Dear Boston: See these people?
You might recognize them. They flew in over your borders early Monday morning; I thought I should let you know that they’re going to be with you for a while.
That one on the right is my brother. He graduated from Gutenberg several years ago, and so did his wife; that’s her on the left. He always wanted to go to grad school, but he had a few things to do in the meantime. Now, though, he’s going for a PhD in Philosophy and an MA in Classics—which should set him up perfectly to come back and teach at Gutenberg. Which is great. The only catch is, he had to go to… well, to you to do it. And you are just a little farther away from Oregon than any five-year program which my brother is attending should be.
So take a good long look at them, because I have a very important job for you. I need you to take care of these two. I want you to make sure that they are fed, clothed, educated, encouraged—make them at home, but not too at home; comfortable, but not too comfortable. (After all, we do want them to make their way back over here at some point.) Make sure that Brian does well in school and that Melanie finds a job she likes—and make sure that they both can feel the motherly, fatherly, and sisterly love emanating from this little house on the other side of the country.
Oh, and, Boston? You just received a couple of first class folks. I hope you know that.
Sincerely,
Erin
July 4th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Those are classic, beautiful smiles on both of them. I miss them already!
July 4th, 2007 at 7:07 am
Erin, Thanks for making me cry a little.
July 4th, 2007 at 8:05 am
I never realize how much I miss people until I see photos like these that capture them so perfectly. Boston is indeed blessed. Coming from one who has ventured away from family to the unknown to pursue one thing or another I can safely say your support will never be overlooked and I have little doubt that after 5 years in the big city home will be ever so tempting again.
July 4th, 2007 at 9:28 am
that was really sweet.
Maybe you’ll get to go visit them a few times.
July 5th, 2007 at 12:01 am
awesome post ern. i totally got a little misty eyed.
i think it will be hard for all of you, but hopefully hard in that good, growing sort of way.
July 6th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
I think that’s the best send-off letter I’ve ever read…
They will love Boston, I know I did. Boston will be lucky to have them.
July 6th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Thank you, all.