I guess one of the best things that one can say about life is that we all get to leave a little legacy. Take my grandma for instance. She taught me that thank you notes were important, that friendship could be fun and that letter writing was not a lost art form. She taught me that grandmas ALWAYS send you a card for Valentines Day, Easter, and your birthday. Typically there was a little money included. She ALWAYS sent me at least three Christmas presents: a book, a set of clothes and a piece of jewelry. I think she meant to remind me to improve my mind, dress for success and spoil yourself just a little.

Most importantly, she taught me to never forget to be generous toward your friends. Give them time. Give them parties. Give them games. Give them laughter.

When I got back from Portland today, I opened my suitcase and brought out a little red tin and showed it to Katie. She instantly recognized it as Grandma's can of jelly beans. Give them candy! I took out the little Russian doll and Katie held out her arms and said it was Grandma's favorite doll that she always got to play with whenever she visited. Give them dolls! Lots of dolls.

I have two boxes filled with dolls from my grandma. She loved beautiful dolls and found me a grateful recipient of her handiwork. I used to be afraid that my dolls would get lost or left behind or stolen or burned in a fire. As a child, I would set up elaborate plans of escape for my dolls just in case the house caught on fire. I would agonize over which dolls I would be able to grab quickly and which ones I would have to leave behind. So, I'm glad we have the little Russian doll to remind me just how important they are.