November 24th, 2009

Virginia (Ginny)

I knew the moment I saw her that I would have to summon

the courage to walk up to her and say, "I'm Amy,

and I am documenting one thing, every day that

makes me happy--and that red jacket of yours has made

me smile from ear to ear. Can I take your picture?"

She was as gracious and vibrant as you might expect

a woman wearing this coat to be. Her husband said affectionately,

"I told her when she got it that it was too shiny."

Virginia herself admitted, "I can't wear it when I

substitute teach because they told me that it

looks like that Jackson guy's--you know, Michael."

I told her to shine on. And that I loved it.

She told me where she got it--and even took it off

to show me the label.

Virginia and her husband are traveling to North Carolina

to spend Thanksgiving with family. If they provide

at least a little of the cheer they created for

me this morning, their hosts will be very lucky

indeed. Happy Thanksgiving, Ginny.