Page 465 - chs-1996
P. 465
J1aura ~ollin_s
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Dear laura, Dear Laura,
It's hard to believe 18 You've always been like
years have passed since the sister to me. Growing up with you
mean old nurse wouldn't let your was certainly unforgettable. I've
daddy hold his baby girl (until he watched you grow from a tiny baby
appealed to the lady doctor who who slept all the time and smelled
delivered you, and she gave the funny to a mature--most of the time,
nurse "what-for"). anyway--woman who never seems
That tiny, helpless baby to sleep at all but has much better
he got to hold is now a lady personal hygiene.
herself, with the potential to I'll always remember our
become whatever she sets her fights over who got to ride in the
mind to be. We're glad to have front seat, our battles over what TV
been a part of that process, program to watch, taking turns
enormously proud of all that you making Mom or Dad late to work by
have done and, beyond that, of forgetting an important book, glove,
the person you are. We've tried folder, or uniform, and the eventful
to support and guide you (often driving lessons (the next time I say,
to your annoyance--but what are "Brake•, try the other pedal).
parents for'?); hey, we yelled I've always admired your
because we care. If we have ambition, creativity, sharp wit, and
given you anything, we also exuberant personality, and I know
know (though it's a secret) ; that those traits will carry you a long
we received more than we gave. way. I'm proud to be able to claim
We have some hope that you, you as my sister. I hope you will
too, may be blessed with a son look back at your years in high
or daughter who makes your life school with fond memories, and that
as interesting (and you will be able to maintain the
exasperating?) as you've made friendships you formed there. An
ours. Not to worry--we'll be exciting and eventful time in your
happy to give you advice then, life has ended, and an equally
too. important one is about to begin.
Thank you for the Com ing home will be
friends you have given us, both different for me now. I won't be able
among your peers and their to count on you being there. Still, I
parents; and as you look at this know that whenever I come back,
book 20 or 30 years from now, I'll be able to walk by your bedroom
may you still count many of the and think, "I wonder what color the
people you see here among carpet would be if Laura ever picked
your friends. "Sail on, silver girl . up her room."
. . (but if you need a friend) . . . L.oveNways,
Love, Justin
Mom and Dad
