When I grabbed the over size padded envelope from the mailbox earlier today, I didn't need to look at the return address to see who it was from. I recognized the familiar handwriting, and knew right away it was from my cousin, Shauna.
Since it had been a couple months since I heard from my cousin, I was anxious to read what she and her family have been up to. Shauna's letters are always thoughtful and caring; Full of fun and affirmation, and interesting. I already knew she and her husband, Al made a trip to Boise to visit their daughter, and grand-daughters, and Shauna planned to paint a mural on the girls bedroom wall. Blessed with a double set of creative genes, Shauna is an immensely talented artist, so upon opening the envelope I happily anticipated finding a picture of the newly painted mural.
But there wasn't any picture. No, it was something else entirely. Something totally unexpected, totally endearing - ever sweet, and very lovely. A precious gift from my cousin to me, made even more special as it was first given to our grandmother from our grandfather before they were married, while Grandpa was stationed in France during World War I. The postal card with a dainty handkerchief stitched in pink, says Souvenir of France. The back side is dated France 8/23/18. Grandpa, so telling of his optimism and good cheer -even in the midst of such horrific times, and of his love for Grandma wrote this note:
Dearest Vera
Am fine. Could not be better. Everything is going fine here. Have not received mail since I left Meigs (sp) Will write first chance. With Love, Cecil. Cecil E. Cooney Pvt. Mobile Laundry Unit 311 A.E. Fr.
It is addressed to:
Miss Vera Williams
20th 21 St.
Council Bluffs, Iowa
U.S.A.
On a second , smaller gift card Grandpa had written, With the Greatest of Love, Cecil.
I read the aged note cards again and again. The very cards my grandfather sent to my grandmother so long ago. I held them to my lips and kissed them, then pressed them against my heart thinking of grandpa and grandma, and their love for one another, remembering their love for their children and grand-children, and how very dear they were . Thankful for the grand legacy they left to each of us.
And of Shauna - so generous in spirit, and how proud our grandparents would be of her for so graciously sharing this beloved family treasure with her grateful younger cousin.
Since it had been a couple months since I heard from my cousin, I was anxious to read what she and her family have been up to. Shauna's letters are always thoughtful and caring; Full of fun and affirmation, and interesting. I already knew she and her husband, Al made a trip to Boise to visit their daughter, and grand-daughters, and Shauna planned to paint a mural on the girls bedroom wall. Blessed with a double set of creative genes, Shauna is an immensely talented artist, so upon opening the envelope I happily anticipated finding a picture of the newly painted mural.
But there wasn't any picture. No, it was something else entirely. Something totally unexpected, totally endearing - ever sweet, and very lovely. A precious gift from my cousin to me, made even more special as it was first given to our grandmother from our grandfather before they were married, while Grandpa was stationed in France during World War I. The postal card with a dainty handkerchief stitched in pink, says Souvenir of France. The back side is dated France 8/23/18. Grandpa, so telling of his optimism and good cheer -even in the midst of such horrific times, and of his love for Grandma wrote this note:
Dearest Vera
Am fine. Could not be better. Everything is going fine here. Have not received mail since I left Meigs (sp) Will write first chance. With Love, Cecil. Cecil E. Cooney Pvt. Mobile Laundry Unit 311 A.E. Fr.
It is addressed to:
Miss Vera Williams
20th 21 St.
Council Bluffs, Iowa
U.S.A.
On a second , smaller gift card Grandpa had written, With the Greatest of Love, Cecil.
I read the aged note cards again and again. The very cards my grandfather sent to my grandmother so long ago. I held them to my lips and kissed them, then pressed them against my heart thinking of grandpa and grandma, and their love for one another, remembering their love for their children and grand-children, and how very dear they were . Thankful for the grand legacy they left to each of us.
And of Shauna - so generous in spirit, and how proud our grandparents would be of her for so graciously sharing this beloved family treasure with her grateful younger cousin.
What a awesome gift! jm
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