Dec. 26, 2011
Dearest Nan -
Robert and I cannot thank you enough for the incredibly generous and thoughtful Christmas gift this year. Leave it to our adorable Nan to come up with the most remarkably perfect and extraordinary gift! As you know, Robert begins in his new position at Globomax Capital next month and nothing could make his first day more special or perfect than arriving in a vintage 1954 Bell 47G helicopter! It’s absolutely thrilling and you are the best sister-in-law in the world.
Love,
Gingie
p.s. He just left for his first piloting lesson! So excited!
***
Jan. 23, 2012
Our lovely Nan -
Robert is so enjoying your thoughtful gift. The helicopter lessons are slow-going, but they say it took the Wright Brothers years to get their little plane off the ground. Ha! Speaking of flying, and sorry to be a bother, but would you happen to have a phone number or address for the company or person from whom you purchased the helicopter? Robert had a bit of a run-in with a tree canopy yesterday afternoon and must replace the tail rotor assembly. (He’s fine.)
Xoxo,
Gingie
***
Feb. 18, 2012
Dear Nan -
I’m afraid I have some bad news. Robert flew the helicopter into a pack of geese on the way home from work yesterday. Don’t worry. He is okay! The good news is it happened over the golf course at the club and he was able to land safely on the green on number 15. The bad news is blood and feathers were everywhere. It was awful. And the club is assessing us $22,000 for green repair and maintenance. Replacing the tail rotor assembly, now the club fee, your gift is turning into quite the expensive hobby! But we love it.
Talk soon,
Gingie
***
March 4, 2012
Darling Nan -
We had quite the scare over the weekend. March certainly roared in like a lion! Robert has been steadily improving as a pilot. But when 65mph wind gusts blow in out of the blue even the most experienced pilots have a tough time controlling the landing. Fortunately, insurance will cover the damage to Ted Hamilton’s BMW. Poor Robert was so embarrassed. Imagine inviting your boss for a ride in your helicopter and then landing on his car! Oh well, I’m sure one day we’ll all have a laugh about it.
Love,
Gingie
***
April 15, 2012
Nan -
I had just put my book down and turned to walk into the kitchen when the sound began. It started out low but quickly grew into a thunderous shuddering and grinding sound, like metal scraping metal. Naturally, I ran to the window in time to see Robert in the Bell, gyrating wildly, like those little twirly brown leafs you see spin down from the trees in the fall. The sound was so awful. I was frozen with fear. I couldn’t decide whether to cover my ears or my eyes. So I did nothing.
The descent happened much quicker than I expected. They dropped fast, like a stone. For a brief instant I saw him, Nan. I saw him in the Bell. It must have been right above the ground, that instant before impact. I was so relieved. And then the fireball came.
Nothing feels real.
I would love to see you, but I’m just not up for seeing people yet.
Gingie
p.s. You mustn’t blame yourself. It really was a lovely gift.
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