Dear friends,
What a wonderful year 1968 has been for the McClanahan clan.
In February, Mae and I made a small contribution to Las Vegas — money well spent, because we had a great time. From then until June, our efforts were focused on preparing for Kathy’s (16) installation as Honored Queen of Job’s Daughters. You can imagine our surprise when, at the election, Pam (13) was elected Marshall as she climbed through the chairs. Kathy has made a lovely Queen, and we are all very proud of her. She remains the steady Chapter Sweetheart.
In June, we were again on the Ball State College campus for the boys’ Conclave. Mothers and daughters alike will shed big tears when her term ends — it has been such fun.
David (10) is growing like a weed and shares his father’s handsome appearance. If he ever stops growing, we hope he will be another “Mac” in many ways.
The “neglected” middle child, Tammy, is already 5’3″ and stands five to six inches taller than her sister. She most resembles Martha — not only in appearance. She is completing eighth grade and is currently her finest student.
August flew all the Macs to Houston, Texas, for ten lovely days with our dear friends Phyllis and Irv Frey and their three beautiful children. We all regretted not being able to stay a month — it was so nice.
In September, Kathy returned to Lawrence Central High School for her junior year. That awful word “college” is getting far too close for such doting parents.
Mac has had a fine year — healthy, active, and successful. What more can one ask of a good father? I am holding tightly to 1968, as 1969 marks that dreaded 40th year for me. Still, except for a silly old ulcer, I couldn’t hope to enter it in better condition.
We are happy to report that Mac’s parents, as well as mine, are all very well. We are the proud aunt and uncle of Russ and Evie McClanahan’s lovely daughter, Kelly (3 years, 8 months). My sister Karen and her husband Frank Cisternino are also doing well — though no babies yet, darn.
We hope 1969 will bring happy, hopeful faces from ages six to eighteen, new journeys, and hearts full of gratitude for the rich blessings bestowed upon us year after year.
We sincerely hope your holidays and New Year are as wonderful and happy as can be.
With love as ever,
Ruth, Mae, Kathy, Pam, and David