Dear Fran 3 Nov 2022

 Dear Fran, 

It's been nearly 18 years since you left me. As long as I had you. So much has happened since then, and I always find my way back to wishing I could share my life with you. 

I wish we could have book club and bake cookies. I would love buying you a Kindle to have you reject it. I'd be enthralled watching you try to unravel the puzzle that is my husband. I'd spend hours a week regaling you with tales of our travels and the food we eat. I can imagine you texting me silly jokes when I don't call enough. You'd be so proud of your grandkids, your great grandkids. 

Last week I found myself wandering into our world. I went many years without a library card. I hear the appalled tone in your voice as I type this, "Andrea, it's free. Why would you not visit the library?" Honestly, I don't know. But I found myself at peace as I wandered the stacks. Western's library still has a very special place in my heart, but the library near my house reminded me that there is something very kind about sunny rooms filled with books. I have yet to check anything out, but I am excited to. 

Then, a week later, I found myself in the worlds largest independent bookstore. Powell's in Portland. It's 3 stories, and a block long, and half a block deep! I only had an hour, and I found several books. Did you know J.R.R. Tolkien translated Beowulf? Jason, my husband, and I are going to share the book. I also got a nice copy of Frankenstein. I know those are likely not your favorites, but I think you'd appreciate them. You and I would need half a day in this shop. 

We travel a lot. I think you'd appreciate our adventures. I am happy, but I do wish I could share things with you. I think you'd be proud of me, my resilience, and my passions. I even listen to some music you'd like now.  

Any way, this will be a place to share with you the things I want to. I miss you. I promise I'll go to the library.