Nice trip to Litchfield. Came down yesterday afternoon, stopping at Bradley to pick up my brother, whose plane just made it in before the storm hit. Glad I wasn't the one up there.
Then picked up my sister at mom's house and off to the town library for a short ceremony as part of naming a room after her. She was involved with the library for many many years, from ordinary volunteer to board president. It was wet out, and she does much better in the morning than late afternoon, so we will take her up for a short visit next time I'm in town.
Then back home to celebrate my sister's 75th birthday. Lina had made a proper cake, champagne and lively conversation flowed. Good vibes.
And then a moment to see if my judgment was good, or not.
I had a birthday present for her, but it needed the proper presentation. And the presentation was to the effect that my sister more than any of us cared about family history, and keeping things (photos, jewelry, whatever) from the past. And that I thought she should have something from me.
She said she had the Wheaties box. Well, then she should have a second thing.
Then I gave her the card, that had to be read first, and it said -- "This was hard-earned. I hope you will like this memento of your younger brother. Happy 75th."
And then she unwrapped the present, my finisher's medal from Boston on Monday.
The reaction was all that I had hoped for. Surprised, thrilled, delighted. Was it OK if she could put it on? Gave me several big hugs. And I think I was enjoying the moment as much as she was.
You never know in life. People can be so different. Reactions can be positive or negative. You just never know. So when things work out even better than you hope.... :-)