You're on Vacation

Dear Em,
I know you're gone, but I had to tell you this somehow before I forgot about it. We dropped the piano off in Westside yesterday (a task that was very hard and very nearly fatal - to us and to the piano), and we actually knew the couple who is (are?) fixing it. This happens to John all the time, because he knows and remembers everyone, but it never happens to me. I think it's because I'm too self-centered and tend to ignore other people; John (because he's my husband and wants me to feel good) says it's because I don't get wrapped up in gossip/talking about/prying into other people's lives. They went to our church very briefly about 6 years ago, and their stepdaughter is Rebecca Luetje, who was one of my best friends in first or second grade. Somehow, I think she's "their" stepdaughter, like maybe it's his stepdaughter from a previous marriage? Anyway, Cat was telling me all about how she knew you, and how wonderful you are, and how she wants to take you on a mission trip, and how much we look alike and "seem to have the same personality." Then she said that she never would have recognized me from when she went to Grace (our church), because my whole "countenance" was different. I think in a good way (Mike and I were getting divorced at the time; I'm assuming that I looked and acted like a complete mess). Anyway, I always feel like it's a huge compliment when people say I remind them of you. It made me feel proud of you and proud to be your sister. Thanks for being so lovable; it helps those of us who are close to you to get to know and like each other even though we may not be all that likable ourselves.
P.S. If you bring me any hermit crabs from the Dominican Republic, I'm going to call the customs authorities and report you, then flush them down the toilet.

Love,
Al