1982

'Tis the twelfth of December, in '82 And my list is long, of things to do,
We've already enjoyed hearing from some; And eagerly wait for each mail to come.
So the first on my list to get done next, is the writing and mailing of this little text.

This year has been fun from start to end; it began with Vince really on the mend.
In February, we flew to Tucson, for his 'silver' dental class reunion.
Attended sessions, sat in the sun, remembered classes, faculty, fun;
Renewing friendships of days of yore, and mourning those who are with us no more.

In March, to New Orleans we flew, where Vince read a paper of facts that he knew
Concerning bridges and stresses of mastication, from his article deemed worthy of publication.
The French Quarter, Bourbon Street - sea food dinners, all really neat!

No trips in May, but two graduations, shared with a few of my relations.
Arik from high school his diploma received, with 300 classmates all much relieved.
Mark, from the U. his Master's complete, anxious now to sing for his 'bread and meat.'

I think that in June I just stayed at home. For eight weeks of theater, Mark left for Macomb.
And for his annual fishing excursion, Vince joined Spence on a Canada diversion.

Let me tell you about a jam-packed July. You won't believe it and neither do I.
Vince got home on the third, you know; and off to the Des Moines Airport we go
To meet Peggy, you remember her? She lived with us while attending Luther.
She's attending a Sem. in Ft. Worth; what visiting, giggling, reminisicing and mirth.

She, Vince, I, Dawn, and Jene drove down to Macomb on a Thursday
To see West Side Story, and "Tony" by Mark - such singing and acting, the trip was a lark.
Peg left for Texas, the week too fast ended, while we headed north for a vacation splendid.
Just sis Sharon, her family, Vince and me - a cabin, the lake shore, phone-and-schedule free.

But back to the rat race the following week: again to Macomb, the 'rising star' to seek.
Appearing this time in a supporting role; Once Upon a Mattress the name of the show.
Then to Decorah, the annual Nordic Fest; we stayed with Wangsnesses, accomdations the best.

Dawn got her Master's at U of NI; we surprised her and went - oh me, and oh my!
One more day of July yet to go - back to Macomb to see one more show.
Oklahoma! - it's "Curly" Mark was this time; his acting was good, his singing sublime.
We swam in the pool, stayed over night; met Amy, Mark's friend (I think she's Miss Right).

August has come and things quiet a mite - We took Dawn to C.R. for her Japanese flight.
She's teaching there on an army base - exciting happenings she's had to face.
Met her Mr. Right, married him too; such mysterious moves God only knew.
They'll be coming back to live in D.C., after blessing their civil vows in a church ceremony.

Amy was here to share our Thanksgiving; after Christmas with her, Mark will be living
In Chicago, that marvelous big city, where he hopes to be singing some little ditty.
Amy's moving there, too; she graduates now. A wedding there'll be. Together somehow
They'll interview, audition, and struggle along - she writing an ad, he singing a song.

Still home in the nest is Arik who cooks - he's working full time, saving money for books,
Tuition, room and board, college next fall (too bad he's not good at some kind of ball).

Jené is a junior, studies real hard, in order that her 3 pt. will not be marred.
A special ed. degree she hopes to pursue, to help others who have special needs, too.

We were up home in August, the folks 55th; and back there in September for Dad's 80th.
They'll be coming this way for Christmas this year. We'll all be at Pam's for the Day of good cheer.

Vince's mother still lives, though a year ago now, the dr. had almost given up, but somehow,
She survived the pneumonia, the new broken hip; celebrated her 90th with a smile on her lip.
We visit her often to talk, and of course, with Vince it is likely to be in Old Norse.

Before I stop, just a word not in jest: How about them Hawks? Aren't they the best?
So Christmas is coming with all of its joys, the glittering lights, the jubilant noise.
May God give you His peace, only this season can bring, As we worship togetherHIS SON AND OUR KING!

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S A N D H A P P Y N E W Y E A R !