The Robin has been so delayed in her flight that I am going to send only a wee message and send her on her way rejoicing. When I look back over the five years which have elapsed since I last wrote to you, dear Friends, I can hardly believe that it has been five- but then in other ways it seems a century because I have had my first real sorrow. My blessed father left us last June and my heart has been so heavy ever since I can scarcely think of any thing else. I feel like the bulwark of life has been swept away - All the background of life seems different- so much taken when one's parents go - and it is so, so hard! Only those of you who have had the same experience can imagine the sense of bereavement and loneliness. These daddies are so precious and the tie that binds us to them is so strong. We miss the love and watchful care that never ceases thru all the years- and are never quite ready to have them leave us - but God in his goodness has sent us the wonderful peace that only He can send. It is an awful thing on my mother to have had her constant companion torn from her after forty two years. Their relation was unusually close. My two brothers in Florida and my sister in Detroit are helping all they can to comfort and soothe her aching heart.

Outside of my home life Sunday School is still uppermost. It was four years ago that I published a book called 'Programs, Plays, Songs and Stories' for workers with little children, and in that time ten thousand copies have been sold. I am on the verge of getting out a third edition in 1925. It seems to have met a long felt need with little children. If any of you teach the little child in Sunday School I will be so happy to send you a copy. I have only twenty copies left. My keen interest in children has gotten me in summer camp girl work and I am simply fascinated with it. For two summers I have been camp mother and camp director over one hundred and twenty five young girls. It is wonderful experience to be in God's out of doors with young people. Of course my own go with me. That is the reason I can do it so easily.

Last winter I was instructor in two courses at our Training School, one in 'Educational Dramatics' and the other course 'Child Psychology'. Both were most thrilling and I know I got lots more out of the courses than my teacher pupils.

I cannot close without saying a few words about my children who are fast growing into young men and women. My oldest boy Cullom, graduated last June at the Episcopal High School, Alexander, Virginia, and in the fall entered Princeton University. He is just seventeen years old and we are very proud of his record. He took his exams with many others, in fact there were twenty-five hundred applicants for Freshman Class at Princeton and my boy was one of six hundred fifty who was selected. My second son Bill, who is sixteen is still at Episcopal High School and will graduate in 1926 and my oldest daughter Harriet, who is in her fifteenth year is studying at National Cathedral School, Washington D.C., and my other two are at home. The home seems deserted with three away and only two at home, but we are looking forward to a most joyous reunion at Christmas for the holidays.

As this was to be only a short message, I will say goodbye for this time.

My thoughts are of you at this holy happy time and my prayer is that the Christmas Christ may be very real to you not only during this Christmas Season but also may go with you to cheer, to comfort, and to bless you thru all the days of the New Year.

Sincerely and loyally,

December 3rd, 1924

(written) P.S. Some one asked for our husband's occupation - Willie is a lawyer. He is judge of the Chanucery Court and is the busiest and hardest working man I know. Wish you all were here - he is more wonderful as the years roll by- I think a printed class letter will be dandy! I hope we can have it. MCW

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