Firsts

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Do you ever wonder why first time experiences in you life seem to always stand out in your memory? They were not always the best, but more that they were different that makes them unforgettable.

The first day of school, the first day of retirement. Your first bicycle, your first kiss. Your first pair of black Levis and your first turtle neck shirt. Your first child's birth and the first time you lost a loved one. You get the picture.

Well, on the Day of Infamy, I received our first Christmas card of the Season. And it was different. Unlike I've ever received before. And I'll remember it always.

First because it was the first. December 7th. That's the earliest I've ever received a card. And second, it was a real card, with a real stamp that a post man delivered, unlike the multitude of electronic cards I get over the Internet.

On the red envelope was our address, hand written in blue ink, with a pre-printed return address label neatly placed on the top left (that's not odd). Inside the envelope was a greeting from Santa announcing Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! from a sleigh pulled by Rudolph (That's not odd). And below the sleigh was the word "Love" hand written in black ink (That's a little odd because it was addressed in black ink, but not the bell ringer). And there was no money in it (and that is a little odd).

Here is what is odd. So odd and different that I will remember it forever. Beneath the word "Love" were two different pre-printed, self-sticking address labels; one each for the husband and wife team that sent the card!

Now that was an odd card and I just don't get it. What's with the addy stickers instead of a signature. Was it some form of being green to reuse, reclaim, or recycle sticker thus keeping them out of our landfills and reduce carbon emissions? Was it a used card that the sender received last year with the stickers attached to cover the previous sender's signature? Or was it just pure laziness on the part of the person that sent it to me?

Maybe some one out there has the answer. Maybe the sender will read this blog and leave a comment. Maybe I'll just never know. But the Card was another "First" in my life. One that I can not forget!

Thanks for the memory.
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