When you read this column, we will be in the midst of the hot and humid summer here in New England—at least I hope so! Not so much for the hot and humid, but rather the fact that summer is here (?). All in all, quite honestly, it was far from a difficult winter here in the western part of Massachusetts; not much snow at all, but cold. So we made it through and it is my hope that next winter will be the same!

No news from my esteemed “classmates” from 1938. My hope and prayers are that you are all as well as can be expected and desired and, if prayers made it so, it would be ever-thus!

I often think of the green mountains of New Hampshire and the many memories I’ve shared with Richard and, of course, with all of you, who made me feel so welcome. You know, I’ve never said it before, but it wasn’t easy being the new kid on the block. I did not know what to expect, what to say (or what to wear!) on my first visits to the Ivy League. However, that period was short lived—I soon realized just how wonderful the class of ’38 is. I learned so much from talking with all of you, not just about Dartmouth, but about places I’ve never been that you have visited—so, thank you again for the truly wonderful education (and the Dartmouth experience) you provided to me in a very special way.

If you are able to write, I really would love to hear from you. Know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers and my life would have been so different had I not had the pleasure of being with you, learning from you and sharing the love of Dartmouth that you all have in your bodies and your spirits.

—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road O139, Wilbraham, MA 01095