This time last year, I was in Lisbon Portugal with my family. My daughter, Joy Day is our fabulous trip planner. She had researched the traditions for New Year in Portugal. One is that they eat 12 raisins at Midnight for good luck for the 12 months of the coming year. As we were out on the streets, banks and other businesses were giving out a little packet with 12 raisins in them. Some say to throw money inside the house for prosperity and also to eat chocolate to attract riches. Having new underwear on at midnight is another tradition and the color of the underwear indicates what will happen in the coming year; blue – good luck, red – success in love, white – Peace, green – good health, yellow – financial help. Before we left and unknown to all of us, Joy purchased tie died underwear for all of us to wear on New Year’s Eve. She said that she wanted to cover all the bases.

From all of us at Burns Mailing & Printing, we wish you a Happy and prosperous New Year.

On November 16th, my daughter, Kathy Burns Stillman passed away. It was sudden and came as a great shock to me and my family. The support from my daughter Joy and my grandson, Sam helped get through the first week. My grandson Sam gave the eulogy. How he spoke so eloquently and honestly about his mother without breaking down, is still amazing to me. We have had so much kindness, concern, prayers and food provided to us that words cannot express how grateful I am.

Sam and I went to Brentwood, TN to have Thanksgiving with Joy and her family. It was good for all of us to be together. Unfortunately, my 12 year old granddaughter was sick during Thanksgiving but recovered quickly. She did share her virus with me and I have been sick for over two weeks. I came back to work on Monday and am glad to be back in the swing of things at Burns Mailing & Printing.

Thank you to all who were so kind to me and my family in this very difficult time. I am praying for some of my friends and family who have also suffered loss. I am reminded that for some, Christmas will never be the same again. My faith will see me through this rough time.