Dear Shana,
You don’t know me, but your brother Harry gave me your address. He said it might be okay if I wrote to you.
My name is Theodore Wexler. All my friends call me Ted. I hope you will, also. I am a divorced man of many years. You can take that two ways, although I have to admit I feel much younger than what the calendar tells me.
If you are wondering why I happen to be writing to you, mainly it’s because I saw a picture of you at your brother’s house. Right away, I liked you. But, of course, looks aren’t everything. So I thought we might get a little more acquainted this way. You may decide to visit your brother here in Sunny Vistas sometime, and in that way we could meet.
Ask me anything you want to know. Do I drink? Not much. A little schnapps once in a while. A glass of wine to be sociable. That’s all. Do I gamble? If you call penny poker gambling, then I am guilty. Also, I’m gambling right now that you will answer this letter.
What about you? I don’t want to ask too much at this point, but I would like to hear from you. Anything you care to tell me would be appreciated. For instance, do you like dancing?
Respectfully,
Ted Wexler
Dear Ted,
It was a surprise getting your letter, I must say. Especially since my absent minded brother told me nothing about this. I can’t promise that I will visit Sunny Vistas any time soon because my family keeps me so busy here. In fact, I have never been to Sunny Vistas. Not that I don’t qualify to be one of the residents. But there is no harm in a friendly correspondence.
Yes, I like to dance. Mostly line-dancing at our Community Center here in Derryville. I love music, and dancing is such good exercise, too.
By coincidence, I too, am divorced. There were no regrets on either side. Even so, pain cannot be escaped at such a time.
I have many hobbies. I belong to organizations and get together with nice friends. Also, my family includes me in all their activities.
When the weather is good I like to walk. I enjoy baking and do some needlework.
Please send me a picture of yourself.
Sincerely,
Shana Winetraub
Dear Shana,
You sound like a very interesting person. Someone I would like to get to know better. Although this place is not perfect there is a lot to recommend it. I, personally, feel it is beneficial health-wise, and in other ways, as well.
I keep busy too, even though, when you get down to it, I’m really a shy person.
Enclosed is a picture of me at one of the pools. I suppose I should have taken my sunglasses off, but it will give you an idea of what I look like.
Your friend,
Ted
Dear Ted
Thank you for the picture. It looks like you are really enjoying yourself, surrounded by all those attractive ladies at the pool. I swim at our Community Center pool, but that’s not the same as being out in the sunshine.
My friends tell me they don’t know how I keep my figure. Maybe it’s genes or because I go to an exercise class three times a week. That is, when the snow isn’t piled up too high.
I’m thinking some day I may go yet to Sunny Vistas for a visit. Please excuse this short letter. A friend is picking me up and I want to mail this before I leave.
Best wishes,
Shana
Dear Shana,
Your letter was very encouraging. Maybe I have awakened in you some interest in this lovely retirement village and we might meet after all.
I have to tell you that even though I seem to be in the company of many females, finding someone who is just right for a person is not easy. Am I looking for Miss Impossible, a woman who doesn’t exist except in my imagination? I hope not. It isn’t that I’m a faultfinder. It’s a feeling I have, that I’ll know when I meet her that she’s the one for me.
I suppose I shouldn’t be telling you all this, because I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable about our meeting. To be hones, just looking forward to seeing you in person is enough for me right now.
Warm wishes,
Ted
Dear Ted
Thank you for the lovely gift. You are a man of fine taste, I can tell that. And what a surprise! The fact that a busy person such as yourself takes the time to be so thoughtful means a lot.
Now that Harry told you my birthday, it’s only fair I should know yours.
Yesterday, being Sunday, the children were here for dinner. They love my cooking, but between you and me, when all nine of them come over at once (grandchildren included) it’s a little much. Not that I’m complaining. I love them dearly. And yet… there are times… I could be watching TV or knitting and for no reason, a loneliness comes over me, a longing for a dear companion. I though I would outgrow these feelings. But no. Whenever I’m alone, it’s right there, sitting beside me.
How is the weather there in March?
Kindest thoughts,
Shana
Dear Shana,
A person shouldn’t rush into things. That’s my philosophy. I know that at every turn in life, one must take a chance. But I wouldn’t want you to be disappointed.
I’m not so handsome without my sunglasses, you know. My complexion, for instance. I had bad acne as a teenage, which a suntan helps a little. And although, I too, love to dance, I’m not the best.
These are things you should know before making a big effort to leave your nice home in New Hampshire. Maybe you should wait a month or two, so you don’t have to travel in the middle of a snowstorm.
I should also tell you that my place is somewhat small. Not fancy. I know I’m being selfish right now, but I find myself wanting more and more to meet you.
Yours,
Ted
Dear Ted,
I’ve got my tickets. I’ll be arriving March 15, rain or snow.
Love,
Shana
Florence Liberfarb writes poetry, short stories and plays. You may freely republish this story for non-commercial use provided you follow the Publisher Guidelines and provide a hyperlink (electronic media) to the Wordly Web Site. You may not alter the copyright notice or edit the content of this story. Please notify the author of your intent to republish. Commercial use of this story requires written permission and payment of a royalty.
Pen Pals by Florence Liberfarb
Copyright © 2005-2007 All Rights reserved
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Poems, Stories, and Plays byFlorence Liberfarb
