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June 21
Dear Scott,
I had a really good talk with Mom today! She and Derek had just gotten home from a breakfast date, and she looked dazzling. She wasn’t dressed fancy or anything, and her only jewelry is her wedding ring, but she was stunning. I think — no, I know — that the beauty comes from being loved by her new husband so much.
I’m so glad they found each other. I didn’t think Mom would ever get remarried, and maybe it would have been harder when I was younger if she had. I can see myself getting jealous or feeling threatened, but Derek’s a kind and godly man, and he has a great sense of humor. He’s perfect for Mom. She’s laughed more since she met him than I think she has in the past fifteen years!
And that’s a really cute story too. Did I ever tell it to you? He moved to Orchard Grove a couple years ago, but he goes to the different church on the other side of town, mostly because he’s a welder and wakes up crazy early during the week, so Sundays he likes to sleep in and go to the afternoon service at Valley Tabernacle. Last summer, the two churches did a joint VBS program, which makes it a little hard to organize since both congregations are involved. So Derek signed up to help with recreation, and Mom always does snacks for everyone, and for some reason they were both expecting to use the same part of the fellowship hall downstairs, him for games and her for feeding the kids. I guess the first day they met they nearly got into a fight over it until he apologized and then was extra nice trying to make it up to her. It hasn’t even been quite a year since their first date, but they’re perfect for each other.
I’m so glad my mom’s found someone that makes her happy. And I’m glad she’s comfortable with the two of us talking as much as we do. Sometimes she worries that I’m not getting enough sleep, but she says she’s thankful for the times you’ve called her just so she feels like you’re not a stranger. Speaking of phone calls, I miss talking to you! I know you’re really busy over there, and I pray for you and the interns every time I think of you (which is quite a bit). I hope those Bible verses I copied down are encouraging to you when you feel tired or homesick.
Don’t forget that you have a friend out here in Orchard Grove praying for your safe return.
Love,
Susannah