Why hello there!
I do hope all is well with you and yours.
Fall has once again settled over our lovely Wilson favorite perch in Sharpe House, I have been keeping a watchful eye over another new school year. Just the other afternoon, as I shared a pot of tea with my dear friend Agatha the groundhog, our conversation turned to the recent passing of Miss Dolly Parton. As a fellow Southern lady with magnificent hair and an appreciation for being the center of attention, I have always felt that Miss Dolly and I had a great deal in common. But what I admired most was the kindness she showed to others throughout her life. It got me thinking that perhaps we do not always tell the people around us just how much they mean to us. And so, dear reader, I have decided to paws and reflect, follow Miss Dolly’s example, and spend a little time counting my blessings.
First among those blessings are my dear friends in Wilson’s Veterinary Nursing program, particularly Dr. Carolyn, Ms. Mary Beth, and Ms. Eileen. You may find this difficult to believe when looking at my youthful complexion and luxurious coat, but this fall I turn 19 years old! I prefer to think of myself not as elderly, but as a lady of considerable experience. Still, these golden years occasionally require a bit more attention than they once did. Recently, I had a bit of a health scare, as one does at this age. These three wonderful women somehow managed to make the indignity of medical care tolerable and helped keep me every bit as dignified as you have come to expect. Growing older is much easier when one is surrounded by people who care for you with such patience and tenderness. Ladies, please know that this old Southern belle is most grateful.
Of course, one of the greatest joys of living at Wilson College is being surrounded by its students. They are a wonderfully curious group—curious about their studies, curious about the world, and, quite understandably, curious about the distinguished lady residing in Sharpe House. Whenever our paths cross, they greet me with such warmth and friendliness, and many seem genuinely eager to make my acquaintance. I am especially touched by how deeply so many Wilson students care for animals. They approach us with gentleness, patience, and open hearts, qualities that speak very well of the people they are becoming. Whether they are studying to care for animals professionally or simply stopping to offer a kind word and a respectful chin scratch, their compassion is plain to see. It gives this old Southern lady great comfort to know that the next generation possesses such generous spirits. Purrhaps the future is in very good paws after all.
My gratitude extends well beyond those on campus. Over these past years, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness shown to me by the alumnae, alumni, and friends of Wilson College. You stop to visit me when you return to campus. You ask my dad how I am doing. You send messages, inquire about my health, and occasionally remind him that you read my letters before you read his, which, between you and me, is only sensible. A few of you even make gifts to Wilson in my honor, flattery that I embrace whole-heartedly. As I age gracefully, I have come to appreciate more than ever what a privilege it is to belong to this remarkable network of fine and respectable women and men. A lady can accumulate many things over 19 years, favorite pillows, sunny windowsills, an impressive collection of toys, and enough fur to purrfectly decorate every piece of furniture in Sharpe House, but there is no possession quite so valuable as a community that cares about you. For that, dear friends, I am truly thankful.
And so, as another autumn unfolds at Wilson and we approach a season devoted to gratitude, perhaps you too might take a moment to think about the people who make your own life a little warmer. Better yet, tell them. As for me, I will continue enjoying my days here at Sharpe House, keeping watch over my dad, sharing tea with Agatha until she disappears for her winter slumber, and appreciating every visit and chin scratch that comes my way. And should your travels bring you back to Chambersburg, please know that you are always welcome home at Wilson College. Do stop by and see me. The porch is waiting, the cushions are fluffed, and I promise to carve a little time out of my demanding schedule of sleeping and napping just for you.
Until next time, dear reader,
