rescued, and oh, how I needed to be rescued.
I had just hung up the phone after talking to a friend of mine whose husband is very ill. He needs a heart transplant. Hearts are difficult to find and there is a long waiting list. (I'm glad I decided to check the organ donor box on my driver's license.) Time is not on my friend's side. Under my breath, I whispered a little prayer as the tears fell.
And that's when my doorbell rang and the postman handed me a package. Heavy brown paper covered the outside of the package and inside was a box with a drawing of two smiling, little girls and in big bold, colorful letters I read, "Dear God, Thank you for friends." When I opened the box, and began reading the letter inside, I felt at peace. I even smiled. My friend's problem wasn't solved, there was still plenty of uncertainty and worry ahead, but for today, I had been rescued.
The letter read:
Dear Suzanne,
When my husband, George, and I got engaged (June 16, 1970) his aunt in Czechoslovakia got busy and made us all the linen we would ever need. While organizing my dining room buffet and china cabinet recently, I came across these items that I never used--that must give you an idea on just how busy Aunt Kathka kept herself!
I know how you love vintage items and I thought you might enjoy these handmade linens and appreciate the workmanship. George passed away in 1986 and I didn't do much formal entertaining afterwards, so I guess items that I thought should be 'saved' for some special occasion never had their chance to shine.
I know they were made with love and it's sad that they haven't been used. The many linens she made for us that we did use have wonderful memories attached to them and perhaps you will give these some memories. That being said, if they aren't your 'cup-of-tea' please feel free to find them a home.
Thank you, Suzanne, for all your Dear Reader columns and how you share your life with all of your readers--I love seeing the photos of your family--especially when you're cooking with your grandchildren--you are giving them such great life lessons and memories.
I wish you and all those you love a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Love, Jo
I am wearing the apron on Thanksgiving, and yes, I am covering my table with the white, handmade linen tablecloth. It's time for these lovely linens to shine. See photos of the linen apron and tablecloth, and the five sets of vintage salt and pepper shakers, one set for each table, that I'll be using this Thanksgiving. (I adore the tall bird set of shakers.) Wait until you see them! Go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/apron-11-26-13.html
Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you so very much, Jo.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
* This month's Penguin Classics book is DEMIAN by Hermann Hesse. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin bookbag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November13Classics
AUTHORBUZZ: AuthorBuzz authors are on vacation this week. Instead of writing, they'll be roasting turkeys and baking pies. They will be returning next week.
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