REFLECTIONS ON LIFE -

Today is my birthday and I have been thinking about what a wonderful life it has been and I hope it will continue to be. I was born January 6, 1926 (you do the math) in Washington, D.C. My parents were kind and loving and always had time for my brother and me. My mother was a wonderful lady. She taught her children manners, that laughing was important and she read to us each day, instilling in us the love of books. It was her contention that the whole world could be yours thru reading. My father taught us to be responsible, a work ethic that meant that you worked every day. He taught us to fish and play ball and to love animals, and to me he was a very special person. All in all, a wonderful childhood.

And then came World War II. The end of childhood as many of us knew it. Work at the ration board on Saturdays and letters to loved ones. Some came home and some didn't. We were always grateful for their sacrifice and their willingness to keep up safe.

Then came marriage to a wonderful young man that I had met my senior year of high school. The marriage produced two beautiful daughters and lasted 59 years until the death of my husband. The only picture for this blog is a picture of a picture. This is our wedding photo taken when Bob was home on leave - everyone was in the service.Oh how young we were!

When I was in the throes of despair after his death my dear friend Carole came to me and said that I had to start hooking again. I had stopped hooking in order to take care of Bob . This was the best advice anyone could have given me. I am so grateful that she introduced me to a group of hookers that really cared, not only about hooking, but about each other.

And so my second oddesy into the hooking world began. I never dreamed when I started to hook in 1970 that it would become such a large part of my life. I can honestly say that it has saved my sanity on several occasions. In addition, it has allowed me to meet and know so many talented people, and to make many friends.

As I look forward to this new year I have resolved to continue to promote hooking and to help as many hookers as I can. Also, I have resolved to be more active in the community outreach programs, one for the food bank, one for the women's and children shelter and for the animal shelter. All of these programs are thru hooking groups.

I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you in the new year. May your 2010 be a productive and happy experience.

Doris