Out of the Blue

 “You’d be surprised what small, everyday things can lift us out of despair; but nobody can do it for you.  You’re the one who has to watch for the open door.” --Donna Tartt, THE GOLDFINCH 
It pays to write to family out-of-the-blue.  Sometimes you get surprised and find a card or a letter in reply from a first cousin or an Aunt—which in fact happened to me this week:   
From my first cousin, Carol Lucero:   February 23, 1994 Michael, Hi there!  It was nice to hear from you after the earthquake.  Good to know you and your home are O.K.  I’d love to hear about your experiences in London sometime, especially about all of the ART you saw.  I enjoy most things “artistic”.  I hope to do more travelling myself in the future.  I’d love to visit Southern California (after life settles a bit). 
I’m doing alright.  I’ve moved to an “apartment” (a mother-in-law apt) in Montclair District in Oakland (so different from East Oakland).   
Work has been fine.  I thoroughly enjoy all of my free time (a luxury I’ve inherited since I finished graduate school.  About every 2-3 months I’ve been going to YOSEMITE.  It’s absolutely beautiful.  You must go with me sometime.  I stay with Ryan’s mother in Fishcamp which is right outside of the park.  Besides hiking I’ve seen both rainbows, moonbows and bears (yikes)! 
When you come back to the BAY AREA please pay me a visit and we’ll go out (to dinner, to the ballet, wherever) or give me a call (510-339-2471).  Til Later, Your Cousin, CAROL 
P.S. Ryan says you’re invited to Fishcamp/Yosemite anytime you’d like.  There’s hiking, skiing etc. Bye... 
From my Aunt Lela: 
February 28, 1994 Michael, Thank you for letting me know you’re all right and you weren’t hurt by the earthquake. Your kindness in writing to your “ole” Aunt is very much appreciated and I am blessed to have such loving, considerate nephews on both sides of my family. The cards you send are so artistic.  I really enjoy keeping them on display until I get a new one. I have the last picture you sent me (where you’re on the phone) in a very smart silver and brass from on display where everyone can see, so I can brag of how considerate and good looking you are.  Of course, we know the good looks run in the family because my son, Joe, is a heart throb too.  Did I mention Joe’s separated from his wife, Michelle?  Do help me pray for their reconciliation.  Three of my grandchildren are very unhappy over their parents’ immaturity.  Well, stay well. God Bless, Love, Aunt Lela  
Now I’m nervous about my JURY DUTY.  I am on-call between February 28th to March 13th.   They’ll never choose me.  They never do.   Suddenly, I recall that Henry Fonda classic called 12 ANGRY MEN. 
“We had three nights of happiness.  That’s more than most couples have in a lifetime.  I will remember them forever.” --Lisa See, PEONY IN LOVE