Okay, so FedEx just delivered a package:

Inside was a wonderful Birthday Shawl, along with a letter of explanation (which I will paraphrase and condense).

First, because I turned 60, there are three roughly 20-year spans …..

My first 20 years – there are 11 texture segments, since I was born in the 11th month, not the best youth that could have been had, but it came and went and I tried to fit in and follow the rules, in spite of the fact I wasn’t born to fit in or follow rules.   

Then there was the next 20 years — made up of 27 segments, since I was born on the 27th day, and along the way (about the time of my divorce and so many other life-changes) there comes some added color into my life.   And there are four square sections, one for each of my four children, at the upper left corner where that part of my life began.  

And then the last 20 years – there are 54 different sections here, since I was born in 1954…. and all sorts of ‘stuff’ happened, breaking the normal boundaries, adding so much color and texture and sparkle that my earlier life was lacking.

Oh yes… and the borders?   Made to look like a film strip, binding it all together like the story of my life.    

This was instigated by my friends Dez (in Louisiana) and Lisa (in Hawaii), along with several other people contributing various parts.   

And, from what I understand, along with the story behind the shawl itself, there is a story behind its travels to get here.    Seems like every step of the way the package got lost, misdirected, mutilated (requiring repairs before re-shipping).    It began what should have been its final journey before Thanksgiving.   USPS Priority mail and then two attempts with FedEx …  over a month!

But isn’t it wonderful!   Thank you Dez and Lisa!!!

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