A quick review of the completed four: Share the list with six people born in 1951, identify 60 birds in Costa Rica, knit a 60 inch scarf (more on this later), and write six letters to Chris M. in Afghanistan.
Letter writing to Chris has been an unexpected gift for me in ways that I hadn't imagined when I created my list. It shouldn't surprise me that # 26 is finished since I felt it was important to match him letter for letter. He is such an articulate young man and hearing from him has opened up a whole new world for me. Our correspondence has kept the postal service busy delivering our letters throughout this new year since I barely get one written and my mail box will have a letter from him waiting for me. His reflections have been insightful about our position in Afghanistan and what it is like to be 22 years old and living in a confined area for a year. I also find it quite amusing that even though he has seen more over there than I can even imagine, he still addresses it to Mrs. Gooze. Seems a tad formal, but maybe that is the norm for the military.
When I began this mission I vowed nothing would change on my list, but I may make this one exception and write to him until he returns home in March. What's the big deal about writing a few more letters? Hold it just one second, if I recall, #59 says to write to 60 people and it doesn't specify to whom those letters should be addressed. Chris, I'm not finished with you yet-sharpen the pencil and bring out the stationery--a letter is on its way. As always, please stay safe and take care.
