Sally E. Wilkins: Family Letter Christmas 2023

Christmas 2023

Dearest family and friends – greetings!

I have been so dreadful at sending out annual letters recently – we’ve written them, but generally only mailed a few – and it looks like I never even wrote one last year? Still with the best of intentions, here I go again (and on New Year’s Day, which is late for Christmas but a good way to start the year).

Let’s begin at the end – As of the middle of December, we are empty-nesters! Isaac and Itziury and Nova (8) and Izzy (18 months) moved into their new home at long last (Isaac reminds everyone – if you want to test the strength of your marriage, build a house). They hosted Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve fireworks and we can attest that it is a beautiful home. We enjoyed so much having them here, but no one expected it to be 2 ½ years. I’m so grateful that they’re only a mile away, and that Isaac has decided to carry on the family business in partnership with our long-time employee Casey Greene. We began the transfer of the mill to them this year and are excited to know that the legacy continues.

Luis and Mariah moved into the apartment Casey and his family vacated over the summer when their house was finally finished. Both are doing well in their chosen crafts (plumber and carpenter) and continue to be super-helpful to me even if they’re not resident in the house. (Pro-tip: every family needs a plumber, a carpenter, and a mechanic. . . )

Other “kids” continue to thrive, Rachel and Steve and the boys (James, 11 and Sam, 8) in Hollis, Becky, Owen and their girls (Windsor, 10, Luna, 8, and Willow, 6) in Burlington (VT). The grands are growing up so quickly! We so enjoy having them for extended visits over the summer for “Nana Camp.” Meanwhile, down in Charleston, Aaron and Amanda welcomed the latest addition to the clan: Malcolm Thomas was born October 7^th. Nana and Papa and the Martus family got to meet him in December. It was a lovely time and I’m sure we’ll be making more frequent trips to South Carolina in the months and years ahead.

We old folks are enjoying life despite our bodies’ ongoing deterioration. Tom is still putting in long days at the mill and on the homestead, while Sally enjoys twice-weekly hikes and teaching several Bible study/classes. This year we invested in new “hybrid ebikes” (Trek Verve+2s) with the intent of being able to do trail riding so Tom can give his poor feet a break and still get out and explore. No one will be surprised to learn that Tom took to the bike like a fish to water, while Sally is still struggling to overcome terror and let the bike help the way it is supposed to! We’re tentatively planning a Nova Scotia trip for next summer, Lord willing.

Tom’s dad, Gerry, had two major surgeries last year but is determinedly keeping on and coming down to help out in the office at the mill every day. He enjoyed a visit from all his Florida offspring in October for his 85^th birthday! We have a goal of getting him back on the golf course next spring.

And so we look back on 2023 with gratitude, and forward to 2024 with anticipation. May the Lord bless us and keep us all, and we pray that your New Year will be happy, healthy and full of love.