Beachcombing – Anita

Dearest Anita:

Today, March 20, is a very special day for us. It marks four years since you passed away unexpectedly and I thought it would be appropriate to update you on Earthly matters.

Perhaps the biggest news was the birth of our third grandchild, Sky Violet, who is approaching three-and-a-half years old. You would have loved her as much as we all do. She’ll be temporarily moving into our home during the upcoming summer months; we look forward to the joy of having her in our lives each day.

Granddaughter Lyla is now 14 and becoming a young woman! She’s grown very tall, is very good at volleyball and possibly will carry that skill into her college years. Younger brother Owen turns 12 next month; you would be blown away by his acumen for playing musical instruments by ear – without any formal training. That electronic keyboard that we gifted to him a few years ago has brought the beautiful sound of music to their Rancho Mission Viejo home.

Overall, it has been a blessing to have the three children that we raised together during our 53 years. It is comforting to know that Jeff, Janet and Mindy have the skills to be contributing members of society, sustaining themselves long after we both have gone.

Remember how you used to say “Jay, you are so smart” when we first married? I beg to differ. You demonstrated more smarts than I did by being a great mother to our children with your love, homemaker skills, handicrafts, and financial knowledge. Pooling our resources in 1974 we moved into a home that has grown in value to more than 35 times its original cost.

Two years ago we replaced the roof and did some upgrades to the kitchen. Time will tell if the kids keep our home or use it as a stepping stone for their future needs.

That newspaper that you cautioned against buying turned 25 years old last July. Granted, it has not become the “money tree” that was prevalent in prior decades. But what it has developed into is a big-time way of “giving back to the community” at great personal expense by providing free, local news coverage.

I’ve enjoyed being a publisher and mentor to our talented team of journalists. Knowing that someday this too will end, I’m working to transition the paper to a new, younger team.

Last year I closed our Park Estates office of more than 20 years. Pooled office space has seen many people – including the 15 or so who contribute to our paper – working from home.

You just can’t beat the calm environment of our backyard and pool, used by the kids, dogs, ducks, squirrels and the various other God’s creatures with whom we share our day.

You just missed the “octogenarian years” of being 80 or more. Some refer to it as the “golden years,” but there are many of us who would gladly give up the gold to be young again. Most members of our walking group, which became a first Friday get together each month, have lost their spouses. Fewer Christmas cards received each year demonstrate the end of an era.

That’s about it. Just wanted to let you know that you are missed each and every day by your family and friends.

Love you always.

publisher@beachcomber.news